Dear Jayamohan,
I listened to your talk about the joy of collecting small, seemingly insignificant objects. It resonated with me deeply — it is one of my most cherished ideas.
Throughout my life, one of the greatest sources of happiness I have experienced has been the steady, lifelong accumulation of these tiny treasures. To many people, this habit might appear eccentric or even foolish — a form of mild madness. Yet for me, it has been profoundly meaningful and enriching.
This practice has allowed me to forge a beautiful, intimate relationship with the world around me. It transforms ordinary existence into a subtle, ongoing conversation with life itself — a quiet dialogue filled with wonder and appreciation. Every single day, it has served as a wonderful pathway to connect with the exquisite beauty of the universe in its smallest manifestations.
I have consistently recommended this habit to my students over the years, encouraging them to cultivate it. However, I have noticed that, in general, it is mostly women who naturally engage in this kind of collecting. Men often seem to lack a deep interest in the aesthetic beauty of the world and rarely develop the habit of noticing, cherishing, and preserving it in the form of small, tangible objects. Painters and artists appear to be among the few exceptions — they tend to possess this sensibility, at least to some degree.
Collecting these little things is a deeply calming act. It reduces anxiety and stress in daily life while bestowing an immense, lasting sense of fulfillment and contentment. It nurtures a gentle mindfulness and gratitude that enriches the soul over time.
Thank you so much for articulating this idea so beautifully. It was a pleasure to hear you speak on something so close to my heart.
