Packing light as a metaphor for sustainable living

I’m sitting in my lovely quiet hotel room in Bloomsbury, one of my favourite parts of London.

I’m on an impromptu visit to see some friends and soak up a little of the city’s energy and vitality. Hopefully I’ll come home inspired and not too tired!

Packing light

I’ve packed light for my trip. Just one small bag. Just like setting limits on our creative endeavours by deciding on time limits or just picking one thing to do each day, have a small bag in which to pack everything I want to have with me has focused my mind on what is really important to me.

Not being afraid to experiment

I haven’t got things quite right this time. I decided to leave out a sketchbook and pen because I packed my iPad and have been missing paper and ink. I packed a jacket thinking it would be colder than it has been, but no shorts. Another time I might pack things that I can easily wash and dry over night and less other things. Oh, and I forgot to pack a book (though I have been reading happily on my iPad).

Mostly though I have done well, and it has been so much easier not have a large bad to carry around. Getting things better is just about fine tuning. Practicing, trying something a little different next time. That’s just the same as we should be doing with our creative lives. Work with the principles of focus and limits, but not being too rigid with them. Thing of them a little like a bag that we pop things in and take things out. Experimenting, seeing what we miss and what we don’t need, and then trying a little differently next time if need be.

Time for tea and cake

I’m off with my lightly packed bag to meet some friends here for tea and cake. Have a lovely day.

I shall be chatting more about my trip to London in the members-only podcast, One Thing Today. If you think you might like to become a member of Sustainably Creative you can find out more here.