Downsizing

It began with the books—
bags and bags
gathered, perused,
and gifted to other, unknown readers…
 
Then the boxes—
photographs and memories,
of decades past,
re-lived and re-cycled
in one way
or another…
 
Then the furniture
and furnishings
of a 3,200-square-foot home—
much of it stored (in a 128-square-foot POD),
some sold (for dimes on a dollar),
many items donated (“Free” is a very good price!),
and a few placed in the homes of others
(family members, friends, and strangers alike)—
either temporarily
or permanently…
 
Finally the selection,
sorting,
and storage
of that which I still deem essential—
and can fit
in my 80-square-foot
rolling abode.
 
With each shedding
there is, surprisingly,
not a sense of loss,
but rather, relief—
a feeling of freedom—
of getting out from under
a weight that had become
heavier than I realized,
and more than I desire
to carry forward.
 
Slowly
consequently,
space opens
in my being—
enabling a more focused presence,
and allowing
the presents of life
to be more intensely felt,
embraced,
and savored.
 
Paradoxically,
the elimination of stuff
enhances appreciation
of what’s truly important.
 
What matters?
 
That I observe.
That I feel.
That I care.
That I celebrate.
That I love.
 
In the end,
that I live in the now—
and allow myself to behold
the divinity
that is ever
and all
encompassing.