It is no doubt that in America, we are living in the age of consumerism. Practically anything you want can be quickly delivered to your doorstep with just a few clicks. It has never been easier to get what we want and our economy loves a cheerful spender. While some are thrilled with these modern conveniences, there are some who say that this material world (cue the Madonna music) we have found ourselves in is causing more unhappiness and stress in this pursuit of having MORE.
This counterculture urging us to leave behind the addiction of wanting more, the minimalist movement, is wildly popular, but for so many, extremely hard to put into practice. Our culture is so focused on the new trends and aesthetics from social media and advertisements, we feel FOMO setting in at the thought of saying no to the new items of the day. They promise joy and contentment as much as the last item you purchased, and we believe it whether or not they actually produce that result within us.
At this point, you may be thinking this is an article on the pros of minimalism. And you are right, sort of.
I strongly believe we have gone too far in this society. We want what we want, and we want it fast, cheap, and aesthetically pleasing. Just don’t tell us where it came from, how you treated the designers, factory workers, and delivery drivers, or how this will affect the health of our planet. The people behind the minimalist movement are advocating intentional thought and I find that very admirable.
But, I also believe that we as humans were made to consume. For all of time, we have been building, creating, and consuming. We create and build in our work and in our homes, and we consume entertainment, food, and material items. In that consumption, we can find opportunities for joy and gratitude. The enjoyment of sharing an experience or a meal with a loved one, or the fulfillment of receiving a heartfelt gift.
Where we have lost our way is in chasing the wrong types of consumption. There is quick consumption (food/drink) and slow consumption (items that can be cared for and reused for an extended period of time). There is personalized consumption, such as the gift of a meal or a handmade item and there is depersonalized consumption, such as buying an item at a department store or online without understanding/connection to its production and origin.
While sometimes necessary, depersonalized consumption is our downfall, especially when it is consumed in a fast and wasteful manner. Fast food, items we use for a season and then tire of, and items that we dispose of at the first sign of deterioration. Consuming without thought of the impact or without placing the appropriate amount of value on what we are consuming, causes us to unintentionally settle into an ungrateful and dissatisfied mindset.
Why does a wonky handmade sweater provide so much more satisfying than the one someone gifted you from Target? Because the value of that item is not a monetary value, it is the personal nature and the story of that gift that will continue to give you joy. I do not ask anyone to stop or even significantly reduce the amount that they consume. It is always been in us to give and to receive, even if that gift is from ourselves to ourselves. Keep consuming, but remember that true satisfaction does not come from things, it comes from the value we place on those things and the impact, good to bad, that it has on the world and other people.