Wash it, dry it, fold it, iron it, have it cleaned, repair it, wax it, dust it,
pack it, sweep it, paint it, pick it up, put it back, hang it up, file it, store it,
insure it, oil it, shelve it, stack it, separate it, rearrange it, protect it,
service it, recondition it, untangle it, refill it, polish it, refinish/remodel it,
or display it. SOME ALTERNATIVES: REFUSE IT IN THE FIRST PLACE, GIVE IT AWAY, SELL
IT, RECYCLE IT, COMPOST IT, OR BURN IT FOR FUEL.
Paradoxically, the things we think we own really own us, consuming our time and
energy. We spend a third of our life sleeping, and much of what is left is spent
waiting in lines, watching T.V., or working for more things to own and take care of.
Very few precious hours are left for service to others or nonmaterial pursuits that
lift our minds and spirits. If you feel unfocused and pressed for time, look around
your home and identify the things that demand regular attention or maintenance. Are
they worth the time and energy expended on them? If not, . . . unload! Take boxes
or laundry baskets from room to room, collecting the things you have no need for, or
emotional attachment to, and get them OUT of the house. Do the same with the garage,
sheds, barns, attics, and basements. Whew! Our devotion to junk and other material
security blankets not only detours us from accomplishing our missions here on earth,
but steals time from us that could be spent with those who need and love us.
This energy consuming, dust collecting, space taking "stuff " can be donated to
others in need, taken to thrift shops, or, in the case of reading material, dropped
off at libraries, hospitals, care centers, and doctors' offices. You could hold one
big "final" yard sale, or clean your valuables for one last time and offer them to a
consignment shop. Our family has used "free gas money" from consignment shop sales
to visit several National Parks in California, and also to take an enchanted trip
south of the border to Mexico. While others may question where we get enough money
to go on our far-flung vacations, they could do the same, if they really wanted to.
It's all a matter of priorities.
For years, I worked for a very wealthy man who was a retired Indian trader. One
day I found myself complaining to him about "things" and how they require so much of
one's time. His answer was simple and to the point, but not one I could embrace.
His answer was to simply hire someone to take care of one's possessions. The choice
is up to us; we can become slaves to our possessions, pay a storage company to secure
them for us, hire a slave to take care of them for us, i.e., a housekeeper/caretaker,
or wisely commit ourselves to a simpler, less complicated lifestyle that frees and
empowers us to pursue higher goals, enjoy recreational activities, or travel.
The greatest emotional obstacle to downsizing faced by the elderly is the Depression
mentality that dictates every rubber band, paper bag or screw must be saved. Recycled,
yes, hoarded, no! Highly prized items such as furniture, organs, and other old valuables
are tenaciously saved "for the children." If these perpetually self-sacrificing parents
could see the big estate sale their children will have a month after they're gone, they
would distribute their worldly goods to those who really need or want them before their
final departure, sell the rest, and go on the vacation or cruise of a lifetime, while
they can still do it.
I have always saved postcards, pictures and magazines for their unforgettable
photographic images. Recently, my friend Parry Calder shared with me his scrapbooks
filled with collages that make perceptive comments on society, nature, and his own
uniqueness. He inspired me to get out the scissors. This enjoyable activity is freeing
me from my burdensome magazine collection and freeing the images trapped within their
dusty pages. I also look forward to sharing this activity with my children and friends.
In the American Indian culture, there are special events called "Give-Aways." These
usually occur during breaks at large ceremonial dances or other community encampments for
spiritual purposes. The family sponsoring the Give-Away saves for many months or even
years to purchase or create the presents. These items range from vehicles, horses,
blankets, and jewelry to practical household items, silverware, and small appliances.
The Give-Away items are not damaged or in any way second-hand junk. Names are called,
and some of those so honored are given expensive items that the givers know they need,
such as a truck or horse. Others, perhaps not so needy, are given their choice of gifts
that may be on a blanket or auditorium stage.
Many tribal chiefs traditionally share almost all they have to show their dedication
to the welfare of their people. Becoming a chief's wife is also a selfless position,
where one does not really own anything, but is simply a steward over it until the next
Give-Away or knock on the door. I was once honored with a blanket at a Give-Away in
Oklahoma with the Cheyenne/Arapaho People, and the warmth I received went far beyond
that provided by the blanket.
Since we can't take this stuff with us when we die, why not share our excess? In
one tribe I lived with, if the deceased had not given away all worldly goods prior to
death, they were burned near the grave after burial. What a great way to deal with the
"stuff" that the owner could never part with or "give away!" This practice also
reinforces the idea of sharing with others while one has the opportunity of doing so . . .
for we never know when it will be too late. The worst nightmare scenarios imaginable play
themselves out among inheritors when a family member dies in our materialistic society.
Just when family and friends should be drawn together in mourning and appreciation for the
departed, they are ironically torn apart by the possibility of greedy and protracted legal
battles over the estate. Since we are all headed for the exit door anyway, why not spread
sunshine while we can by sharing our material goods with those in need? This is the Native
Way.
I agree with the great playwright Henrik Ibsen who wrote: Money may buy the husk of
things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite, medicine, but not
health, acquaintances, but not friends, servants, but not faithfulness, days of joy,
but not peace or happiness.
As mentally competent individuals, we are only truly alive in relation to our
understanding and practice of eternal laws of truth, our independence from commercialism,
our avoidance of conspicuous consumption and addictions and the embracing of love, light,
charity and service. If, as the scriptures state, we are to be judged by our works and
the desires of our hearts, we probably need to lighten our loads a little. Just as
passengers in a hot air balloon throw heavy bags of sand overboard to rise higher in
case of unforeseen obstacles, we too, need to discard ballast in the form of material
attachment in order to be lifted closer to the light and true happiness.
Remember the rich young man that Christ counseled to give all he had to the poor
- Kahlil Gibran
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