![](https://08be47.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-300x188.jpg)
The Trouble with excess in crisis (COVID-19)
![](https://08be47.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-300x188.jpg)
Finally we have made the big step toward an Eco-friendly world right here in New York by banning plastic disposable shopping bags. This is long overdue. Hopefully this is just the first in many changes toward a better earth, to come.
This wonderful culture change goes hand in hand with a minimal existence. Less waste, less clutter, re-using, retaining only that which adds value. In the end “minimal” and “environmentally friendly” are the same thing.
But with that being said, I see as I go shopping that there are many people that still have a difficult time adjusting to this bag-less change.
I am at the self checkout at the local market and I see most people PAYING for a paper bag to load their groceries in. When I see this I just lower my head swinging it back and forth. This is just replacing one waste for another, and unfortunately stores are forced to supply these paper bags to make up for negligence and ignorance.
C’mon people, it’s time to build the habit of bringing your own reusable bags. Most grocery stores sell ones right there at the registers; pretty ones. These ones are fine and dandy, and very sturdy. Buuuuuut they are a bit bulky for my taste. I prefer something that I can store in an easy to “grab and go” place; something minimal (of course). It is for this reason that I use Timomo reusable grocery bags, or “pocket bags” as I like to call them. When not in use they fold up into a pouch the size of your palm and can be stored literally in your back pocket. These bags, and others like them can be found online, and at most variety retail stores (Target, Wal-Mart n such).
But whatever we prefer, go with it. This is hardly the difficult part of this whole change. The difficult part is building the habit of USING the bag.
For this reason, I wish to bestow some tips/tricks that will make establishing these habits smoother:
No one said establishing good habits was easy, but as long as we establish a pattern, stick to it, and never let ourselves take the easy path, we will get into the rhythm in no time.
Without doubt the most difficult ongoing task in the journey of living a life of intention, is that of clearing the mind of negative thoughts and emotions. These things clutter the mind, robbing us of peace and focus. I myself frequently struggle with this, as this is has no destination, it’s just an ongoing journey. This is something we cannot “beat ourselves up” over, because it is human nature to dwell on the negative.
There are however some common practices we can implement in our lives to help us on this journey:
Is what we have to say …
Before a single conversation point is spoken, it must match this criteria.
I am always seeking new tools to assist in journey of mental stability/peace. I have found many. Most are too much of a time commitment for what they offer, and others haven’t worked to well at all (not for me anyway). These tolls above however, have been invaluable, and the results are immediate.