Simplicity is the way of Zen
It is time to release the cat crap and clutter in my home.
The older I get, either in cat or human year, the less stuff I need or want.
Collecting and acquiring has become part of the mainstream way of thinking. We collect videos, cars, nick-knacks and even cats! As soon as we collect our “I need that now” item, the excitement wears off and we are ready for another one. I am just as guilty.
I remember when I moved into my home, I had few items and little furniture. I was content and didn’t feel like I needed anything. The shear happiness of being in my own space was enough. Now, many years later the stuff I have gained makes me feel stifled.
All of these things that once gave me pleasure, only fill up the corners and closets in my home. It doesn’t fill my spirit at all. Instead it clogs up my mindset while emptying my wallet.
Even my Cats have accumulated stuff.
Mr. Bailey, the Zen cat moved in with only a blue bowl. (Monks carry a bowl- I think he missed his calling)
Miss Mattie only had her pink collar. (This is why she wants a pink cape-fashionista)
In less than two years, they have accumulated milk rings, feather-sticks, play mice, boxes and bags and my heart. I counted 6 toys in the hallway alone! The place in my heart they filled up, I will treasure, but the rest should be minimized. Don’t worry, the cats will still have plenty of toys plus more space to use them.
So, for the next year, I am going to go on release retreat. I am going to donate, discard and release what is not needed in my life.
A “release retreat” is my mindful way of releasing the item out to the world with gratitude & love. I know the right person will find what I have released. Once I have released the item, I will fill the open space with peace and purrs.
Spaciousness brings contentment, while opening your mind to new possibilities.
Thoughts on releasing….
- Anything that is hidden in a draw, container or basements is linked to the unconscious mind. What are you holding in those places that you can’t release? Perhaps you can’t release it because you can’t see it? Maybe you don’t want too?
- When you hold on to something, you are holding on to a memory of it. That’s where the phrase “one person’s treasure is another person’s junk” comes from. It has no value unless it is personal to you.
- You will never get back what you paid for all of your stuff. Think of it as a gift to another and to the environment. Pay it forward.
- We get caught up on the price of what we paid. To release the money component, think of the reason for having the item in the first place. Did the item do it’s job? Did it complete it’s purpose for being with you? If you never used the item, perhaps the purpose was only to hold space.
- Releasing stuff opens space for our senses, which in turn open up our heart and mind space. Holding on is restricting and limiting.
- All of life is connected and made up of energy. The old axiom, “energy can never be destroyed, only transformed” is true. When you release an item you are giving some of your own energy in the form of gratitude. This in turn changes your energy and your space. Marie Kondo talks about it in her book. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
She can clean the house, I’ll clean the plant
Energy flows when it has unrestricted space to expand.
KT Cat Paws
There is a reason that so many doctrines talk about our keeping our life simple. It’s healthier and natural. Besides, life seems too complicated when we clutter it up.
So remember, your value is not what you own, it’s who you are on the inside.
The cat love you for you.
Peace, Hugs and Purrs!
KT Cat Paws