Most humans see owning stuff as a good thing. The more stuff, the better.
But is that actually true?
"Other animals don’t anguish with such existential troubles," wrote Walt Whitman.
"They are so placid and self-contain’d," he said. "They do not sweat and whine about their condition. They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins… Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with the mania of owning things.”
Viewed this way, material things are only a burden. The possessionless free animals have it better than we do.
I would like to be a raven for a day, to be completely liberated from the mania of owning things. And I don't own much.
But that 24 hours would be enlightening.
It takes time and practice, but eventually we can attain a more natural and beneficial state where we too are free from being demented with stuff.
As usual, living simply helps, and is a great start.
You still won't be able to fly.
But you will feel a lot lighter, and your spirit will soar.
Hello, I have been reading your posts for some time. I have never commented before, But I wanted you to know that during a very hard financial time awhile back due to a lupus diagnosis your posts were very helpful and encouraging to me. It helped me to see that having very little money just gave me more opportunity to live my values and remember what is important in life. I just wanted to thank you for the time you take to make these posts and let you know that they make a difference and help in ways you may not know your doing. By the way my name is Heidi and I'm from flagstaff Arizona. Your reaching people all over. I hope you guys are have a great day today.
ReplyDeleteHeidi,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Autoimmune diseases, as Linda and I know very well, are extremely difficult situations. The medical community does not, unfortunately, have much to offer. We hope you find a way to cope, as we have in our battle with MS.
Thank you so much for leaving us such a kind comment. You single handedly made sure that we are indeed having a great day today. Reading your words together over a tea this morning made sure of that.
Do take care, and we look forward to hearing from you if the mood strikes again at some point. If not, we hope you continue to enjoy our posts.
- Gregg and Linda