One day at a time

Every week or so the Brazilian Irises in my garden open up. All at once, all over the garden, without anyone out of line. The flowers are incredible -- the kind you want to look at deeply to appreciate their complexity and color.

Living Simply

A favorite blog is Zen Habits. It's author, Leo Babauta, advocates what he calls the 'minimalist life', i.e. no stuff to clutter your environment, your mind, or your life. Yesterday's post, by guest Barrie Davenport, looked at the problem this raises. Most of us love our stuff. Some of us, me included, love to shop and get *more* stuff, especially shoes.

I agree that we can have too much stuff. I also believe, however, that some of the things we acquire add significant value and often meaning to our lives (probably not shoes, except maybe hiking boots). They lend beauty. They remind us of special people or moments. They make tasks easier or more pleasant.

The problem isn't having things. It's having too many of the wrong things.

Davenport includes a list to think about when tempted to buy something new, or when looking to get rid of that clutter of stuff. Keep something when...

• It brings beauty into your life and stirs your soul.
• It supports a passion or hobby.
• It helps bring family and friends together in a creative, meaningful way.
• It educates and enlightens.
• It makes life profoundly simpler so that you can pursue more meaningful things.
• It helps someone who is sick or incapacitated.
• It is useful and necessary for day-to-day life.
• It’s part of a meaningful tradition or a reminder of a special event.

Lamp: James Floor Lamp: Caryn Kinzig and Susan Kinzig: Mixed-Media Floor Lamp - Artful Home