We all need a place to go to and break away from the stresses of the day, the week, the year. This private space becomes our sanctuary.
I was hanging out in my sancutary the other night. Looking at some items that were as old or older than my grandfather. My Nonno came here from Italy when he was 16 years old in 1922. Hanging in my garage is a portrait photo of him and his brother with their father just before the two boys set off to live in America. He came here with nothing and lived the American Dream.
I was throwing darts, thinking about how good all this cool old stuff makes me feel. There are certain scientific circles which agree that a happy mind makes a happy body. The mind/body continuum comes from somatic psychology originated by Pierre Janet and Sigmund Freud. Also known as Namarupa in Buddhism.
I see it like this: When I am around items that are from my father or grand-father’s era, I feel as though I am part of a much larger world. I am inspired. Ideas roll in and motivation energizes me to action. And, that makes me feel good. When I feel good, I feel stronger and more resilient to the stresses in my life.
Here are the three ways Cool Old Stuff helps me succeed.
Gratitude
This “Cool Old Stuff” makes me grateful for the strong work ethics my patriarchs have taught me. “Good things don’t come easy.” “If it was easy, anyone and everyone would do it.”
Respect
I look at the work they have left us. The craftsmanship and design are deserving of respect. Respect in how I display the items, and respect in the work I do to continue their legacy.
Focus
The items help me to gather my focus and work on what is really important. I am reminded of the “Good Old Days” where there was great collaborations in the United States. Companies collaborated together to get great things done. During WWII manufacturers changed their plants for the war effort, the public learned to be frugal. During the space race companies collaborated their engineers and designs for the common goal.
When I am around these historical items I learn quite a bit about myself, and what we are all capable of, when we work together.