living in a material world

[larorra]

As I walked to work this morning the song "living in a material world" by Madonna came into my head. Don't know why but it gave me the idea for the topic that I am writing about. we all live in a material world and its always been like that, not just since the 70's when the song came about. We are a people that thrive for more and more and are never satidfied. Bigger is better, even our children learn it at an early age and are envious of their peers when somebody has a bigger or more upmarket toy than they do. They become competitive at an early age wanting bigger and better just like their parents. The media doesnt help, children see ads on tv promoting the latest toy and want it. Its just the way the world is. I must admit I used to get slightly envious of friends that seemed to have it all, so to speak, a nice home all the mod cons, and wish I could have a nicer home. But as a single Mother I could only give my children the basics, and when I think about things now, I wouldnt have done it any other way, for they did get a summer holiday away every year and now grown, they say they cherish the memories and what memories would they have of a built in kitchen, a tiled bathroom or luxurious sofas? Glad I did it that way and showed my children a bit of the world. Through mindfulness I am appreciating the things that I do have, sure it would be nice to pay off the debts, the house, but I am living in the present and focusing on what I do have, family, friends , my job is something that has to be done to pay the bills, sure I would love to be doing something I enjoyed but instead of wishing for something thats not going to happen i accept what i have and make the most of it.

[ourmeal]

beautifully expressed larorra, and in my ear this resonates with the world we encounter through the kind of awareness that mindfulness fosters. thank you so much for posting this.

nick

[Gareth]

Lovely words Jackie, I feel exactly the same myself. Material possesions mean very little to me. People and experiences are the most important things in my life. I know you are happy about moving into the 6 month bracket, but I have moved the topic to here. I want that section to be just about practising mindfulness, and I don't think this topic quite qualifies.

Gareth

[larorra]

Thanks Gareth. I wanted to write more but was using my pc in the office and was limited for time! Always happy to contribute here when possible, to get the word across of how life-changing mindfulness can be.

[rara]

Indeeeeed. It's nice to decorate and adorn to keep a happy vibe...but I just don't get people (like my parents) that need to replace the furniture every two years, and the French windows etc etc.

I once had a lucid dream of sorts, where I woke and I was in my room, but I walked around and everything was jade-green. I went into my bathroom and my shower was diamond-encrusted. Back to my bedroom and I had a sparkling royal bed. I received a message that told me that this was my life and now I'm awake to it...of course, my actual house is nothing like this, just white walls, plain and basic rented house. And it had been getting me down. But now I know that beauty is within my perception, and no one else's

My real aim is to travel within the next few years...money better spent I'd say!