I am totally charmed by the “tiny house” movement. I began to investigate those sweet, compact spaces last week, when I stumbled onto a FB post, which included a video from Tiny Texas Houses. I was so captured by the idea of living with less and building an affordable, portable home on wheels. Could I do this? Do I really want to, and why?
There is something very desirable about shedding all the “stuff” I’ve accumulated, although, as a visual artist, I would always need a space to create, and this would not be easy to do in a tiny space - less than 400 square feet. But my living space, with 3 dogs, really does not need to be any larger than a place to sit, eat and sleep... not to forget a small bathroom.
I started to do an inventory in my head one night while lying in bed. What could I actually part with, and what would I absolutely have to keep? This was harder than I thought it would be, as I have stockpiled a great amount of collectables/art, which unfortunately tends to give my home a “gift shop” look - there is just so much! Not to mention all of my art. And, how do I part with family heirlooms? I came up with the idea that it was time to pass some of these off to my grown sons... that should work, right?
I started to do an inventory in my head one night while lying in bed. What could I actually part with, and what would I absolutely have to keep? This was harder than I thought it would be, as I have stockpiled a great amount of collectables/art, which unfortunately tends to give my home a “gift shop” look - there is just so much! Not to mention all of my art. And, how do I part with family heirlooms? I came up with the idea that it was time to pass some of these off to my grown sons... that should work, right?
Well, there is no immediate need to part with anything, but something tells me I should start some sort of cleaning out now... maybe put aside a pile or box of things that I can donate each week. I think when we possess so many things, it tends to weigh us down. You end up with a home that is simply there to house your stuff. If you have ever watched George Carlin do his comedy routine on this, it totally sums it up. It truly is an unnecessary expense, paying for a larger home. It can be a real burden... just the energy alone to cool it in the summer, in my area of the world, is enough to convince me.
I am very attracted to the idea of living with less, but kind of afraid of it, too. I think it has something to do with how we (our ego) self identifies... how we “see” ourselves, as if the material things we possess are who we are! Instead of it really being who we are, it is more like “confining” or “restraining” who we are. Oh, I believe it is okay to have some things. I like books, although I have found a way to read lately that does not really require so many paper volumes on a shelf in another room. My nook works well, except for some books that rely heavily on the visual effect.
Something tells me that when I do let go, it will be like that scene in the movie ‘Contact’ with Jodi Foster as the main character who is traveling through a wormhole in space. She was fastened to a seat, which shook violently - her body being ravaged, until she finally released herself from the chair, only to float softly about the space/time capsule, safely arriving to her unknown destiny. I feel that “letting go” will have a similar effect for me. Why hold on to something when you can freely move without its heaviness pulling you down?
This would simplify life. And, then there is the beauty of focusing on the world outside of what we own - our primal connection with Nature. This would be my inspiration - my church.
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter. ~ Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
This would simplify life. And, then there is the beauty of focusing on the world outside of what we own - our primal connection with Nature. This would be my inspiration - my church.
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter. ~ Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
Here is a video that shows a family adjusting to their tiny home... just sweet.
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