How would we define ourselves without what we believe we own?
I’m not talking about what we need to survive such as food, clothing and shelter.
I’m talking about our treasures, our trophies and the accessories we have that are used to define where we’ve been, who we are, what we like and so on.
Things we collect along the way.
From a young age we're encouraged to collect and possess. We’re also encouraged to form attachments to our possessions, so much so that they can become a burden.
Not only do our possessions help us define who we are, they also influence others.
We’re all forming opinions about each other all the time
Sometimes we form instantaneous opinions influenced by possessions alone with little to no consideration of culture and history.
Naked alone together ~
would we recognise ourselves without our possessions?
Certainly others would see us in a different light.
Pondering...
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21 COMMENTS~THANK YOU:
I've asked myself this question many times throughout the course of life to date.
I've asked it as I've boxed up stuff to go to somewhere, someone else. Collections I no longer desired to collect. Stuff that I've outgrown emotionally, mentally, physically.
And, I wonder as I start to collect yet again, "Umm, do you really want to get started with this? Do you really need more stuff?"
But, oddly enough, the stuff is how people see me, because my entire life, people have given me treasures they thought I would like. Many of them I have because of that emotional charge...lots I've sent on their way to the place they should live...
Stuff. Does it define us for others? I think it does. But, I think what stuff we decide to shed helps to define who we are to ourselves; it helps us to recognize our spirit's image.
I don't consider myself a materialistic person, but I have a basement full of "stuff". I remember when I lived quite happily in a tiny three-room cottage with only one closet.
On the surface we will always be defined by what we have. But if you are in touch with who you are, the fluff will eventually peel away.
I don't know that materialism is necessarily defined by what is in the house or in one's possessions: certainly not in the philosophical/spiritual traditions I follow. One's behavior is more an indication of their attachments and conditioning than what lies around them....
btw, i think you'll love the sounds on my post, Ribbon :)
I have let go of much stuff...after so many moves and downsizing, I realized that I need very little. However, I do have a few Buddhas that I can't live without (well, I suppose I could) One was my Mother's that she got as a gift over 50 years ago and another I found in an obscure little shop... To me they remind me to be mindful and peaceful.
I can tell you a moving. Isn't interesting how much stuff one can actually accumulate? There will be one item that baffles you how it even got into your house, and another that holds such detailed memories.
Over the past 2 years I've been trying to whittle down on the memories, it's a tough job.
hmmn... that's quite a thought for me now, at this phase in my life where I'm just beginning to climb up the ladder in my career. Where having "material" possessions equates to success... it's not easy to let go while young and needs to constantly prove yourself. Unfortunately "proof" is best recognized with possessions/awards/ipod and blackberry! I guess through time and experience, we are all bound to realize that MONEY, possessions and social status are nothing if we are without a soul.
Excellent post Ribbon...I couldn't have said it better myself.
Great question posed. We tend to be surrounded by things, crave tokens that signify acceptance and love, and continually redifine who we are by these possessions. Who are we but the sum of our experiences?
I'm a bit of a tosser, well that's what I thought but I have accrued a lot of 'memorable' junk really. Then if my 'stuff' defines me, it's not really worth anything to anyone else. Seriously if I am judged by the 'stuff' I own it would be a sad day in Sydney!
My collections of mementoes is small but precious and mostly include include reminders of my family. BUt all the other "stuff", I could live without that.
Great question!
Enjoy your weekend!
Holly...
I like what you say about people giving you treasures they thought you would like... that brings up a lot of thoughts for me about the gift of giving.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts on this post. They're very much appreciated.
Pyzahn...
Yes I agree that the definition of oneself or others using possessions is shallow yet we all have fallen victim to it at some time or another.
Braja...
One would hope that your perspective would alter after spending a valuable amount on time in India.
I haven't been able to get a full screen at your site for a while, but I haven't given up and will be over your way soon.
Caroline...
I too have treasures that I would not choose to live without, but yes as you say I could if I had to.
S~DLT...
nice to see you :-)
I've moved more times in my life than I sometimes care to remember.
As a result of this I've become better at carrying my memories in my heart rather than on my back :-)
I still struggle with some stuff though.
Sassy Scribbles...
all I can say is don't believe the hype :-)
But you can be wealthy and have a soul. Money's not evil it's what we choose to do with it than can be a little strange.
Nature as is...
thank you and how beautiful are you in your new photo :-)
Lovely to meet/see you
lakeviewer...
Spot on.... "who are we but the sum of our experiences"... I like that.
thank you for being you.
Baino...
In my opinion ~
unfortunately superficiality/affluenza is alive and well here in Australia.
When I lived in Sydney I felt it was just a couple of steps away from attempting a class system.
We like to think that we don't judge others, but we do it all the time and they're judging us too.
Joanna Jenkins...
Yes we all have treasures and a whole lot of other stuff that probably helps fuel the economy and adds to the confusion of life.
"SO MANY OF US DEFINE OURSELVES BY WHAT WE HAVE, WHAT WE WEAR, WHAT KIND OF CAR WE DRIVE...
IF YOU THINK OF YOURSELF AS THE WOMAN IN THE CARTIER WATCH AND THE HERMES SCARF,
A HOUSE FIRE WILL DESTROY NOT ONLY YOUR POSSESSIONS BUY YOURSELF"
Linda Henley born 1951
Anerican Writer
Thank you so very much to all of you for taking the time to comment.
best wishes
Ribbon
Interesting Ribbon.
I love my things around me especially in the winter when it is 40 below and the snow is falling and I am toasty warm in the house.
I look around and like my things.
By I could be naked very easily and just want to live.
While I like my things, I don't give a shit about any of them.
Love to you.
Renee xoxoxo
ps... the quote last line should read...
a house fire will not only destroy your possessions BUT yourself ~ not BUY (freudian slip)
x Ribbon
Ah, so fun to read your post Ribbon and then all the lovely comments. Things are things. To me i've always felt that money can buy happiness when you buy experiances.
And, i think it gets easier, our relationship to stuff, as we get older. You know more what matters.
love you!
lori
I liked going to a nude beach, that one summer in Vancouver. It was so real.
I admit there are certian things I do cling to, but I realize they are just illusions.
That really is something to ponder. I always wonder what exactly is the point to collecting other than more to dust! I am a minimalist at heart and would love to truly live that life!
ribbon, interesting. i'm not that much into things and possessions, but universe please let have some books, my makeup, good shoes, and paper and pen. oh and my laptop.
this last addition surprises me but i love this laptop.
and how about you ribbon?
love
kj
Great question!
I have an issue with hoarding. One complication is that some hoarders have an emotional attachment to objects. Maybe we experience this feeling much more deeply than most that our possessions define who we are.
Another thing we do is to base our identity on what we do. Secretary, nurse, auto mechanic, engineer, teacher, writer, housekeeper -- these occupations conjure in us snapshots of sterotypes.
Well Helllooooo groover,
It's late at night in sydney and I'm having another peek at my real- life-o-sphere friend in the blogosphere.
Here's a few random thoughts on the subject of our stuff.
I remember when I decided at an early age (12 or 13?) that I would only keep things that were functional and useful. If it hasn't been used for a while out it goes to vinnies. Be ruthless.
It's had its pros and cons. I have much less crap than I would have had but have lost a few life momentos on the way.
As a card carrying enviro nazi it now seems to make sense in that the less you consume the less you destroy.
However I have been given a sneek peek into the world of design and beautiful objects by s-love. Also once she was pregant we had to get a couch (from a store and everything, not street shopping!). Pregnant ladies like to sit down.
I still do love a purge though. There's something really great about lightening the possessions load.
A friend of mine gave me cash for my 40th. She was apologetic as she was worried I'd take it the wrong way. The idea was that at this age we all have so much crap that it's best to get something you really want. I loved it. I got a blues driver pedal so I can get a bit of extra grunt at the push of a pedal when playing guitar. Will I still have it if I stop playing is, I suppose, the question. Do I need it? Am I my blues driver pedal? Do people judge me on my ownership of a shiny blue pedal. Maybe, until I start playing and then unfortunately they judge me on my lack of practice.
I wonder of the little guys will be collectors or eliminators.
Love ya heaps.
Stu
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