Subtraction

Yesterday I was reminded of the following gem from Matt Haig, The Comfort Book. Thank you, Jen! It is so timely because Willa and I are taking time each day to sort through her over abundance of toys, seeking to not only cull the ones she has outgrown, are broken, missing parts, etc. but to also size down considerably in an effort to create the necessary space so she can actually play with the ones she values most. Like buried treasures, we are unearthing so many long lost loves of hers, all through the art of subtraction rather than continuing to add, add, add, more, More, MORE!

The Art of Subtraction

It feels exactly like Matt Haig says. And she is old enough to define and articulate what she values most, making decisions on what to keep and what to say good-bye to rather than trying to hoard everything. This is huge for just-shy-of-6-years-old. I am certain this is easier because we have had the 10 out 1 in rule for a long time now. I think most adults have a hard time with this so I’m happy to see her learning this now.

Breath

Space feels like breath. Not simply empty space that sits there, but space that can now be used to play in. Space to create, imagine, move, think, breathe. Like a clean desk. Subtraction creates space to breathe.

Analog Play

I mentioned recently that we are doing an Experience Experiment with her. Part of this is analog play at home. Beyond simply pulling the plug on electronics, it goes further. More books and art and imaginative play and less prepackaged play sets, games, things with boundaries. Less restriction. More open space for fort building. Subtraction to create more in a space where more is definitely too much.

Mental Subtraction Exercises

Greater Good In Action has two exercises that go beyond the physical art of subtraction, deepening the value even further. After trying these, see if you feel a new sense of appreciation and vision for what and who matters most in life.

Mental Subtraction of Positive Events – How to appreciate what you have by imagining your life without it.

Mental Subtraction of Relationships – How to appreciate a loved one by imagining your life without them.

Do you feel like you really only need a very few things now? Do you feel more connected to what matters most? Do you feel the power of subtraction?

As Matt Haig says, “what we lose in breadth we gain in depth.”

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