Walk Lightly in Body and Heart

by Raymund Tamayo

How much do you carry with you every day? It’s not something we often think about, but every little thing we carry adds to our burden. These seemingly small loads can wear us down physically and mentally over time.

A few years ago, I began simplifying what I carry. I examined my daily load, and asked myself: Do I really need this?

Most people load up with wallets stuffed with cards, laptops with all the cords, keys, notebooks, phones, grooming products, and more. It’s a lot! At one time, I carried most of these things, too.

Today, I’ve stripped it down to the essentials: Phone, Keys, and Wallet

Of course, having a day job, I also bring a laptop bag and a backpack to work. But what I have within my body is only three items. By simplifying, I avoid the fatigue of carrying too much. I no longer carry multiple devices or a full wallet, and my minimalist approach has made life much easier.

This didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual process of reducing my needs and evaluating each item. 

Put each item to the test. I asked myself, Do I use this every day? If not, I leave it behind. Things like files stayed on my computer, and unnecessary items never made it into my bag.

There’s a wonderful freedom in walking through the world unburdened. The old adage “Omnia Mea Mecum Porto” — “All that is mine I carry with me” — rings true when you realize you don’t need to carry material things to feel complete. 

By lightening your load, you can focus on what matters, engage with the world more deeply, and create without distractions.

Lightening your load meant walking lightly, both in body and heart.