I am pretty much all settled in - at least all unpacked - in my new Little Italy pad. The place is so cool - very funky, spacious, bright, and in such a good spot. It's really fun being downtown again!! YAY!

oh, and bonus: indoor parking!! Schweeeet!

Gentle Footprint

I read this quotation this morning.

When we walk like (we are running), we print anxiety and sorrow on the earth. We have to walk in a way that we only print peace and serenity on the earth... Be aware of the contact between your feet and the earth. Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.

Thich Nhat Hanh

I think you can extend this to include other ways in which we leave footprints in our lives.

Obviously, there is the physical footprint, of how heavy your real foot lands on the Earth and how it can damage what exists; or how lightly you can tread on the ground.

But could it also mean that your footprint can leave a path behind - to lead the way for others, perhaps? Do you choose to travel (footloose and fancy free?) or do you choose to stand still?

Then, there is a spiritual footprint. What kind of mark do you leave on people when you connect with them? How do you choose to relate to them and communicate with them? What kind of mark do you want to leave in this world? Each one of our choices (from the food we eat; to the clothes we wear; to the things we do with our time) has an impact.

How gentle are you?

Therapy in a box

Here I am, a couple of weeks away from moving. I spent all of yesterday packing. I realized last night, as I finished up my 11th box and experienced a pang of wistfulness that I didn't have anything more at that point to pack, that I LOVE packing!

I find it so therapeutic to dive into my material possessions; submerge into that pool of objects and things that I've been carrying around; wade though the items that have significance in my life; and scoop up the rest to give away.

I feel free when I purge and pack. It makes me feel lighter. It makes me feel like I am more responsive and open. That I, subconsciously, have the space to react to new opportunities and experiences. That I don't feel the weight of "things" around my neck.

It also makes me realize that I don't need very much (why, on earth do I have 6 pillows and 3 duvets? what do I do with 13 bath towels? a dozen or so pairs of socks that I don't wear? copious amounts of utensils? and I've collected this only in the last couple of years, OMG!) Plus, I get excited to share my stuff with other people.

I am very fortunate, obviously, and I am happy to take the moment to respond to all that I have in my life. And to simplify. : )