I'm selling my KitchenAid mixer. I haven't used it more than a few times since I moved to Boulder. And it's silly to keep something I've had for 11 years that I've used less than a few dozen times in that whole span. I'm feeling pangs of regret at the thought of selling it to a coworker, as visions of all of the tasty things I could make with it are dancing through my mind.
However, it'd be quite a different matter to part with my Cuisinart. Or my set of mixing bowls. I'm trying to downsize the things I don't use often, in advance of ...well, hoping to take up less space in the future, and with the vision of moving again someday (just not for another year).
Next on the downsizing list: stoneware. Do I really need that mini-loaf pan?
When I pledged myself to free from their affliction
Beings who abide in every region
Stretching to the limits of the sky
I myself was subject to the same afflictions.
Thus I did not have the measure of my strength–
To speak like this was clear insanity.
More reason, then, for never drawing back,
Abandoning the fight against defiled confusion.
...When he says that taking the bodhisattva vow was clear insanity, he's not expressing feelings of despondency or inadequacy. He's saying it as an incidentive to get busy, to do whatever it takes to live his life as attentively and wakefully as possible. Instead of indulging in guilt and other variations on the theme of failure, he spurs himself on.
...
Every courages gesure we make, whether or not we think it's successful, definitely imprints our mind in a positive way. The slightest willingness to interrupt our old habits predisposes us to greater bravery, greater strength, and greater empathy for others. No matter how trapped we feel, we can always be of benefit. How? By interrupting our defeatist story lines and working intelligently with our kleshas.
I'm rewarding myself for diligent study by making no-knead bread. I might bake it some time tomorrow, but probably not until Wednesday. If it turns out, I'll try no-knead challah on Thursday (to bake on Friday).
2/5 Update: I baked it tonight, and it really does crackle as it cools.
