Thursday, October 13, 2011

Simplicity -vs- Abundance

Something struck me this past weekend, the weekend that represents the harvest, the abundance of produce and stating gratitude for all on our plates, and that is how I really march to my own drum. While the rest of the country was travelling to be with others, laying tables with a glut of food and drink, I spent the days alone with my boy up at our cottage, taking the bare minimum in what we would need in food and clothing. Less than one shopping bag for what we would consume and one change of clothing, thumbing my nose at the "what if"s of getting dirty or wet. Instead we feasted heavily on nature then came back to a simple dinner with friends, people who are becoming my village.

I saw this shot as the moon came up, realizing how filled I feel. Lately I have often felt filled with anger, irrational waves of venom and victimhood. Seeing my fear of losing control behind these episodes helps me to process the emotions. Pixie Campbell has been talking about Releasing Ceremonies and the value and richness of letting go.

I live in The House of Stuff, my son the most learned of Stuffologists. He hoards not just much loved toys but every stone, twig, leaf, bottle cap, jagged bit of metal that comes his way. As much as I try to cull and recycle and gift away both of our stuff, it must be coming in the door faster than I can get it out. The Art of my letting go is including letting go of the need to keep the house organized, tidy, free of dog hair, washing the kitchen floor (simply because I can't remember the last time I did), finding my focus for what I want and need to do with my time. After months of going inward, letting go of old rituals to go with the flow, I now need to do the opposite. Instead of hibernating in these darkening days I need to get myself out there. I need to unclaim this limbo. Right after I eat about a half a dozen of these:

9 comments:

Sherry said...

Chocolate works. Chocolate with caramel works even better.

I love this shot of those wee hands and that moon!

The message is clear...you've got the whole world in your hands...

And here is to unclaiming the limbo!!!

Cheryl said...

Chocolate...the cure for all the limbo-ness we feel. I have some Dove chocolate squares I'll trade for a Rollo bar. I'm not sure which is more beneficial, really simply seeking variety.

You're really fortunate to have only one hoarder. I have two. I must say I laughed good and hard when the larger hoarder threw temper tantrums as I did my intervention. ;)

Beth said...

I find that each time I manage to let go of something (be it stuff or a negative emotion) it gets a little easier to let go of the next thing...
And chocolate always helps!

Snap said...

I can relate to new rituals. Don't know how I missed your virtual coffee ... loved it......

oreneta said...

I tend to let washing the kitchen floor go till I'm sticking to it myself......

captcha: undistor, as in undustor? undisurbed? I swear these things are done on purpose.

Kim Mailhot said...

Here's to moving on to where we are meant to be. Shine on, Beautiful One.

You can roll a Rolo to your friend. It's chocolate covered caramel from end to end.

Yum...
Love ya !

thecatalanway said...

Here in Cornwall we have a sort of brown tiled floor - wonderful - you hardly notice the dog hairs and mud and squished in crumbs and tea stains. In Granollers someone put down white ones! Can you imagine what sort of person would do that? It means you really have to wash every few days or else never let anyone in for a cup of coffee.
Glad you are feeling full. Like your point about letting go of the need to let go....or that is how I read it. love Kate x

Elisa Black said...

We, too, are struggling with collecting, acquiring and having things-- rocks, feathers, nuts and acorns, pokemon cards. My kids do like to paint rocks (but you can only keep so many) . I try to limit the nuts/acorns by saying the animals need them for the winter and we can only take a few. I an so overwhelmed with stuff-- kids schoolwork papers, their artwork, their toys-- I just cant seem to get a grip. I will check out your link for releasing-- I desperately need it. Unlike you, the chocolate doesnt do it for me-- although I will admit to a couple glasses of red wine to help me thru the evening hours. Thanks for the thoughtful post!

Lis said...

Wait ... homes are supposed to be nested with dog hair, right?

Well you know how all this goes with me! I am looking forward to this mother-of-all letting go season the question remains: where to begin? I am still shifting through my thought categories and determining which ones are seriously out-of-date (like green cottage cheese expired kind of ideas) ... i may need to invest in a massive fire pit!

But yes, chocolate helps immensely! As do wise friends, like you.

xo Lis