Living in Japan has taught me that culture defines how we communicate our feelings. A Japanese man was telling me how he likes to visit his family's grave by himself. It allows him to clear his mind and relieve stress. He said he felt "purified." I immediately thought he should say he felt "peaceful." But after listening to his reasons for his feelings, I concluded purification was the best word. It is a process of letting go, cleansing the soul, and moving forward.
So this move is my purification.
I spend everyday going through my stuff and deciding what I want to keep. Every tactile object has a purpose, but I can't keep everything. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at this task right now. At the same time, I am feeling relieved at having less. My closet and art studio are better organized. And I can't help but ask, "Why was I keeping all that stuff in the first place?"
In previous moves, we've kept almost everything which meant it was all shipped and then stored in the States. I have an entire closet and shed of Stuff that I have stored at my Mom's house for the last 20 years. That is just crazy. Thanks Mom and Sis for being so patient with me.
I want to simplify for this move, so I am condensing my last seven years into two suitcases and maybe one box. I will keep only what I absolutely physically or emotionally need. None of what is shipped will be stored.
I needed some stress relief today. Youtube came to the rescue. Since I love cats, "I am Maru" always cheers me up. And a good dose of Grey's Anatomy music videos always sets me straight.
So this move is my purification.
I spend everyday going through my stuff and deciding what I want to keep. Every tactile object has a purpose, but I can't keep everything. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at this task right now. At the same time, I am feeling relieved at having less. My closet and art studio are better organized. And I can't help but ask, "Why was I keeping all that stuff in the first place?"
In previous moves, we've kept almost everything which meant it was all shipped and then stored in the States. I have an entire closet and shed of Stuff that I have stored at my Mom's house for the last 20 years. That is just crazy. Thanks Mom and Sis for being so patient with me.
I want to simplify for this move, so I am condensing my last seven years into two suitcases and maybe one box. I will keep only what I absolutely physically or emotionally need. None of what is shipped will be stored.
I needed some stress relief today. Youtube came to the rescue. Since I love cats, "I am Maru" always cheers me up. And a good dose of Grey's Anatomy music videos always sets me straight.
Comments
I say those words and then I laugh because it is so easy to say those words but I do not know if I could pack in one box and not be emotional about it...Take care. katelen
Happy purification!
it was a really great feeling. i ended up writing a (myspace) blog about it entitled "stuff" in which i pondered that same question, "why do we hold on to so much stuff??"
my blog reading has been slow as of late, but i always enjoy stopping by yours whenever i get a chance. happy moving! :-)
It is very freeing. Less is more, my one daughter always tells me..boy, is she right.
Almost feel like you can "fly"..don't try it though...ha, ha...
loved the story about "purification." nice word usage.