When the Cravings Stop
I want to dive back into materialism and minimalism today. As I continue to think more about minimalism and embrace certain pieces in my life, I can feel a shift happening within me. It started with my desire to pare down the possessions in my house: a purge, of sorts. I thought it would largely stop there, but it hasn't. One of the most surprising developments in my psyche is a complete loss of craving for stuff.
I've been talking about anti-materialism for years, but this is something new. When I say I have lost my craving for stuff, I have zero desire to purchase any material goods. Aside from some books and a few pieces of clothing, I don't desire almost any possession that money can buy. It's weird. I can't think of a single thing that I'd like to buy.
The freedom this creates is hard to put into words. It's almost like the outside world has lost its grip on me. Advertisements are ineffective. Social media posts carry no weight. What people around me do holds no water. I can stay laser-focused on my core mission without the distraction of it all.
Another consequence of this shift is that while my financial resources haven't materially changed in recent months, they feel substantially larger because they aren't being absorbed by acquiring stuff. The natural byproduct of this nuance is much more money available for memories and experiences. I don't hesitate to spend money on a nice meal, a fun activity, or an experience to share with a loved one. There's no battle playing out in my head of whether to use resources for stuff or experiences. Experiences just win by default, with no hint of debate.
When the cravings stop, the world opens up. This post isn't meant to be coming from a place of expertise or even thorough experience, but rather as a stream of consciousness as I experience it in real time. Maybe this interests you; maybe it doesn't. But I hope it gives you something to think about in your own life, or perhaps it piques your interest to explore it further in future blogs and podcasts.
Have a fantastic day, and be sure to find meaning in it along the way.
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