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This week someone stole my bag–the backpack that acts (acted) as my purse (see its twin, left). Shivering at an outdoor cafe after running into some friends, I had piled it on top of my yoga mat bag and little nylon grocery bag. It was just within my periphery at my feet.
I recall looking at it and thinking, “Is it safe there?” native New Yorker that I am. I deemed it so and delved into a nice chat. When it was time to pay, though, poof, gone. The restaurant manager kindly checked their video cameras, of which I was apparently out of range, offered to call the cops, had his employees look in the nearest trash cans, etc. But, alas, nada.
I’ve been stolen from before, but don’t recall feeling this out of sorts about it. I’m downright scattered, like little parts of myself were invested in those little things I carry every day. So to try and reclaim them I did what I do best–I made a list. Here’s part of it:
2 apples
Bottle of Poland Spring water
Notebook with Italian lesson notes
Wallet–credit card, debit card, driver’s license, punchcards, etc.
Small bag with teas, migraine meds
Makeup bag–cover-up, lipgloss, lipstick, Ammachi oil, lavender and peppermint oil, crystal earrings I made, an angel pin from Kripalu, Tunisian amber oil
“Take the Leap” by Pema Chodron
“Best Buddhist Writing 2008″
Stack of business cards
Box of fresh arugula
It helped to write down everything. A re-gathering. Intellectually I know things are not what matter and that this is so not a big deal. I’m lucky I wasn’t harmed, and that I didn’t have my laptop. And yet, it brings up that kind of groundless feeling, a reminder of impermanence. That these material things we start to identify as “ours,” are not–including, say the yogis and others, our very bodies and selves. The one thing we can rely is that this all dissolves. Not to be a total bummer!
There’s actually something almost freeing about it. Almost. I don’t actually need most of those things I think I needed–even those Buddhist books. And I have a little fantasy that the crook, instead of tossing it all in a trashcan after stealing my $60, is reading up on compassion, openness, and letting go, and Pema quotes like: “There’s a reason you can learn from everything: You have basic wisdom, basic intelligence, and basic goodness.”
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posted November 14, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I’m so sorry that everything of yours got stolen. That’s a nice backpack and that sounds like a great array of stuff that you keep in it.
My fiance had his GPS stolen out of his car while he was at work (someone literally smashed the window in and took it)We’re so glad they didn’t lift up the center console or they would have had a nice 30 GB Ipod Video as well!
I gave it to him to replace (yes a stolen Ipod)
The window has been replaced on his car but we doubt that he’ll get his GPS back.
It makes you feel powerless to get stolen from, doesn’t it?
All my best,
Jill
P.S. I love this blog! I read it daily.
posted November 15, 2009 at 9:40 am
How helpless you must have felt. That was quite alot of items to loose. The problem with all this is, the time and effort it takes to replace the most important items. I only had to replace a credit card and what a time. Since we have donations and payments put on it each month, everyone had to be called.
I hope that you’ve been able to replace and hopefully recover the items. Thanks for all your informative writing and neat recipes and ideas.
posted November 15, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I carry my backpack too,to go to work.Everything fits in inside my backpack.I have my work out rubber shoes,my jogging suit,book,socks,sweat shirt,can foods,lol,I love my blue wetlook backpack,i bought it at Korea during a stop over of our plane going back home to PI.It’s very comfortable when all the stuff you needed at work at gym and at the kitchen were all there to carry just one time,lol.thanks and i’m sorry for the loss of your backpack.Mine?I am keeping it close to my eyes,so it will not get stolen like yours,lol.
thanks for sharing your backpack experience.
posted November 15, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Oh!when you think about the check sign,that’s like my backpack,you know just do it,NIKE brand,it’s my favorite!
thanks.
posted November 16, 2009 at 6:19 am
Interesting sequences in story of stolen bag.It is good that you find some positive and philosophical notes of life.
posted November 16, 2009 at 7:17 am
I have been robed many times but the worst times were was when I was trying to help someone.I live in AZ. and one day a woman with a little girl rang my doorbell.She had a weed eater.and wanted to trim up my yard..It was 110 and they were beet red.I said absolutly not.I would not want anyone to work for me in this heat.I told them to come in and I gave them some cold water.She said she really needed money.I told her she could mop my floors and I would give her $20.00.She said ok and I gave her a $20.00 bill and two bottles of water.After she left i discovered all of my jewelry was gone.Another time a woman wanted to do some yard work.I agreed and gave her a wet towel to put around he neck and a hat.She did a good job and I gave her $20.00.The next day she came back and asked for $25.00 for gas money to for her car to go and get her little girl from another city because the girl had called and told her that her father was abusing her.I gave her $25.00 and told her she could work for it when she got back.I never saw her again.I must have sucker written on my forhead.I know tell myself cheat me once shame on you cheat me twice shame on me.The next time I will give them a cold bottle of water and send them on thier way.
posted November 16, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for reading and commenting, everyone. Your empathy helps! And I’m so sorry to hear about your losses too.
- Valerie