Day Four - space and all that stuff

In this body are seers and sages, all the stars and planets as well. There are sacred pilgrimages, shrines, and presiding deities of the shrines. The sun and the moon also move in it. Ether, air, fire, water, and earth are also there. All the beings that exist are also to be found in the body. He who knows all this is a yogi.

Shiva Samhita

I stopped by the Thrift Station today, to drop off some donations -- and look for some little treasure.... I love going to the thrift store. I live in a materially affluent community and a decent part of my wardrobe comes from what other people give away. And while I don't see myself as a big consumer, a couple times a year, I have a couple bags of clothes to give away myself. Where does that stuff come from? It's embarrassing. And yet I was ready to shop there today, after making my altruistic "donation."

When I arrived at the back door, bags in hand, the "thrift store lady" told me, "Sorry, we're not taking anymore clothes today." I stared at her in disbelief. My inner BS began, self righteousness: "Wow, I'm trying to make a donation here...." and frustration: "OK - is there a dumpster? I just want to get rid if this stuff...." I stood there, still silent. She said, "I'm sorry, it's just that we're so full back in and need to sort through all these [massive piles of clothes] first, or someone's going to trip over it and get hurt." And then I could really see why I was really there - to make space in my life. I wanted space - and so did the thrift store lady!

I left with bags in hand, head hanging low. There's just too much damn stuff getting in the way. For too many of us. In the way of knowing All That Is.
A bad case of affluenza.

So, my practice today was about noticing and appreciating space, allowing myself to long for it. Accepting that I would not be rid of my "stuff" so easily, so unconsciously. And not buying anything "new" at the Thrift Station.