The Material Trap

Will It Last?, Materially Wealthy, Spiritually Poor, Wagging Tails

The illusion that more is always better traps us in an exhausting materialistic loop.

Curious

Will it last?

In just 24 hours, Salesforce reported a staggering $74.4 billion spent globally, a 5% increase over last year's $70.9 billion.

- Techloy, Black Friday’s Global Spending

When I read that insight earlier this week, the first question that came to mind was, “Will it last? Will the pleasure felt from each purchase sustain long into the future?”

You and I both know it won’t.

Laughably, if I write the same post next year, I’m certain those numbers will have risen. That’s how you know we’re in the thick of a materialistic illusion.

Conscious

Materially wealthy, spiritually poor:

It was November 2021. I vividly remember sitting in my kitchen after accomplishing the goal I had pursued for the past three years. The sales manager role was mine, and I had reached the salary target a younger version of me envisioned as having “made it”. But the feeling wasn’t what you’d expect. I was proud my contributions had been rewarded, but the title or money didn’t boost my joy or fulfilment. It was then I began to put material desires under the microscope.

We naively believe respite arrives once we obtain certain material milestones. Treating life like a checklist — relentlessly pursuing each item. All of this is predicated on a misconception that an end will come. But this is an illusion. Like all experiences, they are here today, gone tomorrow. Nothing material can be permanent.

Getting a promotion, bump in pay, or new car provides a burst of pleasure, but when you wake up the next day, you still have to put your socks on the same way. The feeling fades, and soon, our minds are occupied by a new material need. Like a record on repeat, the material trap loops on. Leaving you like a dog chasing its tail.

There’s only one outcome from the material trap, and it’s this — you end up materially wealthy and spiritually poor.

Change

Wagging tails:

On the topic of dogs and tails, a friend recently said something along the lines of “Your dog will still be wagging its tail when you come home regardless of what you did or didn’t achieve today”. That left a mark on me.

Our materialistic pursuits are often built on the misbelief that our sense of worth will be enhanced. Once again, leading us astray from the truth. The love we receive from those who matter is not tied to titles and accomplishments. Their love is unconditional. Don’t forget this when you go out the door. Who you are is already enough.

Note to self:

It might be time to get a dog.

Live Free,

Niall

Please like ❤️ and share 🔄 this post if it encouraged you to question your materialistic desires or clarifies what matters most.

Check out Put The Phone Down. AOTTW #027

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