Welcoming the Essential

 

 

 

The amount of stuff mattered. On this ten-day hiking adventure we’d carry a forty liter backpack with “needed” whatever. Not known for ever packing light, choosing what to bring would be arduous. Practicality over indulgence must “reign the day”: that special hair conditioner…forget about it; the cute evening dress…not necessary. Our things tugged at us with a surprisingly strong hand. 

 

Similarly, roaming from desk to desk at different Denver office spaces these day feels like living as a turtle with a home on its back. “Just in case” stuff makes my bag heavy and burdensome.  Whether we’re traveling or living our daily lives most of us need to be on a Stuff Diet.  Do you agree? 

 

Thankfully there was an explicit “Essentials” list for trekking the Mont Blanc Trail (MBT): sun screen, two water bottles, a hat, hiking poles and boots, shorts, t-shirts. The weather forecast included record temperatures which meant
rain pants, the backpack cover and long pants were no longer necessary, lightening the load. Laundry soap provided for washing clothes day to day, rotating one outfit for another. A few toiletries (admittedly the hardest to decide upon), a sleeping sheet, some snacks, socks, a wind breaker and, voila`, packing was complete.  As we hiked from peak to peak, country to country, we carried just what we needed which was truly not much.  

 

Everyone knows that it makes sense to pack simply. Big suitcases inhibit us.  Yet we hold on to our things because: 

(1) Safety: our stuff makes us feel safe. We want to wear that favorite necklace, for example. It brings good luck.

(2) Comfort: the bulky impractical yet super comfy sweater…we can’t imagine sleeping in the airline seat without it.  

(3) Indulgence: We don’t want to feel rushed. Instead every morning we slowly dress carefully choosing from a wardrobe because normal routines don’t allow for this.  

 

How then might we motivate ourselves to shed items?  Our recent Mont Blanc trek taught me that “Less” is more”, resplendent with freedom to move about present to the actual  experience. “Less”, exists only in our imagination. “Less” is a construct. There’s abundance wherever we are with friends and strangers, stunning or everyday destinations, with or without fancy accoutrements.  

 

 

Life became very easy on the MBT. We knew our choices like what to wear, a typical breakfast, the schedule for the day. By day two my pack was organized and finding certain things, like eyeglasses, bandaids and sun screen, took a second. The  “If needed ” stuff was at the bottom of the bag. How refreshing not to fuss over the bag’s contents. Not only would my pack have been heavier, more stuff would have been a distraction especially with the need to keep re-ordering and re-packing too many things.  Instead we we no longer trapped by our stuff and had so much freedom to move

 

 to enjoy where we are.  Wherever we went, from Refuge to Refuge, mountain top to snow fields to gentle streams , we’d gently set down our backpacks in a safe sheltered spot and absorb the beauty and respite along the route.  The bag was inconsequential.   The place, however, was stunning and received our full attention. We were thankful for Seeing and Being. Simple as that.  

 

Wherever we are, whatever the circumstances, what’s needed most everyday is a Welcoming Attitude.  Bring on the Good and the Challenges. Let our senses rejoice. Notice our thoughts and feelings and direct them toward serving the circumstances. A Welcoming attitude is the only essential.  

 

Grateful for the opportunity to travel and see the world. Grateful that the sun has risen. Grateful for fresh air.  Grateful even for the bad tasting instant coffee.  Grateful for health and the chance to be a productive citizen.