I took a bit of a sabbatical from the podcasting world to focus on other ventures and am so excited to be back here with you.

I just poured a cup of coffee and if coffee is your thing, grab your cup and join me.

It’s summer time and just before recording this session, I listened to the New York morning orchestra: traffic hummed in the distance while birds and crickets sang in harmony.

Simple everyday things that add spark into my life.

To my right, however, I see yet another garbage bag full of stuff. Stuff that no longer gives me spark.

Since flying back from San Diego, I’ve filled my car with more garbage bags and boxes than I knew was possible. Books, clothes, paintings, cups, plates, bikes — these are just a few of the items I’ve said good-bye to.

Why?

For starters, it’s because I’ve lived out of a suitcase for four weeks while house sitting in San Diego and realize just how little I actually need in my life.

Second,It comes down to one simple question: Does this add spark to my life?

In her bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, author Marie Kondo asks us this question and it’s amazing to me just how often I’ve said “No” when asking myself it.

And now, I challenge you to ask the same question: What adds spark to your life?

Try this,

Spend just 30 minutes going through your possessions and ask yourself if they add spark in your life. Consider, as well, your relationship and daily habits. If they don’t, consider donating them to a local charity, recycle them, or if need be, make their new home the garbage can.

Consider this: we live in a tremendous world of abundance. Just the mere fact that you are reading this on a computer or a smartphone is extraordinary when just a generation ago only Star Trek could fathom such technological gadgets.

Food, clothes, housing space, cars, gadgets — these are just a few of the many items we collect over the years.

And it’s so hard to let go of these items. Why? Because of emotional attachment.

For instance, one item I couldn’t let go of is my old 35mm camera. Full of dust, my Minolta hasn’t been used since the darkroom in college. But I just couldn’t give it up….yet. It holds so much sentimental value in my life. This camera and the photography classes I took literally opened my eyes to see the world through a new frame. It helped me tilt the way I look at things.

But does it add spark to my life? No, not anymore. So, yes, it will be donated to my local high school’s film class for a starry-eyed teen to utilize.

What mostly adds spark to our lives? For me, it turns out it’s the simple things like this hammock I now sit in, my “Be Good to People” mug gifted by Tim McDonald, and the people I hold close to my heart.

What about you? What adds spark to your life?

It’s amazing how much we can declutter with this one simple question.

When I sit down to write, podcast, or create a lesson plan, my intention is to add spark to the lives of those whom my work reaches.

I’m proud to say that in the past couple of weeks, it appears that the meditations I created have added spark to many lives around the world. In these few days, over thousands of people have started their morning listening to one of the meditations. Want to tune into them? You can listen to them for free on Insight Timer or download them at yourlop.com

Ladies and gents, that does it for episode 1 of season two. I’m so happy to be back and appreciate you for listening and sharing a part of your day with me.

 

If ever you wish to say hello or ask me a question, just send me an email at [email protected].