The Paradox of Possession
Did you get everything on your Christmas wish list this year?
They say you should be careful what you wish for.
Because you just might get it.
The Paradox of Obtaining a Coveted Thing
The moment you possess a new possession,
the tables turn, and
that possession begins to possess you.
Every possession has the ability to dispossess.
On a relatively short timeline,
the objects of your desire
degenerate into
the objects of your discontent.
The Futility of Desiring Things
After a few months…
• Your Lunya Washable Silk Robe
begins to tatter.
• Your Gucci Jordaan Bit Loafers
give you blisters.
• Your Moncler Virgin Wool Rib Beanie
makes your scalp itch.
• Your Bottega Veneta Mini Wallace Intricate Leather Shoulder Bag
grows heavy with regret.
• Your Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device
runs out of batteries.
• Your SMEG 2 Slice Toaster with 6 Presets and Defrost Function and Removable Crumb Tray
burns your breakfast.
• Your Saint Laurent Matelassé Leather Credit Card Case
is a stark reminder of the debt you’ve accumulated this year.
The End of Desire
Uh oh, after getting everything you wanted,
you no longer
what you wanted.
And then, when the desire is gone, you realize
it was entirely a one-way relationship—
the things you wanted never wanted
in the first place.
Ownership vs. Possession
At last,
you don’t own your things
if your things own you.
Conclusion
As the seasons change, and the newness wears off, we begin to realize that our possessions do not bring us the fulfillment we thought they would. Instead, they often bring us discontent and a sense of emptiness. The key is to recognize this paradox and redirect our focus away from accumulating material possessions and towards what truly brings us joy and fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I avoid the pitfalls of material possession?
- By focusing on experiences and relationships over material possessions, you can cultivate a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
- How do I get rid of my unwanted possessions?
- By embracing minimalism and letting go of the things that no longer serve you, you can free yourself from the burden of excessive ownership.
- What are some alternatives to buying things I want?
- Consider gifting yourself an experience, like taking a cooking class or going on a weekend trip, or give to a cause that aligns with your values.
