Recently, I have had an opportunity to take inventory of my possessions. I have been slowly "downsizing" my stuff and things and parts for the past ten years, so I was surprised to find just how many items I still considered to be mine - owned by me. How do we own things? How do I own things? Why do I own things?
When you look up the word possession, you get the basic definition: "holding or occupancy, either with or without rights of ownership. To have in one's control." Then you run into words like acquire, acquisition, pursue, attain, obtain, retain, stash, stuff . . . Crazy, the things we do own, want to own, and, even crazier are the things we will do to have them. And when we have them, what does that mean? If it simply means that the objects are under my control, is that what I really want in life? Control?
So, my partner and I decided to truly downsize. We gave away about 70% of our "possessions." How many waffle irons does one need? How many blankets? Hopefully we won't have 40 people randomly show up at our house wanting to crash warmly on the floor and then eat waffles together in the morning. We are no longer set-up for that scenario.
I learned through this "cleansing," that it is not just material things that I have, want, or pursue as a possession. As I cleaned out the closets of our home, I took the opportunity to clean out the compartments of my heart . . . those that long to obtain the love and approval of others, that want to cling to those I love and hold onto the relationships I have with them. But, just like every material thing we think is ours, we really cannot own anything. It comes down to control. I de-hoarded my needs and desires to control anything or anyone.
As the list of my belongings got shorter and shorter, my thinking became clearer and my spirit became lighter. Everything I need, I already have. Anyone need a quesadilla maker, or rather temporary control over one?
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