The GROE Movement ( Getting Rid Of Excess )

A number of things about the GROE movement – that's G-R-O-E, Getting Rid of Excess – appeal to me and I've become a participant.

I like the basic idea that we have a comfort level of 'stuff' and when we achieve that our lives improve considerably. Sort of like our optimum weight but this has more to do with the psyche. Surrounded by too much 'stuff' we can feel heavy, weighted, burdened.

I like easing the habit of acquisition of 'stuff' by having something go out of the house if and when we bring something in. Even more I am enjoying the adventure of getting rid of one thing every day.

I like the method behind this supposed madness. It requires that I really take a look at my belongings, assess them. What do I really need? What do I really want? At first this makes it very easy to get rid of that one thing a day. After a week already I felt 'lighter', less possessed by my possessions. After a month I had the epiphany of just how freeing simplifying can be. And how scary!

The feeling that I should get rid of this – but – I didn't want to! I was really attached to that jumper I made, oh, lord, was it really twenty years ago. It's linen, for heavens sake. And it's worn quite well. But there are holes. There are stains. Okay, the holes don't really show and I've painted flowers over the stains and the uneven fading only bothers me when I hang in on the line after washing it. Finally I came to the realization that I was not ready to give it up and put it cheerfully back into the closet. GROE is meant to be a liberation not a punishment

.I like how a vacuum is created once I have gotten rid of 'stuff'. And somehow, this vacuum having been created from thoughtful culling of items, there is thoughtful filling of that vacuum. 'Stuff' seems to turn into 'things' and the only difference seems to be that things have meaning, stuff is anonymous. You enjoy things. You trip over stuff.

I like how Getting Rid of Excess fosters community. My 'stuff' may be 'things' to other people and whether I put items out in a GROE box by the sidewalk for passersby (my neighbours) or donate to thrift stores I am satisfied that these items are being offered back into the flow, taking part in the energy river of life.

I like how I feel when I come out of a store and have not bought a thing – not because I couldn't or thought I shouldn't – no, but because there wasn't anything there at that time that suited my particular need or want. Maybe the satisfaction is having come to the awareness of my needs and wants! Grow on GROE!