It's Not How Much You Have...

I believe at one point we have all heard this expression in some way or another: It is not how much you have but what you do with it that counts.

As time has gone by this expression unfortunately comes to life in a more negative view, especially in modern day society. It seems that at one point, probably in the early eighties, something in our collective psyche changed. Our relationship to money and modern comforts began to over take values such as integrity; honesty, simplicity… and we have not gotten these qualities back.

TV shows, movies, music, fashion glorify excess. More is more (the only one I absolve from this is interior & film designer, Tony Duquette, God rest his soul).

What is extraordinary however is that when we come across someone who really knows how to live, many times their life is filled with simplicity. With the quiet elegance of enough, not more. Everything they have, their home, their food, their books, how they arrange flowers, their persona all read quiet contemplation, deliberation. If you want to be inspired for 48 minutes watch the "Chef's Table with Jeong Kwan."

Maybe having enormous financial wealth is not the mark of living a successful life… Maybe working in a job we love, studying with passion, cooking with gusto, walking with no particular destination, taking care of our bodies, helping others, sharing our knowledge, dressing elegantly, and of course, setting intentions might just be the real measure of success.

One of my resolutions for 2017 is precisely this, make magic with what I already have… no credit card required. Part of this for me is sharing BuDhaGirl with all of you, hoping that the simplicity of ritual will make your life richer where it really counts.

www.budhagirl.com