How can I lose interest in material things ?

Question

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 ?

Answer 1

Go live in the woods and only eat what You catch or gather. That'll do it!

Answer 2

You could amass so many things that you can't get around in your house, thus creating a "straw breaking the camel's back" situation, where sheer disgust with all of it prompts you to get rid of it.

Or you could move. Moving house often prompts people to ruthlessly re-evaluate what material things are important and which are not.

You could institute a policy of giving things to friends; just tell them you have too much stuff, and when one admires a particular thing you have, offer it to him or her.

You could also start selling it all on Ebay, but that takes time and a digital camera. If you don't buy anything new and slowly sell it all off, eventually, you will be rid of those pesky material possessions.

Sentimentality is a major stumbling block for many. People attach emotional and historical memories to things; these things become talismans and transcend the realm of the simply material. It is dangerous to go too far in thinking this way, as the loss of a talismanic object could cause real psychological harm and thus run counter to your expressed intention to detach yourself from the need for material things.

I sure wish I could get rid of all this stuff...but I'm lazy. I do try to buy secondhand whenever possible; there's just something bankrupt about rushing to buy the newest new just as it comes out. Just don't live the disposable lifestyle; conserve as best you can but don't hoard.

I hope this helps some! Cheers!

P.S. I regularly take large amounts of stuff I don't use to the local shelter/thrift store, which is a skills development center for mentally disadvantaged people. It is really satisfying to watch them enjoy the stuff I and others give them!

Answer 3

Slowly get rid of them. Ebay them, do garage sells, and charities. That way you get the money back and you can put it into savings. Try to make a list of the necessities you have to buy and stick to that list.

In terms of spirituality, I guess you would be the glutton. But it isnt too bad if you know it and try to stop it. Your reason for wanting material things is that they can provide momentary happiness in your life. Find ways to make yourself happy.
Suggestions
- make other people happy
-set a goal and complete it
- create material things rather than buy them.
- do more excersize
-find someone or something to love and support it.

Answer 4

Vollenteer at a homeless shelter or Habitat for humanity.Right now you are a product of a materialistic society.Once you see the world from a homeless point of view you will be greatfull for things that matter such as Family,Friends,Clean fresh running water,food in you're stomach,roof over you're head,hot shower,Flush toilet, etc,etc. I lived on the Apallachian Trail for seven months & when i got back home I saw things in a tottally diferent contex.Sell you're materialistic things & give the money to a charity.

Answer 5

Please do not think you are a terrible person for wanting nice things. God wants us to have the necessities in life that give us confidence and ways to praise his Holy name.

If you feel inspired to get rid of some of the non-essentials, which you feel are frivilous, then maybe you could consider selling them at a reasonable price on e-bay. Then, you could take the money you make from the sale and tithe it to your favorite church, giving God thanksgiving and praise when you do that.

I'll tell you something...I have nothing. I'm a college grad who majored in public services, yet the only job I could procure was a part time position in commercial cleaning. I do not have a place of my own to live, and forced to stay with a man I divorced 13 years ago, just for a roof over my head. My car is 12 years old, and is held together by my prayers to Jesus.

I am not telling you this because I'm crying poor...no,no...I'm telling you this because there are others out here like me and they may need to find a good deal on e-bay because they cannot afford to buy something retail. By desiring to sell something, you're choosing to help those in need who have less than you do and that is such a thoughtful and nobel act. I know for a fact that God will bless you even more for anything that you can do to help others. Selfless acts of kindness and generosity are what God's love for his children expounds on. He wishs for us to love and care for one another as He does; without remorse, without feelings like 'oh, I have to do this to make God happy' and giving of ones self without question.

We all want nice things....honestly. It's not 'the devil' who inspires us, but our need of fulfillment. Maybe God is trying to tell you to use that which you do not desire anymore to help others who may not be as fortunate as yourself. However, please let God know how very grateful you are for what you do have; and, in the interm instead of purchasing anything else, tell yourself that you'd take that extra that you may spend and be certain it got into the hands of a person who really needs it. God is looking down on us and He will know that you're giving with your heart.

I hope this helped a little and that you find some people who are truly worthy of your assistance.

Answer 6

We all have our vices. I am a Christian and I have trouble giving up smoking cigs and pot. I know it's wrong and I pray that God will take the desire from me. Don't think your some horrible person because you like to shop, because your not. You took a big step admitting that those things will not now or ever make you happy. They may make you feel good for awhile, but you are right to say that is leads to greed and selfishness. As for giving things away. Take it slow. Keep eyes and ears open to friends and family that might need something that you have and give it to them. I start out with friends and family because you can see the reaction and how it's helped them. It's a great feeling. After awhile take a few things to a shelter or someplace similar. Along with that keep praying that God takes those desires from you and eventually you will be freed from that. God doesn't expect us to drop things to come to Him. He takes us as we are and He gives us what we need to change the things we want to change in ourselves. I don't believe I am any less of a Christian with what I do. I think its wrong and I try my best to not do it, but I fail a lot. i just try again and continue to pray. I know God loves me anyway, and He loves you too. Good luck and God bless you.

Answer 7

well you could volunteer in a shelter in your area and then you will see how truly blessed you are...then start slow with the things you dint use...Give them to someone who could use them and work your way down from there...I think you should be commended for thinking so seriously about this....Sit down and make your self a list of all the unnessacary things you have and what they cost then add that up and ask your self where would this have been better spent? pay up a extra house payment ,car payment,donate it to charity or put it into your retirement fund for you will need all that cash when you get older and not those material things Good Luck to you

Answer 8

I really had this problem a while back. Start giving of yourself..volunteer, see how grateful you should be for the basic sustenance of life, and you will begin to break your material addictions. Also, stop buying magazines and going to stores that feed on the addiction.

Answer 9

read books like 'your money or your life". It will change the way you look at consumerism and help you get REALLY clear on the ridiculousness of throwing our life's energy away thinking of what we can buy and what we can accumulate. it also helps you get clear on how you want to spend your time.
that book will answer all your questions, but YOU have all those answers. Simplifying your life is such a spiritual practice. Good for you for going down that path. I want to get further along that road myself.

Answer 10

Giving to charities or to homeless people you know/see... or to just plain poverty stricken people will help. It will give you a sense of fulfillment and generally make you feel better about yourself. If you feel good with yourself, you really don't need things...

But, then again, it's possible that you may have a problem like 'hording' AKA being a "Pack Rat" which I can say I, myself, am.

Answer 11

Getting rid of your belongings is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Get rid of everything you own

Step 2: Repeat as necessary