Today is my 33rd birthday and you had better believe I am celebrating. In years past, I asked my yoga students and friends to help me celebrate by making donations to support water projects for charity:water or even to join me for 24 and 48 hour meditation marathons. This year things are a little different...
Six weeks ago, Audrey was born and there simply hasn't been time or mental bandwidth to prepare a birthday fundraiser. Instead, Steve and I donated half of our worldly possessions as we transition to a much simpler way of living. I have blogged about this before but the criteria for purging our excess stuff was simple. If it wasn't actively useful or we wouldn't pay to have it shipped if we moved far away, it went into the donate pile.
When I was a kid most of my wardrobe and many of my toys consisted of hand-me-downs from other families so it brings me joy to pass along things I no longer need or love to someone who will appreciate it. It feels wonderful to be helpful to another even in small ways.
My birthday wish is for you to feel good and do some good too.
Although you can certainly donate money to a cause or charity you believe in, consider also giving your old couch to a local furniture bank for people who are transitioning from being homeless. Before you cart perfectly good chairs off to the curb for garbage day, reach out to a local shelter for women and children who need a safe space and see if they can use it.
For my birthday this year, I would love to hear how you put your "good but no longer loved" stuff to use by sharing it with people who can love it again. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
AND as a show of my love for you and the Aquin Yoga tribe, I am offering 33% off of two of my most popular offerings (it is after all Cyber Monday) until Dec 6.
For yoga teachers: 33% off The A-Z of Being a Successful Yoga Teacher book
Use the code: BIRTHDAY on checkout to activate the discount
For yogis of all levels: 33% off The Yin Yang: Build Your Home Practice video course
Photo Credit: Birthday Cake by Jessica Diamond
