Aloha Everyone,
I am in the
midst of a huge task of major spring cleaning.
I thought I was a minimalist as I discard clothes when I purchase
replacements. But I am finding out that
I am a sentimentalist. I have so far 12
cardboard packing boxes which I still need to go through of personal
items. It's challenging as many of these
boxes contain letters, cards and drawings from my children, granddaughter,
husband, family and friends.
Realistically I know that we cannot keep all the mementos.
So with less
than two weeks remaining before my husband and I take a month-long trip, I like to share with you how to get rid of
sentimental items by asking yourself the following 7 questions:
1. What are three items you have which makes you
smile? In another words, if there is a
fire and you have to carry away three items, what would they be?
2. What are the items which you use everyday or
at least every other day? All of us keep
things for "one of these days" whether it is something to wear or
something to use.
3. Photos and more photos and how often do you
actually look at your albums? We
purchased a scanner and are now busy scanning them to save them on USB.
4. How often do you re-read books, watch your
collection of DVD and listen to out-dated long playing records and
cassettes? With exception of few books, we
donated our collections to the Hawaii Kai Library. I now read books, listen to music and watch
movies on my digital devices.
5. Does any of your family want your things when
you no longer need them?
6. Do you have anything of value which can be
sold and converted into cash?
7. Can you learn to let go without feeling
guilty? Can you let go of holding onto
the things that were given by your parents, your family, and your dear
friends? If we keep everything we ever received
as gifts, there would simply be not enough room in our home.
Yoga and
meditation teaches as to live simple life.
Living simply without being hampered by people, things, expectations and
obligations. Living simply means getting
rid of clutter from your body, mind and surroundings. Living simply means be in the present moment,
be mindful and loving all the details of ourselves. Living simply means having time to enjoy the
sunrise, the sunset, the moonrise, the sound of rain, and be grateful of
listening to the sound of life. Living simply means to live your life honestly.
And finally, living simply means to live your life peacefully.
“Be content with what you have, rejoice
in the way things are. When you realize
there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” Lao Tsu
Namaste --
Cathi