Aloha Everyone,
J.J. and I are now entering into month 14 of living in Honu. Our friends ask us what is it really like to live in a small space, less than an average size studio in the United States and to be constantly in each other's company.
Here is the truth about living in Honu.
Truth Number One: It helps that J.J. and I are best friends, and being best friends means that we understand each other. We know when to talk, when to keep silent, when to joke around and when to mind our own business. We truly enjoy each other's company, but we also respect each other's emotional space.
Truth Number Two: Accept uncertainty. Just less than 10 days ago, J.J. and I were driving the areas of Oklahoma and Texas that have since been traumatized by severe weather -- heavy rains, tornadoes and flooding. While we cannot always be prepared for what lies ahead, we are prepared for uncertainty. This means uncertainty in weather, road conditions as well as possible social unrest.
Truth Number Three: Be Mindful. Whether we are on the road or deciding our place to spend the night, J.J. and I are always mindful. We research ahead to see if there are things we should be aware of which could impact our personal safety and enjoyment.
Truth Number Four: Maintain flexibility. Our schedules are flexible. J.J. and I have a general idea as to which direction we would be traveling. However countless times, our schedules have changed based on the weather, on news reports or just because we looked towards the East and it looked more inviting than towards the West. When asked, we tell our fellow travelers, "We go where trade winds take us."
Truth Number Five: Maintain simplicity. Simplifying our life style is one of the keys to our happiness. With exceptions to items we are keeping in a 5' x 5' locker in Hawaii and a suitcase where we have our formal clothes, J.J. and I carry all our personal belongings with us. Honu is truly like a turtle that carry our home and all the things we need.
Truth Number Six: Staying in touch with family and friends. This is one of the important aspects of being happy. We don't need material possessions. We have escaped from consumerism. We don't need bigger space to live, faster cars, latest fashion clothes, or state-of-the-art technology. What we cherish is our family and old friends. New friends we make along the way share similar ideas and aspiration about living uncomplicated, uncluttered, simple life.
Truth Number Seven: With our new found life-style, we have less stress, more energy, more time and more joy and contentment.
"The richest man is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least". - Anonymous Buddhist Quote
Aloha -- Cathi