This comic by Kate Beaton perfectly captures the resignation I often feel towards work, simplicity/consumerism, and ascetic spirituality. Following the link gets you to a long page of unlinked comics–find in page for “Hiked to Italy” for the complete comic.
4 responses so far ↓
1 xJane // Aug 1, 2008 at 9:08 am
heh. I feel you. When we moved, we revamped our bedroom so it’s just a bed, clothes, and my meditation chair. It’s such an awesome oasis away from the material possessions I can’t get rid of (the 360, Xbox, TiVo, computers, &c.). And while I love the time I spend in there, yogaing (it’s the only place I have room to), meditating, or …erm…sleeping, I still can’t get rid of all the sh*t that fills the other rooms.
Also? Love Beaton’s comics. Invincible Army is my current fav.
2 Lessie // Aug 1, 2008 at 9:35 am
Love it! And yeah, xJane, I hear you about the sh*t. It’s everywhere. Back in the day, when I lived in the sticks and had to pick up rocks out in the pasture, I swore the rocks could breed. Now that I’m trying to keep up a house, I swear paper and dirty clothes breed.
3 xJane // Aug 1, 2008 at 1:04 pm
hehe, clean clothes, too…I just ran across a shirt I *do* remember buying but haven’t seen since it’s first wash about 6 months ago…if I haven’t thought of it since then, do I really need it?
(stupid question, of course I do!)
4 wren // Aug 2, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Gloat alert…
Purging is one area where I excel. When I moved everything I owned fit in my car and my parents’ minivan. All my clothes fit inside of 2 suitcases. With the exception of a bed, all my furniture was picked up from thrift stores, bought used, or from the free area in my bldg lobby.
End Gloating
Sadly, I date a hoarder. One of life’s little ironies. Sigh
Possessions aside, I struggle with stuff with thoughts about having a less lucrative but more conscious job. I feel good about some changes. I moved to the state that has more co-ops per capita than any other and I’m a member of one which I walk to. Then again, in the winter I drove. I want to be a responsible citizen but I don’t adjust my comfort bar too as much as I think I could.
Have you ever read the novel, “How to be Good” by Nick Hornby? I read it a few years ago and it made me laugh because I could relate to some of it.
This morning I listed to the latest “Speaking of Faith” podcast, The Business of Doing Good. I think you’d find it interesting.
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