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have." --Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel (1907-1990)
I have to admit it, I love spoons. I love their round shape. I
love their cheerful shine. I love how perfectly they fit into
your mouth when you eat something smooth like ice cream or
pudding or even when you eat something tummy warming like hot
soup.
I love spoons because they are functional as well as beautiful.
Eating breakfast cereal just wouldn't be the same experience
without them. I enjoy using them very much and always opt for a
small, round, silvery spoon anytime it makes sense.
One day, my husband came upon me silently admiring a beautiful
sugar spoon from our new 'fancy' silverware collection. I was
thrilled with how the bottom of it was artfully shaped like a
sea shell. He thought I was nuts.
I realized I feel this way about lots of object in my world. I
admire platters, vases, paintings, rugs, blankets, curtains, you
name it. Am I materialistic? I suppose on a certain level I am.
Here's my philosophy on stuff: I take great pleasure in
appreciating the personal possessions that grace my life.
I have profound gratitude for the convenient services my
belongings regularly provide me. I even thank them occasionally
(when no one is around). I really do appreciate all they do for
me and recognize that I could just as easily not have the
privilege of their presence in my life.
Along those lines, I make efforts to use them. I no longer horde
my favorite things in a closet only taking them out once or
twice a year, living in fear of their potential demise. These
are beautiful objects! Who am I to hide their splendor from
view? They deserve every opportunity to be appreciated.
Should something
meet an untimely end, I am sad. But I also
thank them for their loyal service for as long as they existed,
and use their passing as an opportunity to bring another
beautiful, dutiful item into service.
Now, having said this, I do not purchase $1000 spoons or $500
ceramic vases. If one is prepared to replace broken items one
must be operating with one's own financial comfort zone.
However, ask yourself: would you rather own an expensive item
that you rarely enjoy or own something within your financial
means that you enhances your life days on end?
I am offering, I suppose, a slightly different view of
materialism. It's a different way of looking at the objects in
your world, one where you have a mutually beneficial
relationship with them.
I know, you're thinking, "she's really gone off the deep end
this time." But honestly, this perspective encourages you to
notice the beauty surrounding you and the conveniences you enjoy
and be grateful for them. This in turn brings positive feelings
into your life, what I call Material Contentment.
The next time you eat with a nice spoon or sit on a soft sofa,
take a moment to realize how lucky you are to be the guardian of
such an object. Has it been loyal in service to you? Have you
shown it respect and admiration in return?
Today is a great day to start talking to inanimate objects. Why
not begin by saying "Thanks" to your favorite piece of
silverware?
About the Author
Deirdre Maigread McEachern is an experienced writer, speaker and personal coach who works one-on-one to help her clients find their ideal career and create more balance in their lives. You can contact Deirdre at 207-439-4280, deirdre@vip-coaching.com or sign up for her free e-newsletter at www.vip-coaching.com/news.
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Man of bronze and his philosophyCharlotte ObserverThe chap we'd written off as a carelessly happy philanderer is also a philosopher. He does have exquisite manners. He puts you on hold to gently postpone the next interviewer, telling her he wants to give each of you the attention you merit. |
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An app for wisdomBoston GlobeBy Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein “An industry of the future — artificial intelligence — needs philosophers. Dr. Clark Glymour, professor of philosophy at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, speaks of an increased demand for philosophy majors ... |
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'PPP has buried Bhutto philosophy'The News InternationalCommenting on the statement of Yusuf Raza Gillani, Zaeem Qadri said that these opportunist politicians had buried the political philosophy of Bhutto in the corruption of Zardari. He also said those raising the slogan of provision of 'Roti, ...and more » |
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