I didn’t realise why I had been doing this this until recently: it was partly about simplifying my living space, but also an attempt to disidentify myself from my possessions and my lifestory.

If disidentification is your main motive in de-stuffing it’s important to realise that this can be achieved without physically disposing of the stuff in question. Good luck in dealing with your burden :-)

America is NOT the only country on the planet that engages in the acquisition of stuff.

It’s now become a disease that can be attributed to any country that is able to acquire.

I prefer to call it “crap”, because realistically, when you look at all the crap the world produces for the edification and emotional benefit of those that can afford it when there are people who starve on a daily basis, we should be ashamed at the shallow nature of our existence when we behave this way.

I’m no different and by no means immune to the allure of the materialistic influence of the type of society we live in.
I have “crap” but reading posts like this; together with an awareness of all of the other things we could do with the money, then perhaps we could benefit others instead. This post increases my awareness and resolve to cure myself of the disease.

Maybe we can ask the 3 questions posited above in this format , BEFORE we buy crap

1) Will I use it at least once a month? (Be brutally honest)
2) Would it be irreplaceable? (Do I REALLY need it?)
3) Is there another way to do what this item does that doesn’t involve buying crap? (Are we just being lazy and is it REALLY that useful?)

and then assigning the money we were going to spend for more charitable purposes.

That way (at least in Australia) we could take the tax benefit from contributions to charity and reduce the impact on the environment by reducing demand for more crap.

It may eventually end up as land fill anyway.

Be more aware of what we do and the attainment of a clear conscience may be in reach of us all.

I am from Quito, Ecuador, middle high class. I’ve lived in different parts of the United States during for many of the last 17 years of my life. I am 35 and living in my hometown since 2004. I am married and have two kids, aged 3 and 1. I hold degrees from American Universities.

I believe that the main question is whether your stuff is your master or your servant. I agree on that point with the article. However, I cannot imagine parting with my precious belongings and living the Budda way. I am atracted to valuable stuff, as I see a lot of value on, say, a fine luxury watch. (I would never, never purchase a Movado, Tag Heuer or Bulgari; but Breguet, Patek Phillipe and Omega are on my wishlist)

I don’t think I own more things than I need. I have few, good quality clothing pieces. I have a few, good quality pairs of shoes. I make a point to get rid of stuff I do not use. And I make a point of enjoying my stuff as well as my few invaluable social relationships.

I think that the modern craving for useless stuff is a replacement for lack social interaction. Too much isolation in our modern lives leaves us with an emotional gap that tends to be filled by shopping for stuff.

However, many times, when we interact with each other, the first manner in which we relate to each other is more about what we own than who we are. I find this true in every society I’ve lived, industrialized or underdeveloped.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac