July 2025 Week 5

“The Backpack Theory”
The more you travel, the lighter you pack.
Not guys in your luggage, but in life.
You realize you don’t need much to be happy.
Not the fancy clothes.
Not the latest gadgets.
Not the approval of others.
Just freedom.
A sense of purpose.
And a heart open to adventure.
In the end, its not about how much you carry,
But about how free you are to move.

I have been reading this all month and I love it, but it keeps bringing me to the same realization which is similar to the Calm Crew member’s reflection I shared with you last week. For me if I am to travel lighter at this phase of my life, if I am to live out less is more it keeps going back to my thoughts and the feelings behind my actions. Let’s be honest, many of you know me and you know I love a life full of adventures, activities, family and friends as well as my teaching and coaching. So all of that is in the “more” category. However, the less for me is in less thinking about what I have to do, what I want to do, what I can’t fit in etc. It is less trying to make sure everyone is in their proper place (so I think I know), happy and doing what they want to do. It is less thinking I know! Let me say that again - it is less thinking that I know!!! It is less confusion and chaos in the busy ness and more presence in what is in front of me in the moment. It is less doubt and fearful projections and more joy in the moment and more trust and faith. Once again this months simple intention has taught me an important lesson if I want to live life with more comfort and ease, and that is my goal! That is true wealth and abundance.

Please listen to this months meditation as it goes through the backpack theory, the gratitude for all we have in our backpack and then the possible “lightening” through non attachment, an important part of our yoga Sutra studies to help with our mind.