Buying things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to show people that we love them…
It’s not the best way to celebrate – at Christmas or any other day of the year. In fact, its pure madness. Every day (and even moreso over the festive season) our Health, our Wellbeing, and our Earth are compromised by a viscious cycle of consumption. And whether you realise it or not, it comes at a much higher price than money can afford.
There is no question the 2009 “Global Financial Crisis” affected all of us in some way. Yet despite the perceived negatives, for many the world over, it’s been a profound and necessary wake-up call. It’s been an opportunity to realise some invaluable lessons: That having the best “things” in life, is no substitute for having the best life. That getting back to basics brings a sense of awareness and appreciation for what really matters – and that none of it comes with a price tag.
So how has it happened? that as the years click over, we have more “stuff” in our lives - but have less time for the things that make us happy? truly happy?!
More than 90% of what we buy in December, will end up in landfill in just six months time – six short months with the majority being backed by debt! It’s a scary concept, and the effect on our Earth is merely the symptom of an underlying issue. We buy things for a reason – whether we can afford it or not. Not just because it looks good, but because it makes us feel good. In an attempt at validation – of ourselves and to others – we are, at a subconscious level attempting to fill an emotional void through our accumulation of “stuff”.
How does spending affect our health?
There are six foundational principles in life. At the top of the list are our Thoughts. They dictate the way we live our lives, and manifest from an emotional level to a physical one – they can completely override every physiological response in our body. The thoughts of anxiety and uncertainty equal Stress – the biggest contributor to ill health and disease. In order to reduce a big portion of stress, and regain some balance, we need to ask ourselves some important questions before spending. By putting our needs ahead of our wants (and taking the time to consider the real cost), we can make a conscious choice to become part of the solution, rather than continuing to be part of the problem..
- Do I need it?
- What is it made from?
- What impact will it have? (on me, and on others?)
- Where was it made?
- Who am I supporting by buying it?
- Can I afford it?
- Where will it be in six months time?
- Am I buying the same item over and over?
- Am I buying this for the sake of it, or does it hold some importance?
In order to grasp the importance of these questions and in changing our actions, I really encourage you to watch The Story Of Stuff , a 20 minute quick flick exposing the connection between these issues. It provides an inside view to what we are really contributing to in order to fulfill our “needs” in much more depth than I’ve covered here. It’s thought provoking, easy to watch and I guarantee it will open your eyes - in fact I have no doubt that it will have such an impact on your life, it will change the way you look at all the “stuff” in your life forever!
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