Collecting material things used to be very important to me . I'm beginning to believe that material things aren't the most important things in life . Now I'm beginning to realize the more we have of material things the more we want and the greedier we become . I don't want any part of that . I feel inspired to get rid of my belongings unless they REALLY serve a purpose ( kitchenware, clothes, etc . ) . How can I get over buying new belongings ? Do I make a rule that says "Don't buy any new material things ?" . Why do I want material things ? Am I lacking something spiritually within myself ? What am I lacking ? How can I find that something so I don't depend on material things for happiness ? What do I do with myself after I give up collecting material things ? How can I get ready to get rid of my belongings ?
2007-01-09 03:44:06 · 36 answers · asked by I'm_a_FrogPrince 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I really don't know if you are really all there!?!?
Material things are quite necessary while we live!!!!
Honestly, Spiritual things are over-rated!?!?
2007-01-09 03:49:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Congratulations. Your soul has given the first step towards awakening. This is one of the main Buddhist principles.
That doesn't mean you are to become a monk (or even to convert to Buddhism), but you realized that happiness does not lie on things, neither on anything outside yourself. True happiness lies on the mental attitudes you nurture.
About getting over buying new things, when you feel the urge of getting something, think twice if you actually need it or if you already have something similar at home. Alternatively, ask yourself how often you would use it. Then proceed to buy if it is strictly necessary.
You were lacking something spiritually till you came to this realization, so now you are bound for a happier existance. You'll see.
About getting rid of your belongings, try to go to charities and donate it yourself. If you have neighbors or know some one in need, take the things you don't use to them. You'll see how much sincere joy that will bring you.
2007-01-09 03:53:51 · answer #2 · answered by G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try doing things other than shopping. Become active in a religion or a club. Volunteer your services or participate in a recreational sport. There are lots of ways to occupy your time if you look for them. Once you begin to focus you life on aspects of your life other than the accumulation of things, you'll know what to do with the things you don't need.
Until you do, try "one in, one out" rule. If you buy a new shirt get rid of a shirt. Think upgrade or replace rather than in adding to. Then give what you get rid of to some one who needs it. But don't focus on purging every "thing". Becoming a poor monk isn't the answer. I volunteer for a couple of charities and it is much more fulfilling than any house, car or expensive piece of jewelry I could buy.
2007-01-09 04:12:08 · answer #3 · answered by Dhorlo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Set up your account so that all of the money you would usually spend on unecessary material goods goes straight to charity, so that you are only left with enough to pay for food, bills, etc.
Or, instead of buying things for you, buy them for other people. Gifts for friends and family, donations for charity sales, etc.
Alternatively, you could continue to buy things, but be more careful in your decisions. Instead of buying a shirt that was made in a sweatshop in China, buy a Fairtrade cotton shirt, and so on.
If you want to get rid of your current belongings, donate them to a charity shop, or hold a sale and give the proceeds to charity.
When you have stopped collecting material possessions, take up a new hobby. Walking, reading (join a library, don't buy books...), plain spotting... whatever takes your fancy.
2007-01-09 03:52:24 · answer #4 · answered by Im.not.a.hero 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I have found that doing something for others is a good substitute for buying things. I would buy something to feel that I had accomplished something, so to speak. I found that doing volunteer work, for instance, gave me the feeling of accomplishment but even better, it lasts longer because it is a real accomplishment.
Material things are not bad unless they are a distraction from what is really important. You need to provide for your present and future needs, and I expect that we are headed for some hard times in the next 20-30 years, so think ahead. Buying and collecting junk is not very smart strategy for the future, either.
I think of this quote from George MacDonald: "God is always working, but he never buys anything."
2007-01-09 03:54:38 · answer #5 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay, seriously! The reason you want material things is because you are human and it’s actually okay. I think people can get carried away, but if you think you are getting carried away, then pace yourself. Getting rid of all your material things isn’t healthy either. Besides, I noticed you said “…unless they REALLY serve a purpose...” I mean, if you were really serious, you’d give it all up and go live in a cave.
Have you ever read fight club? It talks about that stuff a lot.
2007-01-09 03:51:42 · answer #6 · answered by A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stop believing the advertiser's hype that the only way to be someone is to buy stuff. Evaluate what is important in your life and sell the "STUFF" you don't need. And that's all it is - STUFF.
I spend my money and time on experiences both locally and on travelling. I would rather interact with people than buy the newest CD or electronic device.
Decide what you need to survive (water, food, and air - clothes help too) and keep busy. Steve Jobs, the founder of apple only had a chair, computer, and bed in his tiny apartment for years even though he was a Billionaire. Find the passion that drives YOU!
2007-01-09 03:51:37 · answer #7 · answered by Joe S 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Start focusing on others needs instead of your own needs. It's like a seed that is being planted. And once you begin to water that seed, the plant begins to grow. Thus when you start focusing on others you lose sight ofyoursself and begin to see the goodness and the spiritual benefits in serving others rather than yourself. Then you will see God bless you for understanding and going through with that step of faith. Focusing on yourself is not spiritually benefiting you. It kind of eats at you and you want more and more. It is the desires of the flesh, but walking in the spirit is humbling yourself instead of exalting yourself. The spiritual benefits will show and you will be blessed and also be blessing others. :)
2007-01-09 04:02:01 · answer #8 · answered by the BREEZE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello =)
While I don't know if Buddhism will end up being right for you in the end, you are making one of the elementary realizations that bring many people to Buddhism. -- That material things do not bring happiness, but in the end, only lead one to want more and more...something which Buddhists call "the suffering of change"...
One can further apply this to many things in your life.....say, for example, good food.....too much is terrible for you, not enough makes you feel sad.....so why not eat according to the body's needs, instead of your cravings and desires, etc.....??
The Buddha once said:
"Have nothing to do with likes nor dislikes: In the presence of what one dislikes, one will feel miserable. In the absence of what one likes, one will feel need."
Read "The art of Happiness" by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama...you should be able to find it on amazon for a dollar or two...it will help gel these ideas for you.
You are not lacking anything within yourself, but rather, you are growing, spiritually, and having a "realization"..... don't be frightened...these things come to all of us, if we are the type of person who thinks, and does not "blindly" follow.
Namaste,
--Tom
2007-01-09 03:56:00 · answer #9 · answered by glassnegman 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Listen to Madonna's song 'Material Girl' over and over until you accept that you are material, man!
If you want to not desire material things outside yourself, you must remove from your focus any attachment to things.
Entire religions have been invented with this purpose in mind, Buddhism being the most famous. Ascetic Christianity is a close second.
Good luck (better you, than me).
2007-01-09 03:56:53 · answer #10 · answered by Marc Miami 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Personally, what makes me realize there is more to life than material things is to go camping or visit a remote area. Enjoy the outdoors with nothing but a tent and a sleeping bag. It will also helps clear your mind from the everyday grind.
2007-01-09 03:50:25 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋