Daily Decrease

"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity."

-- Bruce Lee

As I write this, I am in the process of moving and getting rid of 95% of what I own. It feels great! At the beginning of the year 2000 I did a New Millennium Life Cleaning and sold my house and got rid of everything except my computer, a few books, some sentimental knick knacks and some clothes. It's amazing how much I've accumulated in the eight years since then!

But now, again, it's time for decrease. You know how Depak Chopra says that all the cells in your body are replaced over a seven year period? I'm thinking maybe every seven years is a perfect timeframe in which to get rid of everything I own and start over. Traveling lights has always been my preference.

But material goods aren't the only things that bog us down. Simplicity of the mind and heart are even more important. Getting rid of outworn ideas, shopworn theories, ridiculous prejudices, and bogus beliefs is both freeing and empowering. Being and living completely in the Now means not being tied to, and burdened by, mental and emotional baggage.

Detachment is the issue. You can have and enjoy butt loads of stuff as long as you are detached from it. But, really, why own it? Why fill your life and your mind with stuff. It's much easier to perceive the workings of the Spirit if you are not distracted by either too many toys or too many unprocessed emotions. It's all about letting go.

So, today, look around your world and see what you can eliminate from your life. Look inside yourself as well and see what recurring thought patterns and emotional reactions are merely mucking up your mind. And then, consciously let go. Sell or give away the unused stuff. Gently surrender the internal contents -- let it decompose and return to you the space and energy that it has been holding.

Do this today and every day. Daily decrease. Spacious living. Reveling in Spirit.