How Much Do I Need?

Of things, of companionship, of connection, of love?

I love beautiful things but have always been willing to open my hands and let them go.

In less-centered moments, I have let companionship, connection -- even love -- go too. But I've learned my lesson on that one.

Beautiful things make my life pleasant. Companionship, connection and love keep me alive.

To stay in this life, you need to be a part of it ... to interact with other beings. Caring for and being cared for. You need to be touched, you need to touch -- you need to matter to someone else.

And it's a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Love comes and stays, even when it's inconvenient, or isn't what you'd envisioned, or causes you heartache.

There is so little beside it that means anything.

In my five years outside the grid, I learned so much about what was meaningful to me. And it turned out not to be jewelry or cars or clothes or ...

I am unreasonably happy with what I have right now. People I love, who love me.

I hope I can keep hold of this sense of peace when I'm back in the middle of everything telling you you're supposed to want more.