Free Yourself from Stuff

I recently purchased a Mac. And with it I was automatically sworn into the Mac fraternity by other Mac owners. Of course I only have myself to blame since I was the one bragging about my new Mac in the first place.

My ego thought it would do me a favor and let everyone know about this shiny machine sitting on my desk at home. This tripped off my karma alarms. Why was it so important to discuss this machine?

Most things we own are simply ego-enhancing identifiers. Our egos constantly wants more things, but the satisfaction is shallow and short-lived. And thus begins the endless journey of “I’ll be happy when I have (fill in the blank).” We are always looking for something else that promises ultimate fulfillment. We equate having with being. I have, therefore I am. No longer able to feel life, we try to fill it with stuff.

How do you lose attachment to things? Start by recognizing how you identify yourself in them. Ask yourself if certain things make you feel more important or superior. Do you casually mention things you own? When you no longer seek to find yourself in them, these habits will slowly drop away.

Then try to give them away. There’s nothing more gratifying than passing it on for someone else to enjoy. Unless, of course, it’s a new Mac.