Purposeful Contentment.
“ By detaching ourselves from frivolous desires, we can replace them with building relationships and loving communities.”
A friend of mine posed the question, "How would you like to see things change?" after reading my last blog post, "Cons of Convenience." I appreciate it whenever someone asks about the ideas I explore, and I hope always to respond adequately. The core mentality that needs to evolve is our pursuit of contentment instead of a subconscious cycle of discontentment. In our society, the unconscious process of accumulation, for the sake of fulfilment, is the primary culprit for dissatisfaction. We see something we want, work toward it, then get it, and where does it leave us? We end up finding another new item to pursue, yearn for, or desire. This cycle is allowed to run rampant in wealthy nations, where advertisements and social norms make it seem like the consumption of resources is why we are on this planet. The reality is that as we frequent this process of getting more, our trajectory toward meaningless lives increases.
Once we grow old, we will look back and remember moments. Maybe we will cherish some possessions, but memories stick with us far longer. What will hopefully outlast everything else is our legacy. How have we influenced the people we interact with, and how have we positively impacted the places we reside? These questions are far more effective in forming meaningful lives than how we make our lives easier or acquire more goods. By detaching ourselves from frivolous desires, we can replace them with building relationships and loving communities. These ideals are lifelong struggles that are far more rewarding and benevolent to loved ones than any sum of money, keepsake, or superfluously leisurely life we provide once we die.
Thank you for taking the time to continue reading these uncomfortable ideas. I want to make it known that the ideals I highlight as solutions are ones I am still working to embody and often am far from achieving. I invite you to join in on these hopes for the future, which you have already started by exploring these thoughts.
