Money, Stuff, & Meditation

They say money can’t buy happiness, but it can pay the bills, which in turn buys comfort and peace of mind, and while I’m not sure about anyone else it certainly would make me happy.  Having been basically unemployed for the past five years (albeit through a string of temp and seasonal jobs), I have really learned how to tighten my belt and get the most for my dollars. And let me tell you, it is not fun. In fact, it’s very stressful wondering how you’re going to manage to pay the bills from month to month.  Yet it seems, so far at least, that I’ve been able to manage – not comfortably by a long shot – but at least I’ve been getting by.

I did however, splurged last week and bought myself some really nice 300 count sheets; as opposed to my usual and less expensive 150-200 count.  What a difference the thread count makes!  The extra expense was worth it because I put them on the bed last night and, combined with a little sprinkle of lavender oil, I felt like I was sleeping in a five start hotel. Ahhhh, now where is room service and that masseuse?  

Truthfully, I think most people have more “stuff” than they need, and I am no exception. I look at the things I’ve accumulated over the years and wonder where in the world it all came from, and why have I kept it?  Sentimental value mostly, lots of stuff from my childhood and teens.  Things I really have no use for anymore, but there they are, packed away in boxes in the shed.  That shed – far too big; it holds too much “stuff”.  I went through a lot of it last year and sorted our a huge quantity of things that went away in a yard sale, and the rest to Good Will. The other half of the shed will be cleaned out this summer; too cold and snowy this time of year.

Of course, as George Carlin used to say, that only makes room for more “stuff”.  He did an entire comedy routing on that very subject. Hysterically funny, mostly because it was true.  I have a great need to simplify my life. Get rid of all of the excess; the things I haven’t used in far too long; the clothes I don’t wear anymore; the “junk” that just takes up space. I know if I do I’ll feel so much better, and it will certainly make things less complicated when it comes to cleaning house!  Shoes are not a problem; I only have six pair – one pair of hiking boots; one pair of work shoes; one pair of snow boots, and three pair of cowboy boots – the essentials, right?. No more dust collectors (with a few very special exceptions), no more unread, or no longer read books; no more clothes that I might fit into again. No more “I might use that some day” – everything not used must go!  And I’d be willing to bet that once they’re gone I won’t even miss them.

I did my first meditation today. While I really wanted to do this just at sunrise, I waited until the puppy had eaten his breakfast and was sleeping peacefully (and quietly), in his crate before starting my morning meditation.  Well, that, and the fact that I didn’t get out of bed until just before 8:00... And I even went to bed around 10:00 – I must have been sleeping very soundly; must have been those new, 300 count sheets… But I smudged my altar and myself with sage, and then turned on the spirit flute music.  I also used the headphones to help cut out exterior noise, and it helped for the most part. 

Unfortunately towards the end my “monkey mind” started chattering endlessly and I was unable to stay focused and ignore it.  BUT, for my first try I think I did ok.  The drumming in the background of the music really helped, and I have to say that (so far), I’ve been feeling much better all day – more relaxed and calm anyway. Even when I discovered that the puppy confiscated a small plastic plant that had been in a vase on one of my stereo speakers, I did not get angry at him and that’s the first time his bad boy antics did not upset me.  Wow, maybe there really is something to this meditation thing!