In order to choose
one option from the title, all we have to do is look into their classic
definitions. While ‘materialistic’ stands for inclination towards materials,
objects, physical possessions and belief that physical attributes rule the
world; non-materialistic stands for the opposite. Believing in spiritual,
motivational and material-free world, non-materialistic do not consider
materials as the core of life. If we were to rely over these meanings - we will
pick ‘non-materialistic’ category, speak two sentences about the value of
people, mind, feelings and relations over things and move to the next topic.
But, is it that simple?
Can we say we are non-materialistic and cut ties with the
objects that actually mean something to us?
Is the line dividing these categories so bold and bright
that we can cross over to one side and stay there forever?
Or is the distinction quite hazy and unclear, hence we can
only blend the two and stay somewhere in between?
And finally, can we mix proper proportions of the two and
create a suitable cocktail that suits our lifestyle?
Materialistic thinking weighs objects and possessions above
anything and everything in life. Hence, aspects such as brand, value, cost,
appeal, use, status, need, comparison make a huge difference. Though these may
sound too hollow to be significant, we do need them along the way. While it is inappropriate
to be blinded by these factors, it is also incorrect to leave it all and turn
into saints.
This makes it quite
clear that picking sides may not be the correct way, but blending them as per
situation is the right key. Mixing them in appropriate proportions depending on
age, interest, need, happiness and fun may be the ideal thing to do. And like
all the other factors in life, balance is what makes it worthwhile. There is no
harm in holding some affection towards your possessions, but there is harm in
being obsessed with it.
Accumulating more
than you need, allowing materials to rule your thoughts, being unsatisfied with
whatever you own and longing for more always are just some of the factors that
turn ‘materialistic approach’ into a villain.
It is true earning possessions
and assets drive us to work. It prompts us to make efforts, work hard and stay
determined in our approach. But, earning for materials alone is incorrect. The motive
to own things for status and position or show it off to those around is probably
the worst form of self-harm, driving us to barter our peace of mind in the
process.
Materialistic approach
does not include bare essentials, necessary for our everyday life. It also does
not involve spending money over assets that put a roof over our head or drive
us around the town. Though open forests and natural resources in their raw form
sound fun and adventurous, we still have to stick to our routine materials as
humans! But, it definitely stands for the unnecessary craze of pilling up
items. Things that enter into our mind, much before they enter into their
roles. Things that scream brand, status, position, much before they talk to our
purpose and wallet. And things that flaunt our wealth, only to increase feelings
of jealousy, ego, self-esteem and hatred.
It is easy to fall
into the trap or even tempting to stay a bit longer. As young, energetic
versions with thrill and fun for life, there is nothing wrong in buying gifts
for ourselves or dreaming about the next cool ‘gadget’ in the market. It is
only when this thrill turns into obsession or addiction, when things start to go
beyond our control.
‘Own things, rather than let them own you’ is
the motto I grew up with as a little child. And though I can proudly flaunt
these lines today, it was not the same back then. As an immature kid, it was
difficult to understand, why demanding things was a bad habit or hoping for
elaborate gifts was an incorrect practice? It is only after you think about it
as adults, when you realize that seeds sown during childhood reap into lush plants
at a later stage. And while I continue to walk over this path even today,
association with a like-minded life-partner simply adds to the charm.
Though I am not the ideal person to preach
about ‘non-materialistic’ approach (thanks to the ‘n’ number of clothes in my
closet), I do make efforts to tone down materials, whenever and wherever I can.
Hence, while I cannot list down ideal practices to be followed, I can offer a
sneak-peek into my diary of thoughts. As pointers to my mind, these reminders
come handy, when the materialistic restlessness chooses to create some havoc. If
these thoughts resonate with your diary too, do send your thumbs-up. On the
other hand, if they mean nothing at all - feel free to say so.
Dear Me,
1.
You cannot impress people on the basis of what
you own. It is totally alright to be poor, miser, boring or out-of-fashion, if
that is what it takes to defend your empty house and clutter-free life.
2.
Do not buy things to be an acceptable part of
the society. No materials, items, brands, or trends can make you a perfect ‘fit’
into the puzzle of mankind.
3.
Getting intimidated by possessions of others is
like a one-way ticket to misery. You can never come out of it and only add to
unnecessary chaos in your routine.
4.
Your material-loving-friend is not wrong in his/her
approach. Priorities and choices are separate. Instead of finding joy in
judgments, find joy in your choices.
5.
Use materials as accessories to compliment your appearance; and not as ‘make-up’ to hide your real self.
6.
Always spend on experiences, hobbies,
activities and adventures and less over gadgets, labels, clothes and furniture.
7.
You can wear that same jacket and repeat those
same set of clothes to ten tourist places. But, you cannot possibly go to ten
places, if you end up spending everything on different branded jackets and
unique clothes for every single trip!
8.
Adventures and activities need interest,
excitement, thrill and spirit, way before they need appropriate gear, shoes,
kit and fancy accessories to show off.
9.
You are what you do and how you behave; no one
remembers what clothes you wear or what phone you own; but they do remember how
you smile, weep, enjoy and radiate the joy of life.
Combine these two opposite qualities by the right amounts
and enjoy the output. When too many physical possessions begin to crowd your
rooms and mind; it is time to halt, think and evaluate, before you make
the rooms bigger!
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