“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle
We leave on Monday for Oregon.
Off to start our new adventure in the Pacific Northwest.
This trip we decided to take only what we really need and want. Of course our trailer will be filled with tools and remodeling supplies, but we are also taking a load of “stuff."
STUFF
That is what is being defined. What really matters to us. What do we truly need. And, what do we want to bring forward in our new life and house.
It means clearing clutter and really evaluating what has meaning.
I had a great awareness during this process. Both Larry and I are collectors. We collect rocks, stones, shells, pieces of wood, and other nature finds. When I gathered up our bowls, jars, and boxes of treasures I saw them differently. Each one of these has a memory - of a place we visited, an experience we had, or a specific adventure.
They are mementos of memories.
Suddenly I realized I didn’t need the mementos. I had the memories. And, I wanted to make more. I visualized an empty jar ready to be filled with new memories, new treasures.
All these items we had collected were about the past.
Sure they hold significance. I found some rocks that I had been collecting since I lived in Ohio. I found shells that I collected on trips to the California, Oregon and Washington coast for the past 14 years. I found a stash of sea glass we found at a place called “Glass Beach” that took us on a wild adventure to find. I had a piece of Joshua tree from the remains of my grandfathers homestead in Pioneer Town, near Yucca Valley, CA. I found a bag of Sedona red rocks in my closet. Some interesting looking bone fragments from Mississippi in a can.
What dawned on me was our future. We are moving to a new place. A place that is going to open us to many new adventures and memories. Sights to see, places to explore, and nature to be experienced.
Do I want to carry the old mementos when I have the memories?
Then, I moved beyond that and started looking at other “stuff”. My kitchen full of small appliances, dishes, pans, and serving bowls that I rarely, if ever use. I found 5 sets of mixing bowls, several Pyrex glass baking pans, cookie sheets and bottles and jars of spices that haven’t been opened in years. I’ve been carrying these with me through several moves and adding to the collection for some unknown reason!
It is crazy!!
This time something is different. I am seeing things through new eyes. Instead of seeing these things as requirements for living, I see them as burdens to freedom.
How much stuff do we need to have a full, satisfying life?
I heard someone say that life is a collection of memories and experiences. Stuff is the material baggage that weighs us down and keeps us stuck. I see that clearly now.
This move to Oregon has created a shift in our desire for stuff. A wake up call to what really has significance to us. It’s different for everyone. But, for us, we are clear that less is more. With a deep understanding that if we need something it will show up - and usually in a way we could never have planned or orchestrated ourselves.
That is the gift of letting go and allowing! It is a long and difficult lesson to learn. But once learned gives a new lightness and confidence in life! Trusting in life unfolding for our best and highest good.
Just like finding our new home. Unexpected, yet the perfect next step for our journey to creating the Gemini Rising Retreat!
A long time ago I heard some one talking about “being in the flow”. She said when you are floating in the river and let go of the shore, the natural current of the river takes you down stream. If you try to go up stream it is a struggle and takes lots of extreme paddling to fight against the current. Then she said, “Nothing you want is upstream! Just go with the flow!”
That is wise advice.
When I find myself clinging to some “thing” that I have attached to a memory, I remind myself that clinging is not being in the flow. My memories are mine forever. They are always with me, no matter how much surrounds me. More stuff is not the answer for us. Letting go of the shore, releasing a big sigh, and going with the flow is our path. Less encumbered and open to the adventures that await!
It’s an exciting time.
“Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” – Steve Jobs
LOL - Says the guy who put a phone in the hand of most of the people on the planet!! But, the good news, we can take great pictures of our adventures!
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