What is your object of desire? What do wish you had that would make things so much better for you? More importantly, what do you already possess that you can learn to appreciate more?

Moving is always a good time for reevaluating your possessions. Do you really need #$@&%*! pairs of shoes? And, is it worth packing and unpacking all of those dishes and glasses and coffee mugs?

Recently, I have made such a move. And, although we have more space for working at home and housing visitors, I am reluctant to fill it up with all of the stuff we had in our last home. I love a cleaner, more peaceful space.

I have always been true to the motto, “when you bring a new thing in, something else goes out” (books are my one exception). When I have less stuff, I tend to value what I have more. I will admit, as an interior designer, it is difficult not to covet all the new furniture and finishes I see on Instagram, Pinterest and HGTV. In general, however, I don’t replenish my purchases often. I am great at recycling my furniture pieces and try to buy higher quality goods that will last over time.

But, this move I would like to take things a step further by pledging that, if I do need to buy, I will only buy items that are consigned, flea-marketed or thrift store finds. This usually means that I will have to revitalize or revamp the pieces I bring home but, with enough time to do it, I love repairing and repainting.

So, what does all of this have to do with yoga? This week’s challenge was to practice gratefulness in tribute to the third yama, asteya or non-stealing. To be happy with what you have and not to want too many material possessions or “steal” resources or objects. I don’t mean steal in the literal sense of the word. Covet is a better interpretation for this yama. When we covet, we yearn to possess or control something or someone. In French, there is a word called cupidity which also describes this need or desire.

So, I’m doing the Marie Kondo thing this week and reevaluating my possessions. What sparks joy for me? And, if I don’t value or find gratitude for my items, I vow to contribute or give them to others in order to foster goodwill.

Literally, I will be donating the items to Goodwill.

Shanti!

As promised, I am now using this blog to supplement my new book, Yoga Posts: Building a Steady Yoga Practice One Day at a Time. This week’s post refers back to Chapter #10: Take Nothing for Granted. If you wish to start at the beginning of our journey, please look to my first post.