Tokens (and our gratitude)

I lean towards simplicity and minimalism in most of my life. I pack very light, and have no real truck with material possessions (no jewellery, watch, fancy clothes, gadgets, etc). This is not a virtue signal, act of sacrifice or attempt at piety - its just how I am more comfortable being. I feel liberated by the elegance that living a simple life affords. 

I think I would also have counted myself a token-skeptic a few years ago. Linked with accepting the impermanence of material possessions, I didn't understand the sentimentality that people project onto small objects and need to carry around with them. People will often use tokens in meditation, and as someone who has practiced meditation for over 20 years, I felt like it was an unnecessary crutch (and more stuff to carry around). 

I realised about a year ago I was wrong about the token thing. Neha (my sister) probably prompted the change (and others no doubt helped change my mind) - she sent me some books on different breathwork and meditation practices and many mentioned the utility of a small object, so I thought about experimenting on it and keeping a small meditation stone with me. I kept it in the pocket of my coat that I commute to work in. Using it as a literal touchstone on a regular basis has helped me be able to mentally transport myself towards mindfulness and presence. This is often a handy escape from the commuter rail or realising I need to take a break from obsessing on a particular issue or interaction. 

And so - even if it means we carry a few more things with us - I am so deeply grateful for the "tokens" and gifts that we were given by so many people before we travelled. During our first month on the road I have found so much joy in seeing them: the key chains on our bags; a (ridiculous) novelty headtorch; home-made (awesome) games for our long journeys; personalised snack-boxes; journaling books; and even some hand sanitiser. And many more besides. You know who you are, and please know that your support and blessings are so precious to us. They make us smile. They remind us we are not alone. They bring us home when we need it the most. Thank you.