The Values of Tiny Living

There is a growing movement going around that has been labeled tiny Living. While some consider it a passing trend, I would disagree. The research I've done and interviews I've watched of people who have ventured into this movement have shown me that it is stronger than a trend; it's a life style change, a change of mind and a change of heart. A shifting of attitude from the false belief that things will make you happy and content, to the perspective of letting go; holding onto memories and possessions that bring practical or emotional satisfaction not monetary value.

From the bit that I have dabbled in I have to say it is immensely satisfying. As a natural born collector I have a way of becoming attached to things quickly, whether they are necessary or not. The minimalist mindset has helped me to cut down on my amount of consumer waste, as well as put value to the things I really need or love. One result of this way of thinking for me has been a thinned out wardrobe, as well as cutting down on my clutter of useless doo-dads. As a newcomer and explorer to this way of living I have compiled seven things to think about when downsizing, or attempting to "live small".

1: "Tiny" is relative: There is a basic standard for a small or large space, however that standard is subjective. Downsizing can be cleaning out your garage, or selling off extra pieces of furniture. It doesn't have to be moving to a small house.

2: You don't have to get rid of everything: Part of the tiny living mindset is living purposefully, if you love your glass figurine collection more than anything and it makes you happy, keep it, just be aware of what you really value.

3: Sentimental vs practical: This has got to be the toughest one for me. Keeping things purely for sentimental reasons will leave you in a pile of useless stuff. If it doesn't have real emotional or practical value, it doesn't need to be there.

4:Breathing Room: Take the plunge, get started on something. Once you start getting rid of things you'll be able to appreciate the breathing room it leaves.

5:Be realistic: Don't try to squeeze yourself into a smaller space than you'll be happy with. At the same time give your self some credit, you may find you'll adapt quickly once your living in a small space. Balance your lifestyle with your space, but remember, the bigger space you have, the more stuff you'll find to fill it.

6: Cost: Going small can be a huge relief on the wallet. Many people have built their own tinny homes with only a few thousands dollars. While others have opted for buying a tiny home already built. Regardless of your preference, these homes are far more realistic than a regular house to pay off and own outright for the future.

7: Connecting with like minded people: The tiny living movement has grown into a national community. Going small will bring you into contact with other people who live by similar values. Connecting with others who have been or are going through a situation similar to yours can be a huge motivation for downsizing yourself.

The beauty of the Tiny Living movement is that it can be as big a change in lifestyle or as small a change as you want it to be. Downsizing can mean going through all your closets every year and preventing them from overflowing with useless things. Or it can mean selling your house and buying a tiny home, its up to you.


Enigma

Already Christmas?

I really cant believe its already December. It feels like yesterday I was psyching myself up for Thanksgiving. I'm blessed to eat apple pie twice in two months.
But besides the food, the looming arrival of Christmas got me thinking. As someone who doesn't personally celebrate Christmas, watching my friends and family panic about getting enough gifts, baking and travel; well it got me wanting to put out a reminder to enjoy the holidays. Instead of frantically buying gifts and stuffing stockings, remember to just be. Spend time with your family, laugh, focus on relaxing. Maybe even pass up gifts all together and plan a trip somewhere. Collect memories, not stuff. Sometimes the two go hand and hand, but keep it balanced. Take pictures, this year will only happen once. I doubt you will regret laughing with your loved ones, however I'm sure at least some of you have regretted gifts you've bought, or the debt that often comes with them.

Christmas is significant to many people and families, and I think its wonderful to celebrate what you believe, however its important to remember what the purpose of your celebration is. In recent times Christmas has become more commercial, revolving around buying gifts, gifts, and more gifts. While the spur to give in December is a beautiful thing, if the gift is bought because of obligation, its hardly a gifts at all. In so many things, less is more. Expressing appreciation and love is an invaluable gift, and one  that doesn't have to be given just for Christmas.

So take a minute to think this Christmas before rushing in for all the "great deals". Remember that time and love have more value than any gift.

Enigma

Equine Affair

Every year in November a huge horse exposition is held in Massachusetts. And for the past seven years I have attended. This year as tradition I spent two days at the Equine Affair, and it was incredibly memorable.
 I have been a horse lover since I was six,  their ability to speak without words and their strong sense of freedom captured me, and never let go. Growing up I was blessed to be able to interact with horses from various places, even taking lessons for a few years. My passion has not wavered and I attend the Equine Affair every year as a strong horse enthusiast.




Equine Affair is the largest horse related trade fair in North America, it holds hundreds of demonstrations and clinics, in every discipline you can imagine; dressage, western, jumping, driving, and beyond. The show horses seen in these demos and their farm representatives are stalled in barns open for the public to walk through and greet.
Besides the horses themselves, there are also three massive buildings full of vendors selling every horse related product and more. Tack, brushes, saddles, clothes, toys, barns, and chocolate just scratches the surface. The shopping alone easily eats up the first day of my two day stay.
Once the heavy shopping is out of the way, I head for the breed pavilion. This barn has a stall for top horse breeds and obscure ones as well. Dozens of horses laid out in rows of stalls, with information and resources about each breed. You can visit with the horses and talk to the people passionate about their breed. Its truly a horse lovers dream.

Horses from the Breed Pavilion

                  




Sprinkled throughout the day I attend numerous clinics hosted by various trainers or experienced horsemen and women. This broad group of horse people come together at Equine Affair and  share their techniques and philosophy. My personal interest is natural horsemanship. I managed to find a few demos that piqued my interest this year, they were very informative and fascinating to watch.

On Saturday I attended the Beyond the Stick clinic hosted by Sylvia Zerbini. Sylvia Zerbini is a liberty horse trainer who came from Europe. Her work has awed thousands, with her ability to herd up to sixteen horses free at liberty; twelve of them stallions.
On Sunday I attended the Be the Horse You Want to See clinic hosted by Chris Irwin. His work with a young foal was fascinating to observe as he used simple body language with the horse to ask for space and movement. It was truly an awing experience!


To top the night off Equine Affair hosts a spectacular show, the Fantasia. The Fantasia show is a collection of extraordinary horse performances, from liberty work, to comedy skits, packed into one place. Held in a collision, hoards of people fill the stands humming with excitement. It is an unexplainable experience. The show ends at 10:oo pm, then the crowd surges out, some heading home, others heading to local hotels.
 In past years I've spent the night in a hotel and resume my agenda the next day. However this year I had the ability to stay over on the grounds in a camper van. This allowed me to take advantage of the whole fair day on Sunday, while also avoiding entering the gates a second time.

By Sunday afternoon the fair grounds are quietening down. The crowds wane and by late afternoon I head home. The ride back always feels long, but full of fun and contentment.

Enigma



For those interested in next years Equine Affair:

http://equineaffaire.com/

https://www.facebook.com/equineaffaire/

Information on Sylvia Zerbini:

http://sylviazerbini.com/