Do you own your things, or do your things own you?

We all have too much stuff. Even if you think you don’t, you more than likely do. I mean, how much stuff do you really need? Probably just a fraction of what you have.

As a technology and information worker, most of what I need to do the work I love exists as a single computer. That, an internet connection, and a few changes of clothes is about it for my needs. Beyond that, it’s all extra.

I recently moved everything I used to have in a storage unit from Seattle to Anchorage. Besides my motorcycle, there was about a half ton of stuff. Literally. A half a ton. And in my book, that’s too much.

What is actually in there that I need? Not much. There are some tools that I use from time to time. Some fun computer accessories. Some books that I haven’t gotten brave enough to part with yet. And a bunch of crap that I’ll never actually use but that seems like it might be useful someday, if I ever get around to the project I have in mind for it.

I’m slowly coming to terms with being able to part with it all. Very little of it actually matters, but it has history and stories behind it, or plans ahead of it.

Until I’ve detached from my stuff, it owns me. Once I’ve detached, I own it. Once I own it, I can get rid of it. And that will be a good day.

In the news

• And they’re a waste of paper: Point-of-Sale Printers May Trigger Asthma
• Entirely missing the point: Natural birth classes questioned
• Yawn: Snoring ‘cures’ fail for majority

Quote for the week

Identity is theft of the self. – Estee Martin

Healthy thoughts,
Jeff

Years ago I read about a novel way to catch raccoons. Basically, you drill a hole in a log or tree trunk that is a little bigger than the arm of a raccoon. Inside the hole, bore out a larger space, and put something shiny inside that just barely fits through the hole. Hammer a few nails into the wood so that the ends of the nails are sticking into the hole. Then go away, and come back in the morning.

It seems that when a raccoon finds something shiny, it just must have it. It grabs on. Now, with it’s paw around the shiny object, it can’t fit its hand out through the hole. It will be so intent on not letting go of the shiny object that it will refuse to release it even when you walk up and ensnare it. All it would have to do is open its paw and let go of the object and it would be able to get away easily… but it won’t let go. It would rather be trapped or killed than let go of something shiny and glittery.

What are you holding on to that you would be better off letting go of? What objects, thoughts, memories, relationships, or beliefs are keeping you from living a healthy, vibrant, spiritually advanced life?

Maybe it’s a vision of who you are, who you were, or who you want to be? Maybe it’s a house or a car. Perhaps it’s an expectation that someone around you should behave differently in some way, or that you don’t want anything to change. Whatever it is, you need to identify it. And it’s probably not just one thing… but start by identifying just one thing.

And why won’t you let go? Is it shiny? Really shiny? Does it make you glow on the inside every time you think of it?

Whatever it is, maybe it’s time to let go. It might be holding you down in ways you don’t yet realize… holding you back from a much better experience in life.

Figure out what you’re clinging to and let it go. Don’t be the raccoon, willing to sacrifice your very survival over something trivial.

Just let go.

In the news

• Better just go for the long-term pollution exposure, then: Short-Term Air Pollution Exposure May Damage DNA
• ‘Hey, baby, let’s go find out how emotionally intelligent you are’: Emotional intelligence ‘aids sex’
• Try watching CSI: Miami: 6 snooze strategies to help you sleep better

Quote for the week

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. – Herm Albright

Healthy thoughts,
Jeff

For the first time in over four years, I’m going back to work in an office next week. Having spent the last (nearly) half-decade in my own workspace, I have come to enjoy having full control of the contents and layout of that space.

I’ve been looking for ways to maximize personalization while staying within the limits, and I came across this article about Feng Shui in the office. If you’re into Feng Shui, of course, it’s probably overly simplistic, and if you’re not, it’s probably overly vague, but basically it suggests ideas to maximize ch’i.

Now I don’t directly accept Feng Shui, and here’s why: some parts of it make common sense for obvious reasons having nothing to do with mystical forces, while other parts are (under scrutiny) silly. For instance, in the article, the suggestion “DON’T: Keep cacti or sharp plants on your desk, as they create fierce ch’i.” could be re-written as “DON’T: Keep cacti or sharp plants on your desk as you will occasionally brush against them causing pain.” This isn’t “fierce ch’i”, but rather applied common sense.

On the other hand, “DO: Position your computer on the west side of your desk to enhance creativity or on the southeast to generate income.” is irrelevant.

It doesn’t matter which part of your desk the computer sits on, what matters is what you believe about which part of your desk your computer sits on. If I told you that putting all your pens cap-end down in your pen cup would bring you harmony, a mysterious thing happens: you think about inner harmony every time you intentionally put a pen in the holder cap-end down. By thinking about inner harmony, you bring about inner harmony.

This is because your beliefs create your habits and your habits determine your outcome.

There is no mystical ch’i, but the basic concepts of Feng Shui can still be useful: think about what you have, how you use it, and the aesthetics of placement. By thinking about how you organize your office, you naturally create an environment that is pleasing to be in and functionally supportive.

And that makes you more productive and more likely to achieve your goals.

In the news

• Quick-fix mentality plus drugs… yeah, makes sense: Impulsivity Raises Alcoholism Risk
• Suggestions paraphrased: pay attention to your surroundings: Ladders, Swings and More Can Cause Peril
• I think I agree with the patient here: Patient wants right to refuse electroshocks

Quote for the week

Consider your house from an aesthetic point of view. – Anthea Turner

Healthy thoughts,
Jeff

How often do you play? How often do you let your inner child out to explore, to wonder, to imagine? Did you know that play plays a critical role in your peace of mind?

It can seem challenging as an adult to find play time, but it is important to do so. I know, you’ve got bills, chores, and so much work to do, plus there’s that TV show you just don’t want to miss because you’ve been waiting to find out what happens to your favorite character, then you need some sleep because you’ve been overloaded with everything, and finally…

No. Stop. Go outside and roll around in the grass (or the snow). Draw a picture. Plunk out a semblance of a tune on a piano. Think up an imaginary scene and then get out your toy cars or stuffed animals and act it out. Run and jump and swing and all the stuff you used to do.

We all know that play is relaxing and de-stressing. But it’s much more than that. Play is where your mind tests the world to expand your comfort zone. Play is where you learn to overcome fears, where you can really find out ‘what if’ to grow your experience level in new directions, to discover more things you can do. Play is where you find new things that you enjoy so that you aren’t always stuck in a routine. Play makes you more creative, more confident, and more, well, fun.

Find a game to play, either with your friends or by yourself. Let the mind go, and just play.

In the news

• Now where did I put that wine bottle? Drink Away Dementia?
• Note that they say half of this is out of your control but don’t emphasize that the other half can be learned: Can’t Control Junk Food Cravings? Blame the Brain
• And we can all get high together! Lithium in water ‘curbs suicide’

Quote for the week

We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. – George Bernard Shaw

Healthy thoughts,
Jeff