Junk

America is a nation of junk. Junk food, junk cars, junk condos. The American dream, for many, is based on the acquisition of junk. Big TVs, trendy gadgets and conformist sports-fan apparel. 

As I clean out an all-American house after my mother's death, I am dumbstruck often by the amount of accumulated junk that resides in every corner. Decades of junk trends are represented. Three aluminum pressure cookers, five stainless coffee percolators, collections of Corning ware large enough to stock several  homeless shelter kitchens. More is what many Americans see as prosperity. 

What is the cost of all this junk to the environment and to personal health? The cost is huge. The carbon footprint of one hamburger is well reported. The carbon footprints of useless appliances and gadgets are walking us to environmental disaster. The anxiety and stress of people who are driven to live up to the American Dream of Junk pollutes the daily environment of our workplaces and homes. 

So much of growing up is letting go. Letting go of junk and its pursuit are essential parts of discovering oneself. Getting junk and having junk are distractions from the harsh reality of an unpleasant inner life in many. cases. As part of my daily practice I look hard at my environment and try to keep it junk-free, just as I try to keep my mind junk-free. One process aids the other.