Do attachments in the physical create the world we view around us? Is our future merely shaped by what we decide to hold onto and let go of? On a basic level, it seems like this is the case.
Thinking about commitment, human relationships, attachments, principles, morales, and lifestyles made me start to ponder how society has shifted from years before.
What exactly is commitment? Has a lack of morality made us not care about some of the decisions we make? Has the society we live in made us addicted to instant gratification in such a way that we look for something “new and shiny” instead of taking the time to fix what’s in need of repair? Have we created disposable relationships as a byproduct, while creating these disposable lifestyles?
Everything around us seems to be made to last until the next model comes out, or until the consumer gets bored. One can argue that technology changes at such an incredible speed that by the time one product is fully launched, they are already releasing the upgraded model. But when you examine these behaviours on the microscopic level, things get scary.
I started doing some google research on the stats of what we actually do with these items in the material flow process: production, distribution, consumption, disposal. “What percentage of total material flow through this system is still in product or use 6 months after their sale in North America? One. One percent. (Check out this website for more information www.thestoryofstuff.com) (If you’re like me, you may hold onto things a little longer, but at least I can admit it! I will touch back on the interesting attachment issues later on).
Here’s a fact: the No Dirty Gold campaign explains that there is nearly 2 million tons of mining waste for every one ton of gold produced; that translates into about 20 tons of mine waste created to make one gold wedding ring.
What is astonishing is the amount of pollution and damage we exert on the Earth by harvesting, mining, processing, transporting and fabricating these products. Resourcefulness used to be cherished; now it is all about having the “latest and the greatest”. As previously mentioned, 99 percent of the stuff we run through this system is trashed within 6 months.
This got my wheels spinning on how this might affect our personal relationships. Are we scared of attaching ourselves to something because we always feel like we need something new? What does “new” do for us on a deeper level? Why do we search for it to continually make us feel better about ourselves? Personally, I love borrowing a friend’s clothes because I feel like a “new” person. What is it about this that I enjoy so much?
The new clothes, the new car – the new house. These things make us feel re-energized but only in the physical. What we really need is:
A NEW PERSPECTIVE
– On what being real means
-On what being whole means
-On learning how to fix the complex issues because sometimes, putting in the time is worth it
-Because when we mask what’s wrong in the mental/spiritual world by the physical, we never get to the root of the problem
In a world where we are bombarded by images of “new” stuff to buy to feel “cool’ and “in”, does it ever make you wonder who’s planted the idea in the first place? We have created such a demand for the physical that we have no room for the spiritual. We consume so much and discard most of it – out with the old, in with the new. Buying new shoes because I’m depressed about a comment someone made, will only make me feel better temporarily. It only covers the problem, temporarily, like clothing.
On this day and especially this time of year, I ask myself if I can be happy with myself exactly how I am or will I feel like a need a new toy for Christmas? This idea of needing something to complete the whole is ingrained in our minds from the time we start believing in Santa Claus and believe that he brought special gifts for us. These are our rewards – we have been good all year and deserve physical gifts. We are like animals waiting for our milk bones after our tricks. And who created Santa Claus? Coca-Cola, as early back as 1931, started the advertisements that depicted Jolly Old St. Nick with the red suit and white beard.
Why did Coca-Cola get involved with Santa in the first place? In 1922, people started to view the product as a drink for warm weather. The advertising campaign with Santa, was used as a reminder that “Thirst Knows No Season” and that Cola is a great choice for a beverage in any season.
Coca Cola & Santa Claus
Pretty genius if you ask me. One advertising campaign has shaped our culture in such a way that our whole year revolves around this one event. Black Fridays occur and suddenly, department stores are no longer in the red because EVERYONE is buying.
Here’s an idea: I want a RENEWABLE ME. One that replenishes her own energy, one that wakes up every morning and feels 100% fine with who she is. There’s really no need to change – yet it’s important to note that there’s always room for improvement. It’s also important to mention that in no way am I boycotting shopping and/or marketing (this is my job after all! lol)
I am suggesting a new way to feel complete:
A new way to start your day.
A new way of realizing that at the core of our basic human essence – we really don’t need anything.
Although we may want it – it is merely an inability to tame our wild urges and impulses. Where has the patience gone?
Focus on the here and now
Focus on the people and moments that build you up and a put a smile on your face
But most of all, learn to be comfortable in the depths of your own soul, your inner silence, so that you may find peace with those around you.