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| Diogenes-approved downsizing. |
Much of a person's life is spent purchasing, returning, taking care of, cleaning, putting away, moving, and getting rid of things.
What would one want in such a Diogenesian life?
Only the most essential of possessions, those things that were actually doing something for us rather than languishing in a dusty forgotten storage locker or box in the basement.
Our relationship with things can become abusive when our link to those objects is harmful rather than beneficial. That describes much of what is sold in today's marketplace.
This is what happens when they spend over one trillion dollars a year to mind control the population by reminding them they are nothing without Products A - Z.
Now they, and all their useless stuff, own more and more of us.
They promised that personal freedom would be attained through unlimited consumption, but their plan has only resulted in folly, pretence, vanity, self-deception, and artificial human conduct.
Diogenes maintained that all the artificial growths of society were incompatible with happiness, and that morality implies a return to the simplicity of nature.
Deep in our genetic material is a desire to live lightly. On a quiet day one can hear it whispering its invitation.
Its promise is harmony, contentment, and freedom.
We are definitely not free. In the UK we are free to act in a way that accepts all the norms of inequality, consumption and status games while a local walk in nature areas show streams empty of life and hardly any insects. We are free to get lost in a virtual reality, but have no freedom to connect with a healthy flourishing eco system.
ReplyDeleteI have not had to pick my kids up for over a year due to work and had to the other day. I forgot how nice it was not to have to talk to middle class parents as it was all about status and who has this job or who is making x amount of money etc.
As a write this comment I am in the middle of watching Interreflections which has some interesting ideas.
The problem is this virtual incredibly stupid reality is going to destroy our planet.
Peace,
Alex
We have not watched Interreflections yet, but read a review. The person wrote that they didn't like it all that much, but still had to give it 5 out of 5 stars for bringing up the topics it covers. It sounds interesting. Thank you, Alex.
DeleteWe are in the beginning of black fly season, so no shortage of bugs here. As a matter of fact, we have been sacrificing a bit of our blood so they may go on. Something must eat them. Please eat them. Ouch! They will not run out till July.
My mom died two years ago this month. I did a major clear out a few weeks later. I needed something to do and there was over 50 years worth of stuff in this house. Now I'm doing clear out part 2. It feels so good to have all of that stuff out of my life. I'm free to think I can pick up and go at any time. It's sad the comments I get from family that think I'm going too far. If only they knew the freedom it gives to let it all go.
ReplyDeleteOne does not have to go very far before regular people think it is too far. I would take it that you are on the right track. Good to hear you are doing well, Marla. We are experiencing the same kind of freedom from stuff. I find it very relaxing.
DeleteMy late husband was a pack rat. It was actually a blessing when our apartment was flooded just nine days before he passed away. I was able to turn the whole responsibility of sorting and disposing of things over to the restoration company ("Just toss it all guys"). Don't get me wrong: it was scary as hell becoming homeless, stuffless and widowed all in the space of ten days - but after the numbness wore off, having the ability to create my own space and new life on my own terms has been exciting and rewarding. Not minimalism - simple living. Not clip your coupons and drive from store to store to store to save a penny frugality - intentionality. At seventy-mumblemumble I find myself falling a little bit more in love with life every day. And thank you Greg and Linda for letting me come here and ramble from time to time.
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing story and you are generous for sharing it with us. Thank you. We love reading all rants and ramblings.
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