It reminds of a quote I saw decades ago in that trove of wisdom - Winnie the Pooh - "Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although eating honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.
This essay is so fun to read as I cruise a European river over the holiday. My inbox is piling up with Black Friday deals I cannot access because I'm overseas! What may have turned into an expensive afternoon of shopping instead turned into an opportunity to chuckle at myself and my ridiculously comprehensive knowledge of the online shopping sphere. You also lay out the essential ground of Buddhism's central tenets here in a way I find refreshing and helpful. Finally, I so enjoy packing for a week-long trip: I bring my favorite elegant essentials, my wardrobe pared back and comfortable. I could live like this, I think. Oh wait: I AM living like this! ;)
Broadly speaking, this has mega implications for us now and for generations to come. Sigmund Freud’s nephew, Edward Bernays—often called the “father of public relations”—used Freud’s ideas to design modern advertising and mass persuasion, helping create a culture where politicians chase short-term gains and the rest of us are pushed to believe we must always spend and own more just to keep up, driving our consumption far beyond what Earth’s ecosystems can sustain. Our antidotes will need to be strong and ubiquitous.
Dharma Lab, Thank you for this wonderful post. The invitation to retreat from the mindless spending of Black Friday, a peak of consumption for many in the world who are not hungry.
We are told by those in power that what's needed is more energy. Renewables if possible!
Not so! What we need is much less consumption of the earth! ...and peaceful quiet.
I find this article excellent. At the moment, I am thinking (and desiring) strongly to interest myself seriously in Stoicism, and buy some online courses about it.
However, I have still other themes in my lab, as serious and intense Buddhist study, marginally analytical psychology, intelligent martial arts, nonviolent philosophy, ethical option of social combat and social care (unionism), as much as yoga tantra psychology that I brought intensively for some months.
I dispose of all my time, so I am potentially a good client to verse in all these studies, and think that there is something valuable in it, the definition of a personal way.
However, I know there is also some aspects of becoming a frenetic consumer, that I wish I am not.
In a word, out of just being aware of it, and sometimes surrender to it, I don't know what to do.
And the truth is that you are right in your article.
This is acreally clear and practical guide to working with this yearly phenomenon. It's amazing to me that despite decades on mind training I still get caught up in the frenzy. Thanks!
The inbox deluge is real. Love the practical steps here. Sharing widely and with gratitude. 🙏
Thank you for sharing, Jennifer
It reminds of a quote I saw decades ago in that trove of wisdom - Winnie the Pooh - "Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although eating honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.
Nice one
This essay is so fun to read as I cruise a European river over the holiday. My inbox is piling up with Black Friday deals I cannot access because I'm overseas! What may have turned into an expensive afternoon of shopping instead turned into an opportunity to chuckle at myself and my ridiculously comprehensive knowledge of the online shopping sphere. You also lay out the essential ground of Buddhism's central tenets here in a way I find refreshing and helpful. Finally, I so enjoy packing for a week-long trip: I bring my favorite elegant essentials, my wardrobe pared back and comfortable. I could live like this, I think. Oh wait: I AM living like this! ;)
Thank you for sharing.
Broadly speaking, this has mega implications for us now and for generations to come. Sigmund Freud’s nephew, Edward Bernays—often called the “father of public relations”—used Freud’s ideas to design modern advertising and mass persuasion, helping create a culture where politicians chase short-term gains and the rest of us are pushed to believe we must always spend and own more just to keep up, driving our consumption far beyond what Earth’s ecosystems can sustain. Our antidotes will need to be strong and ubiquitous.
One of the best, most helpful chapters yet. Will be sharing with friends.
Dharma Lab, Thank you for this wonderful post. The invitation to retreat from the mindless spending of Black Friday, a peak of consumption for many in the world who are not hungry.
We are told by those in power that what's needed is more energy. Renewables if possible!
Not so! What we need is much less consumption of the earth! ...and peaceful quiet.
I find this article excellent. At the moment, I am thinking (and desiring) strongly to interest myself seriously in Stoicism, and buy some online courses about it.
However, I have still other themes in my lab, as serious and intense Buddhist study, marginally analytical psychology, intelligent martial arts, nonviolent philosophy, ethical option of social combat and social care (unionism), as much as yoga tantra psychology that I brought intensively for some months.
I dispose of all my time, so I am potentially a good client to verse in all these studies, and think that there is something valuable in it, the definition of a personal way.
However, I know there is also some aspects of becoming a frenetic consumer, that I wish I am not.
In a word, out of just being aware of it, and sometimes surrender to it, I don't know what to do.
And the truth is that you are right in your article.
Wonderful insight thanks for sharing!
This is acreally clear and practical guide to working with this yearly phenomenon. It's amazing to me that despite decades on mind training I still get caught up in the frenzy. Thanks!
So deep and very on time point of view! It makes me to pause before buying unneeded stuff. Thank you!