Living a simple life: sounds...well...simple...doesn't it? I mean sleep well, help others, don't buy too much...oh wait. There is a catch. Most of us don't even realize it, but I will let you in on a little secret: we all have too much stuff. Yeah, I am sure we all know that. I am also sure that those who take a vow of poverty even think that. I mean when is enough , enough? Who knows. Everyone's opinion is different.
Within the past year , I have been trying to sort out and find "my own simple life." I have been reading more on Buddhism and its practices. While I am still a Christian, I think that the Buddhist teachings are a wonderful way to bring calm and peace to a troubled mind. Living simply was a big part of the message I got. When you let go of worldy goods you are on a path to enlightenment. I have found this is true. I began to sort through my many collections of "stuff" and either decided to sell it, give it away or my favorite: to donate it to charity. I think there is a show called Clean House which does this as well ( not only highly entertaining but also showing the viewers at home how letting go can be very soothing:) Letting go not only aids us in realizing that we don't need half of the things we have but it also teaches our children sharing as set by the example we set. I have found in my own experiences with a charity I aid called SAFE (Stuffed Animals For Emergencies which gives to children in need whther they be as readign buddies, poor, abused, etc.) that my kids realize there are those who don't have as much as they do and often share their own toys.
Letting go has seemed to make everyoen in the Kushnir hosuehold happy...well most of the time. It is not easy, but maybe even this small step will lead to bigger changes in us as a person with purpose and help us all to live a brighter , happier and of course simpler 2009.
for more information on where to donate to SAFE go to www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org
I am also thinking of starting up a group that can help us toward the simple life/aid to others. Anyone willing to join or share ideas, please comment or contact me.
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3 comments:
This is such a wonderful post Tammy! One of my goals for the new year is to help someone in need each month. I will keep SAFE on my list.
Happy New Year and Artful Blessings,
Kathryn
P.S. Stop by my blog to help me celebrate my Blogiversary!!!
Just last night I read an article that said one of the things that prevents happiness is complexity. The article recommended simplifying, and I couldn't help but think, "Easier said than done." :)
I've been on a kick to declutter my classroom this school year, and even though my desk still has piles of papers on it, it's nowhere near as bad as it's been in past years. I'm hoping to carry it over into the rest of my life. When things get too crazy, I feel like I need to take a step back and see what I can cut out.
Good luck with finding your own version of simplicity!
I stumbled this way from your Facebook :)
I too, started reading on Buddism some time ago. I have found it very therapeutic to ditch stuff I find myself not using; on a regular basis. I take it to the battered woman's shelter thrift store nearby. Over time they have come to know me and actually hold crafty items for me. I've come to befriend a few workers and I really would like to volunteer there at some point.
Good Stuff.
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