Our need for contentment.
July 18th, 2006 by Mollie
How can contentment help the planet? It’s simple. By learning to be content with where we are in the moment and what we have, we may naturally find that we become less hungry for material possessions.
The urge to buy a new pair of shoes, sheets, or whatever else it may be often arises in response to feelings of discontent. But when you let your unhappiness talk you into a quick-fix shopping spree for stuff you don’t acctually need, you are contributing to the degradation of the environment–depleting our natural resources while filling the air, water, and soil with life-threatening emissions and waste.
Pat Daniel, Ph.D.
Big houses are bought for their lure of storage space, not because of their ability to house people. Our closets, attics, basements, garages, and storage units are filled to the max with junk that we haven’t seen in years. We don’t use or enjoy what we spend all our money on, and many go into debt for, and yet we continue to live this way. We are surrounded by those who are stressed by bills they can’t pay and spend their free time cleaning and organizing the clutter they have created for themselves. It doesn’t need to be this way.
I don’t conform to a minimalist lifestyle, but I do try to follow one that is simple. I made the decision to be a thoughtful consumer and to try come from a place of contentment. This means that I don’t shop very often, but when I do I buy higher quality goods that are made in an environmentally and socially conscious way. Even though these are typically a little more expensive, I am able to spend the extra money on a shirt because instead of owning 50 shirts, I own 10. “When you experience true contentment, even just a moment of connection with nature, you find yourself not needing “extras” to make up for life’s dissatisfactions.” (Pat Daniel, Ph.D.) It takes a lot of work and practice to come to this place of contentment, but it is worth it for so many reasons.
@onechange
July 18th, 2006 at 2:32 pm
amen sister!
August 3rd, 2006 at 5:33 am
When I started working from home I realized that I could wear whatever I wanted to work, and that meant Jeans and t-shirts. think of all the money I’d save. Then I realized I only owned business attire. So I went shopping. And I liked it. Then it turned into shopping when I was bored, shopping with friends for fun, shopping when I was lonely or dissatisfied. It became a comfort, but I never felt better. I felt guilty. Your post really hits home.
Now that I’m trying to be the most concious/responsible consumer I can, I’ve started researching organic/sweatshop free clothing options. Since my choices are more limited and more expensive and generally online (less tempting when it’s not in my hands) I find that I have stopped buying just because. I might still buy a shirt because I like the design or the color, but I won’t buy that shirt and 4 others that I don’t really need or want just because they’re on sale or kind of cute.
August 24th, 2006 at 4:21 am
Alotta
That is so great. I think there definately comes a time when living a more simple and earth friendly lifestyle clicks in place and it makes sense and feels better. However, there is definately upkeep and I have to occassionally still remind myself to not be frivolous in my spending.
Mollie
January 22nd, 2007 at 5:57 am
Definitely. The western world over-spends for need of satisfaction that never comes because people don’t seem to understand that indulgence and contentment are not the same thing. If people just drank the right amount of water in a day, there wouldn’t feel so dissatisfied. Honest to god, I know it’s the same thing people hear time and time again, but a decent meal, good night’s sleep etc. Problem is we all worry too much about these things we consider to be serious and important when our base needs aren’t being satisfied. Good food, fluids and sleep helps contentment.