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How to Live in the Tiny Treehouse -10 Pleasurable Commandments

Jul 11, 2019

Tiny living requires intentional discipline.

Adapting to a tiny lifestyle is a joyful process that involves closely observing the things that work well and bring joy to life, and things that don’t. Every tiny space is different and every person is different. Here are some of the things I have noticed as I adapted my life to living in The Beech Tree House.


1. Slow down. Stop multitasking. Be mindful, aware of your surroundings, your body, your thoughts. Be thoughtful and considerate of your companion’s needs as well as your own. Speak less. Observe and listen more.


2. Space is precious. Bring only those things that are most necessary and meaningful. Careful awareness of the things in your life that are meaningful will bring you awareness of what is truly important in your life. Organize. A place for everything and everything in its place.

3. The sleeping loft is for sleeping, thinking, writing, praying or activities that don’t require things, not for dressing or undressing. Carrying things up and down the ladder is a blessedly cumbersome reminder that you shouldn’t, so don’t. Keep clothing nearest the shower in the space below the ladder or on the wall hooks in the bathroom.


4. Take long, hot showers. The shower is surprisingly spacious. Take time to enjoy the warm stream coursing over your body and be thankful for each amazing member – God’s gift to each of us. Abruptly turn the faucet to Cold and experience the tingling, awakening sensations in the morning. 


5. Open the loft windows when you sleep.  Although the space is equipped with air-conditioning,It is unnecessary at night. I find the fresh, cool night air and the gentle sounds of falling water and hooting owls are essential for deep, peaceful sleep.


6. Beginning and end-of-day rituals are important. In the morning, make the folding bed into a couch and reverently fold and store the bed linens. Before retiring, freshly remake the bed. Simple rituals practiced mindfully help to clear the mind of troubles.


7. The tiny kitchen is built to be a flexible space. The table on wheels doubles as a prep space and a dining table. It can easily be rolled out onto the deck, opening up the kitchen and providing pleasurable outdoor dining near the barbecue. Moving it outside also opens up additional floor space when needed to accommodate more sleepers on folding mattresses.


8. Stock the tiny fridge and pantry thoughtfully and frequently with small amounts of food you love. You will find yourself enjoying fresh food of good quality. Don’t allow stale food to encumber the space. Clean out, discard and organize frequently as you go. Shop often and you will find yourself more in touch with fresh food, the essence of life. Not a problem. Sav-a-Lot grocery is 6 minutes away.


9. Leave your shoes on the covered deck outside. Nature is wonderful, but you don’t want to track too much of it inside on the carpets. Soft carpets under bare feet are one of life‘s great pleasures. 


10. Spend as much time as you can enjoying nature outside on the deck.  There are two sections. One is covered and one is open. Enjoy each appropriately In sync with nature, time of day, the weather and mood.


These are just a few of the things I have learned living in this tiny space.  Perhaps I will share more later.

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