More has always been too much for me . . .
more
boggles my mind
and jangles my nerves.
More causes me to be disorganized
and unfocused.
I loved less
when I was poor,
but could still afford a place to live . . .
two cups in the cupboard,
two plates,
two bowls,
knives, forks, and spoons . . .
two coffee cups and drinking glasses.
Jelly jars for flower vases,
and a ladder up to the sleeping loft.
Curtains made from scraps of material . . .
each window different . . .
my one luxury
was an antique treadle sewing machine.
Living like that,
though sparse
was wonderful.
I loved the simplicity of it
and think back on that time
sometimes
with longing.
There were inconveniences,
of course . . .
no electricity,
cold water in the sink,
and a wood stove in the winter,
but I knew where everything was.
Now,
in this day of plenty,
I have too much.
After living so close to the bone
for so long,
I tend to save things,
thinking I might need them
at some point in the future.
they get piled in cupboards,
drawers,
or in the attic
until ‘that time’ comes.
I lose track of them
and can’t find them
when a perceived need arises.
I still have less than many people,
but I consciously choose this
and am not a very good consumer of products.
Who needs a popcorn popper
when you have a pot?
Who needs Alexis
when I can look out the window
to see what the weather is like today?
Who needs 300 pairs of shoes
or 75 scarves?
I’ll take my chances on less
any day . . .
go outside and listen to the birds
instead of watching the news,
ad nauseum
on TV.
I’ll use my dish towels
until their stained and frayed.
I’ll feed the animals outside
with what I cannot finish myself
and be grateful for ‘small’ things,
for that is where the riches lie. ♥
I have never donated any articles of clothing to a secondhand store. I wear them to extinction then use them for grease rags. Better than store bought shop towels, I think, dear Sparrow.
I do too,
dear Joseph . . .
as a matter of fact,
I buy most of my clothes at thrift stores
and always cut up old clothes for rags as well.
I think they are better than store bought too. 🙂
Funny as I get older I do feel like less is actually more. I don’t have that impulse to go out and just buy “stuff’ any more. I like to keep things simple.
Any time when approaching and possibly being in stillness for a moment, no mind form, nothing moving, nothing is missing in that very moment when being fully present in stillness. Richness in stillness, vast space, peace, heart open and connected. Thank you for this question.
Going for walks with my husband, holding hands, occasionally talking or pointing out something we notice along the way or just walking along feeling the air, smelling the scents, listening to birds, seeing the plants growing in the neighbors’ yards, is so much more than being inside watching TV while also looking at something on my phone or laptop.
Really, any time spent with people and not allowing technology to intrude on my attention, less is more.
6 years after retirement…I’ve heard so many people say they are busier in retirement than they ever were when they worked. My first 2 years of retirement were COVID. So there was that. I still worked from home, part time. But we had moved to a new community so I had no friends here. Once the new normal settled in and I began getting out, I wanted to do lots of things and meet lots of new people. Now, after 6 years, I’m happier with less on my calendar, less in my closet, fewer commitments, fewer obligations, but still discovering new things to do with my time. Appreciation for what is and loving just that.
My life has had many ups and downs. Expansions and contractions. I am learning to not be too concerned about my current state, as it is always in motion. Moving towards or away from different situations. This ebb and flow, is found everywhere I look.
Certainly, as fear and hate and judgment are identified and reduced, I have more room to experience contentment, love, and empathy.
Running comes to mind. The simple act of propelling my body forward, sound of wind in my ears, the sensation of breath, of movement, the aches and pains that come and go, the light on the lake, the rocks on the trail. An acute sense of heartbeat, of metabolism, of tendons and bones. For such a simple act, running can really absorb a person.
Last night, my husband and I sat outside after dinner. The temperature was warm but nice and no humidity, which is rare for the south. It was just starting to get dark, and I noticed some fireflies in our yard and the one next door. I absolutely love fireflies. When I was growing up, I remember how plentiful they were when we went to visit family in Tennessee. Where we lived in Charleston, I would only see them occasionally, so it was a real treat to me when we were on vacation. I was so amazed watching them. These little specks of light turning on and off, moving around in wonderment. I know now that they do it to communicate and also to attract a mate. And it fascinates me even more now as I am a light-focused teacher. They use their light to bring love but also to deter harm (dark). We can use our own inner light the same way ✨
Answering the question, sitting outside watching the fireflies offered so much more than sitting inside and watching TV. Fresh air. Awe. The night sky settling in 🌃
I miss them, never saw one in FL, but grew up with them in PA – and we always called them ‘Lightning Bugs”, not fireflies, must be a Northern thing, LOL.
My sister, in North Carolina, reported a few in her back yard, as well.
As kids in Illinois, we would have so much fun with them. Definitely at the expense of the poor little bugs. 😬
But yes, they were so fascinating.
Such a beautiful reflection,
dear SunnyPatti . . .
I too,
have an affinity for fireflies,
and glory in their return every June.
Sitting outside
and being a part of the beauty they provide
is so much more heart-ful
than inside,
watching television.
I’m sitting out there with you. ♥
Visiting my granny growing up. She lived in the house she grew up in, 3 bedrooms with multiple beds in one of them. It was small but plenty for her. I never realized how run down the chairs were or that it had window units for air conditioning in the heat of Florida.
Going there was the best part of my child hood, family popping in, trips to the beach, nights playing cards or just listening to laughter and old stories. Staying up to was Johnny Carson was the best!
There was no fancy resort, or rentals with pools-there were garden tomatoes and fish fries on paper plates and late night runs for a sundae from McDonald’s drive thru.
There was less but there was so much more laughter and love.
Your story reminds me of trips to my aunt’s house. Same thing — house crammed with beds, simple, not much to do but the basics of enjoying each other’s company and walking to various destinations in the small town. I always loved it!
Deann, there’s nothing greater than family. Stories of having fun with grandparents are commonplace among children and my friends during their childhoods. I had very few of those memories, because my grandparents lived in Vietnam while I was in the US from a very young age.
Less (no) alcohol equates to more life, for me. Yesterday I startled a mallard and her three ducklings swimming in the big ditch that diverts off the Alamosa River here. The earth keeps life-ing! 🦆
Peace, Love & Light
As I responded to Charlie,
dear Joseph,
getting rid of what we don’t need
makes room for what we do.
You’ve mentioned before,
that your life is so much richer now,
more dimensional . . .
what a gift,
hard worked for
and well earned. ♥
ps. I’m happy to hear
that there is enough water
for the mallard and her duckling to go swimming!
Congratulations, Joseph. That alcohol will fog up the mind for sure. I’m glad you’re out of that and have more clarrity on your life. Getting out of addiction is a process.
As far as the river and ducklings go, this is a great time of year to get outdoors. Fortunately, it’s still cool in MN with temps generally in the upper 70s to lower 80s.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” Mathew 5:7. One of the members from RLM Discord, GeraldGrizzly93, posted a status last night about humility being the ability to receive help. This aligns with my stories of outgrowing pride, defiance, and rebellion. A notable example comes nowadays on my handling of Ngoc’s absence transforming from a backstage politician pulling strings for my basic desire for autonomy to a man of integrity embracing collectivism. There’s nothing greater than family.
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More has always been too much for me . . .
more
boggles my mind
and jangles my nerves.
More causes me to be disorganized
and unfocused.
I loved less
when I was poor,
but could still afford a place to live . . .
two cups in the cupboard,
two plates,
two bowls,
knives, forks, and spoons . . .
two coffee cups and drinking glasses.
Jelly jars for flower vases,
and a ladder up to the sleeping loft.
Curtains made from scraps of material . . .
each window different . . .
my one luxury
was an antique treadle sewing machine.
Living like that,
though sparse
was wonderful.
I loved the simplicity of it
and think back on that time
sometimes
with longing.
There were inconveniences,
of course . . .
no electricity,
cold water in the sink,
and a wood stove in the winter,
but I knew where everything was.
Now,
in this day of plenty,
I have too much.
After living so close to the bone
for so long,
I tend to save things,
thinking I might need them
at some point in the future.
they get piled in cupboards,
drawers,
or in the attic
until ‘that time’ comes.
I lose track of them
and can’t find them
when a perceived need arises.
I still have less than many people,
but I consciously choose this
and am not a very good consumer of products.
Who needs a popcorn popper
when you have a pot?
Who needs Alexis
when I can look out the window
to see what the weather is like today?
Who needs 300 pairs of shoes
or 75 scarves?
I’ll take my chances on less
any day . . .
go outside and listen to the birds
instead of watching the news,
ad nauseum
on TV.
I’ll use my dish towels
until their stained and frayed.
I’ll feed the animals outside
with what I cannot finish myself
and be grateful for ‘small’ things,
for that is where the riches lie. ♥
I have never donated any articles of clothing to a secondhand store. I wear them to extinction then use them for grease rags. Better than store bought shop towels, I think, dear Sparrow.
I do too,
dear Joseph . . .
as a matter of fact,
I buy most of my clothes at thrift stores
and always cut up old clothes for rags as well.
I think they are better than store bought too. 🙂
Funny as I get older I do feel like less is actually more. I don’t have that impulse to go out and just buy “stuff’ any more. I like to keep things simple.
Any time when approaching and possibly being in stillness for a moment, no mind form, nothing moving, nothing is missing in that very moment when being fully present in stillness. Richness in stillness, vast space, peace, heart open and connected. Thank you for this question.
This is a beautiful example,
dear Ose,
of when
“less is more”.
Thank you for putting your thoughts here . . .
I learn from you
every time. ♥
Ose, that’s a very peaceful feeling. I get that when walking.
Going for walks with my husband, holding hands, occasionally talking or pointing out something we notice along the way or just walking along feeling the air, smelling the scents, listening to birds, seeing the plants growing in the neighbors’ yards, is so much more than being inside watching TV while also looking at something on my phone or laptop.
Really, any time spent with people and not allowing technology to intrude on my attention, less is more.
Barb, it won’t be too long that Ngoc and I will have that.
6 years after retirement…I’ve heard so many people say they are busier in retirement than they ever were when they worked. My first 2 years of retirement were COVID. So there was that. I still worked from home, part time. But we had moved to a new community so I had no friends here. Once the new normal settled in and I began getting out, I wanted to do lots of things and meet lots of new people. Now, after 6 years, I’m happier with less on my calendar, less in my closet, fewer commitments, fewer obligations, but still discovering new things to do with my time. Appreciation for what is and loving just that.
My life has had many ups and downs. Expansions and contractions. I am learning to not be too concerned about my current state, as it is always in motion. Moving towards or away from different situations. This ebb and flow, is found everywhere I look.
Certainly, as fear and hate and judgment are identified and reduced, I have more room to experience contentment, love, and empathy.
Good call,
dear Charlie . . .
getting rid of what you don’t need
makes space for what you do. ♥
Running comes to mind. The simple act of propelling my body forward, sound of wind in my ears, the sensation of breath, of movement, the aches and pains that come and go, the light on the lake, the rocks on the trail. An acute sense of heartbeat, of metabolism, of tendons and bones. For such a simple act, running can really absorb a person.
Last night, my husband and I sat outside after dinner. The temperature was warm but nice and no humidity, which is rare for the south. It was just starting to get dark, and I noticed some fireflies in our yard and the one next door. I absolutely love fireflies. When I was growing up, I remember how plentiful they were when we went to visit family in Tennessee. Where we lived in Charleston, I would only see them occasionally, so it was a real treat to me when we were on vacation. I was so amazed watching them. These little specks of light turning on and off, moving around in wonderment. I know now that they do it to communicate and also to attract a mate. And it fascinates me even more now as I am a light-focused teacher. They use their light to bring love but also to deter harm (dark). We can use our own inner light the same way ✨
Answering the question, sitting outside watching the fireflies offered so much more than sitting inside and watching TV. Fresh air. Awe. The night sky settling in 🌃
Happy weekend, everyone!
I miss them, never saw one in FL, but grew up with them in PA – and we always called them ‘Lightning Bugs”, not fireflies, must be a Northern thing, LOL.
I experienced fireflies in Baltimore as a child. Our home, earth, so full of wonder.
Right? We are surrounded by wonder!
My sister, in North Carolina, reported a few in her back yard, as well.
As kids in Illinois, we would have so much fun with them. Definitely at the expense of the poor little bugs. 😬
But yes, they were so fascinating.
Unfortunately, my cousins and I took the lives of many of them when we were kids 🙁
As a child, fireflies are a fond memory from my childhood in NE Kansas, too.
I first saw fireflies in Tennessee as well. They bring such magic to a place!
Every time I see one light up, I feel the magic!
Such a beautiful reflection,
dear SunnyPatti . . .
I too,
have an affinity for fireflies,
and glory in their return every June.
Sitting outside
and being a part of the beauty they provide
is so much more heart-ful
than inside,
watching television.
I’m sitting out there with you. ♥
Thank you for joining me 💜✨
minimalists are an example of less is more
non-attachment is less burden
less clothing on a hot day is more comfortable
Wishing everyone a great weekend:)
https://nationaltoday.com/caves-and-karst-day/ I love caves- need to check off visiting Florida Caverns State Park one day
Visiting my granny growing up. She lived in the house she grew up in, 3 bedrooms with multiple beds in one of them. It was small but plenty for her. I never realized how run down the chairs were or that it had window units for air conditioning in the heat of Florida.
Going there was the best part of my child hood, family popping in, trips to the beach, nights playing cards or just listening to laughter and old stories. Staying up to was Johnny Carson was the best!
There was no fancy resort, or rentals with pools-there were garden tomatoes and fish fries on paper plates and late night runs for a sundae from McDonald’s drive thru.
There was less but there was so much more laughter and love.
Your story reminds me of trips to my aunt’s house. Same thing — house crammed with beds, simple, not much to do but the basics of enjoying each other’s company and walking to various destinations in the small town. I always loved it!
love love this!
Me, too!
Deann, there’s nothing greater than family. Stories of having fun with grandparents are commonplace among children and my friends during their childhoods. I had very few of those memories, because my grandparents lived in Vietnam while I was in the US from a very young age.
Less (no) alcohol equates to more life, for me. Yesterday I startled a mallard and her three ducklings swimming in the big ditch that diverts off the Alamosa River here. The earth keeps life-ing! 🦆
Peace, Love & Light
As I responded to Charlie,
dear Joseph,
getting rid of what we don’t need
makes room for what we do.
You’ve mentioned before,
that your life is so much richer now,
more dimensional . . .
what a gift,
hard worked for
and well earned. ♥
ps. I’m happy to hear
that there is enough water
for the mallard and her duckling to go swimming!
Congratulations, Joseph. That alcohol will fog up the mind for sure. I’m glad you’re out of that and have more clarrity on your life. Getting out of addiction is a process.
As far as the river and ducklings go, this is a great time of year to get outdoors. Fortunately, it’s still cool in MN with temps generally in the upper 70s to lower 80s.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” Mathew 5:7. One of the members from RLM Discord, GeraldGrizzly93, posted a status last night about humility being the ability to receive help. This aligns with my stories of outgrowing pride, defiance, and rebellion. A notable example comes nowadays on my handling of Ngoc’s absence transforming from a backstage politician pulling strings for my basic desire for autonomy to a man of integrity embracing collectivism. There’s nothing greater than family.