Having expensive things causes stress because you worry 10 times more about them than if you had an average, normal thing.
For example, having an expensive car, I’ve seen people park across two spaces and become almost paranoid about anything bad happening to their car.
But if we give so much of ourselves to things, we lose a bit of ourselves.
Nothing, no matter how expensive, will make us happy ( we in essence can only make ourselves happy, it’s our responsibility).
We may feel a surge of dopamine upon buying an expensive car, but that dopamine spike will shortly return to base rate when you desire an even more expensive car.
What I’m talking about is called the hedonic treadmill.
It means the more you focus on things and pleasure, the more of it you continue to want ( you’re now on the hedonic treadmill).
But ultimate freedom is not being too attached to things.
Because that’s all they are, things.
Experiences and, in essence, life’s simple pleasures are what really provide happiness.
You are not your car.
You are not your house.
You are not your watch.
You are much more than that.
And nothing, no matter how much you spend on it, can reveal that truth more than you can yourself.
Many people buy things as a status symbol.
They think that because they are buying more things, they will become more.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
My Solution To Empty Consumerism
“If you seek tranquillity, do less.” Or (more accurately) do what’s essential—what the logos of a social being requires, and in the requisite way. Which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, better. Because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquillity. Ask yourself at every moment, “Is this necessary?” But we need to eliminate unnecessary assumptions as well. To eliminate the unnecessary actions that follow.” – Marcus Aurelius
Instead of buying things to increase my status or bolster my ego, I try to buy only essential things and avoid everything else.
Before spending money, think, “Will this improve mine or someone else’s life?” If the answer is yes, you can’t go wrong.
You can also ask yourself, “Do I really want to buy this, do I need this, or is this just a way of me trying to keep up with the Joneses?”
The only person you should be trying to keep up with is yourself.
One thing that teaches you the ancient art of detachment is fasting. Going without food is a great way to detach yourself from earthly indulgences ( especially food). It teaches you that you can do well without things; in fact, it teaches you that you can thrive with less. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself.
Click here to join my 5-bullet Friday newsletter. Every Friday, I share five thoughts, insights, quotes, products, recommendations, etc. that have helped me and might also help you.
henrypaget.com 