Catharsis
As part of my explorations on The Next Step, I'm debating whether I should make the next move "clean."
In other words, leave most of my possessions behind when I make my next move, either by giving them away or selling them. I thought about doing this the last time I moved, because I realized at some point during my travels that I could easily enjoy myself with just a couple suitcases with clothes and stuff I need to clean myself, etc., plus a bag for my laptop and some computer stuff. I came to realize that all the stuff I had at home was pretty much auxillary to my life, and I could not only live without all of it, but I wouldn't really miss it all that much either.
Certainly, it would make moving so much simpler. I mean, pack up a couple of suitcases and my laptop bag, and I'm off! Part of the appeal of this is that it would enable me to explore more fully my self and identity outside of the context of such arcane concepts as material possessions. I'm not saying that I'm going to go live off the land... but I think a reduction in the sorts of influences that cause me to buy things that I don't need is definitely called for.
Right now, this is just an exercise in rhetoric, but I'd like to know what everyone thinks of this idea. I'm not saying I'll follow your advice, but honestly this isn't something that most people go and do during their lives. Which is why everyone's grandparents end up with a house full of junk. I totally don't want to be there. So what are your thoughts?
Comments
I think it is a common fallacy to think that leaving your material possessions behind will suddenly allow you to realize your own inner nature. Your material objects have only the value you assign them and the only difference you can make to yourself is to realize this. I think you will just end up spending a lot of money replacing everything you left with little gain in self-realization.
On the other hand, if you actually intend to lead a life of ascetism and acheive some form of breakthrough that way, that is certainly a time-honored tradition.
I guess what I am saying is that if you truly are able to leave your possessions behind do you really need to?
Posted by: tarun | June 22, 2003 10:00 PM
Personally, I think it's an awesome idea.
Selling/giving away the non-essentials is probably an excellent method of helping get to that core identity that you're looking for. Plus I don't think vast quantities of stuff really fits with your generally mobile lifestyle.
Posted by: Your Insatiable One | June 22, 2003 10:07 PM
"Searching for identity" is a less powerful motivator than the real, more practical, reason I support ditching your shit: packing up and moving is soooo much easier.
Posted by: tony | June 22, 2003 11:36 PM