The Concept

When we take ownership of something—whether a toaster or a Tesla—all we’re really buying is this: the privilege of controlling that object’s location in space. Sometimes, the objects we collect afford some kind of utility. But most of them are valuable not for what they can do, but for the people and passages they recall.

 The many objects I’ve picked up during my long career as a  writer and artist meant a great deal to me when I acquired them. I still cherish their histories—but they take up physical space, as well. As much as I love them, they’ve become background noise. As I move through the “third third” of my life, I wish to liberate myself from physical attachments—and this includes the stuff I love.

Achieving this goal is a daunting task. To make it easier for myself, I’m beginning with a specific goal: eliminating 108 beloved objects from my rich but cluttered world.

Why 108? The number is significant in many cultures. There are 108 beads on a Buddhist mala, and 108 names for the Hindu god Shiva. The number 18 means chai, or “life” in Hebrew (L’chaim! To life!), and its multiples (like $36, or $108) are often given as gifts at Jewish ceremonies. In Japan, the temple bells ring 108 times to welcome the New Year. And there are 108 stitches on a baseball.

My initial thought was to simply bring these objects to the curb. But as I made my selections, I realized they couldn’t be abandoned so easily. Each summarized a chapter of my life. And all of them, like the worn protagonists of Toy Story, have tales to tell.

So I decided to create a digital record of each object, and what it evokes for me. Once this is finished, I’ll give each object away. Anyone can have one of these objects—including you. Just read The Rules, and let me know which one you want—and why.

I know I’m not the first to do something like this; not remotely. From the potlatch feasts of the Pacific Northwest to The Museum of Broken Relationships, there have been numerous strategies to part, honorably, with our possessions. People seem to understand, at a deep level, that getting rid of our stuff is a path to freedom.

I’m beginning my journey along that road, as well. Let the load-shedding begin!

108 Beloved Objects is a participatory journey by photojournalist, writer, and stage performer Jeff Greenwald. Each of the 108 Beloved Objects will be given away.  Anyone can have one of these objects—including you. Just read The Rules,  and let me know which one you want—and why.

Earth, Moon & Stars

Spirit