Too Much

It is cooling down and we are entering another cycle but the weather has been weird. Instead of being fully into the fall with consistent cool weather, the temperatures keep bopping around from cool to warm and hot and then quite comfortable. This weekend past, was comfortable and an invitation to deal with the fact of having too much.

A rummage sale allows people to "rummage" and usually they are set up when you realize, "Hey, I have too much." We just had too much stuff' and too little time to exercise the capacity to actually share and/or clear. It wasn't about selling as much as it was about opening ourselves up to a time when friends could come by and see if they could find their next treasure.

For fun, there were "surprise" boxes sold at $2 and $5 dollars – these are sealed boxes with a collection of whatever was at hand to put into a small box that came from Tokyo Central Market - butter chip boxes were the perfect size and solid. One little girl and mom were heading to the beach and took an early look. She asked bout the boxes and the mom said that on the way home they might stop and she could pick one. Another couple came in a big truck and for $14, (not $20 or $15 which would not require a dollar change), they got an electric bug zapper, a small box full of earrings, a t-shirt, a wallet, a purse, and a box full of misscelleneas penny and nickel things like hand cream, back scratcher, candle, fan, small colorful hooks, and more. Not a bad "deal" and sort of curious as a "transaction" because it was the engagementa and negotiating that seemed to be of primary interest. Everyone parted happy.

Then, a man came along who looked like he really needed the $1 felt hat that was in a box full of hats. I was curious about this 70-something old Caucasian guy who, it turned out is a very substantial real estate person just taking a walk that morning and follow his curiosity. When I commented on the various hats in the box, he said, "Yes I see - I have eyes too!" - was that an insult? But it turned out he was one of those guys who makes wise-cracks and was actually a very warm and engaging personality. We talked about the cost of housing, the dip in the real estate market, and how a young couple needs to set their budget and then push a little beyond becuase the purchase would be one that they would not regret. Homes in southern California tend to appreciate. It was fun exchange and it happened right in my own front yard.

The day went on with a break for lunch and more people. That's another thing - rummage sales bring people - friends and possible new friends. Raising the funds for GoCompassion was a good motivator but in the doing - there was so much more.

Later, friends came and while the day was winding down, I realized that the GoCompassion team actually made more than $1500, cleared the things that were too much in our life, helped siblings and a neighbor share their items as part of the sale, and brought the day to a very fun end with a night walk at the beach and a fine dinner in town.

The little girl who was on her way to the beach earlier in the day, didn't have cash and promised to come back with her $2. She came just as we were sitting down before breaking down what was left. "Here's your money.", she said. And I replied, "Thank you - I knew you would come by. And what was in your box?" She reported with a smile, "I got a mug, a glass butter dish, a blue pot holder, dish towels, and..." (I thought to myself that she really enjoyed the discovery and mom would enjoy the "stuff'").

I'm finishing a book about the magic of intentionality. When you acquire too much, it becomes a burden - both in terms of material space and in terms of complexity of relationships (all the advisors, "friends", privileges that come with lots of money). But all too often, people report that having a lot of money also comes with emptiness, insecurity, and confusion. From what I have witnessed over years, it seems that the more we share and the more generosity we manifest, the more we gain - both material and non-material. My little rummage sale confirmed this. And it was fun!

It was a good way to spend a 24 hour cycle in life.