Owning Things

"The inner principle is that we are interdependent energy fields of great potential wisdom and compassion -- expressed in each person as a superb mind, a handsome and complex body, and the almost magical capacity of language. To these potentials and capacities, 'owning things' can add nothing to authenticity."

-- Gary Snyder

Owning things is highly overrated. Sure, there's that initial little thrill when you obtain something you've long desired, be it a shiny new car or a sweater in the perfect shade of green. And the ownership of certain things, like washing machines and laptop computers, can make life easier and more streamlined. But to make the amassing of things the goal of your life is to tragically miss the point. 

Simply stated, stuff is merely a bit player, a minor character, in the overall drama of a life well lived. There are so many more interesting verbs than owning. Seeing, loving, creating, experiencing, and being, for example. 

Better to think in terms of flowing than owning. Things flow into your life, and they flow out again. You use them, you enjoy them, but you neither jones for them, nor frantically cling to them. You live lightly -- both materially and psychologically.

Sharing is more natural than owning. Much more fun, too! Nature doesn't own, nature shares. And one of the best ways to harmonize with nature, as well as with others, is through sharing, cooperating, giving and receiving. 

One of my alternative entrepreneurship fantasies is to live in a big Victorian house full of stuff and have all of it be for sale. Everything. You can buy the TV in the den, the beer steins in the kitchen. You can buy the chair I'm sitting on, hell, you can buy the shirt off my back. All at very reasonable prices, too, of course. A great river of stuff flowing through my life leaving in its wake only the sheer joy of complete non-attachment. 

You see, who we are is not defined by what we have. Our authenticity comes from exploring, expanding and living those marvelous potentials and capacities that reside within us. Along the way stuff comes and goes. Enjoy it, play with it, pass it on. Reside in the underground river, the hidden channel of energy that flows through, over, around and beyond each and every thing. 

Let that river flow through you, too. A natural baptism, a cosmic cleansing, all flow, all letting go, in the water park called Life. Exhilaration! Relaxation! The perpetual pulsing of the yin/yang rhythm. Wheeee -- it's one helluva ride!