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Do I have to Read it?
Often when I run across a good novel, or even after I've written an interesting piece, myself; I'll offer the stories or summaries to my teenagers Usually, their first response is, "Do I have to read it?" And many times, I will reply, "No, you...
Holistic Junction's Featured School of the Week: Louisville School of Massage
This week, Holistic Junction is proud to present Louisville School of Massage . Situated in historically-rich Louisville, Kentucky , Louisville School of Massage is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and...
Letting Go Can Be Hard But Doable
Being a coach, I learned through attending Coach University about letting go of the "stuff" in my life that no longer fueled it. This enhanced itself through my studies in becoming a master practitioner in the laws of attraction -- the process of...
Philosophy as a science
This article is for those who got started in studying philosophy and got confused. Here is some information on how to clarify some points that you don’t seem to understand and be well prepared for a discussion that involves philosophical terms and...
Teacher Orhan Seyfi Ari's mark on the History of Education
Teacher and Idealist in
Teaching and Education..
the late Orhan Seyfi Ari
12 Dec 1918 - 17 Dec 1992
Teacher Orhan Seyfi Ari's teaching, education reforms, this educator's mark on educational and cultural history, his teaching,...
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Ode to A Spoon
"Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have." --Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel (1907-1990)
I have to admit it, I love spoons. I love their round shape. I love their cheerful shine. I love how perfectly they fit into your mouth when you eat something smooth like ice cream or pudding or even when you eat something tummy warming like hot soup.
I love spoons because they are functional as well as beautiful. Eating breakfast cereal just wouldn't be the same experience without them. I enjoy using them very much and always opt for a small, round, silvery spoon anytime it makes sense.
One day, my husband came upon me silently admiring a beautiful sugar spoon from our new 'fancy' silverware collection. I was thrilled with how the bottom of it was artfully shaped like a sea shell. He thought I was nuts.
I realized I feel this way about lots of object in my world. I admire platters, vases, paintings, rugs, blankets, curtains, you name it. Am I materialistic? I suppose on a certain level I am. Here's my philosophy on stuff: I take great pleasure in appreciating the personal possessions that grace my life.
I have profound gratitude for the convenient services my belongings regularly provide me. I even thank them occasionally (when no one is around). I really do appreciate all they do for me and recognize that I could just as easily not have the privilege of their presence in my life.
Along those lines, I make efforts to use them. I no longer horde my favorite things in a closet only taking them out once or twice a year, living in fear of their potential demise. These are beautiful objects! Who am I to hide their splendor from view? They deserve every opportunity to be appreciated.
Should something
meet an untimely end, I am sad. But I also thank them for their loyal service for as long as they existed, and use their passing as an opportunity to bring another beautiful, dutiful item into service.
Now, having said this, I do not purchase $1000 spoons or $500 ceramic vases. If one is prepared to replace broken items one must be operating with one's own financial comfort zone. However, ask yourself: would you rather own an expensive item that you rarely enjoy or own something within your financial means that you enhances your life days on end?
I am offering, I suppose, a slightly different view of materialism. It's a different way of looking at the objects in your world, one where you have a mutually beneficial relationship with them.
I know, you're thinking, "she's really gone off the deep end this time." But honestly, this perspective encourages you to notice the beauty surrounding you and the conveniences you enjoy and be grateful for them. This in turn brings positive feelings into your life, what I call Material Contentment.
The next time you eat with a nice spoon or sit on a soft sofa, take a moment to realize how lucky you are to be the guardian of such an object. Has it been loyal in service to you? Have you shown it respect and admiration in return?
Today is a great day to start talking to inanimate objects. Why not begin by saying "Thanks" to your favorite piece of silverware?
About the Author
Deirdre Maigread McEachern is an experienced writer, speaker and personal coach who works one-on-one to help her clients find their ideal career and create more balance in their lives. You can contact Deirdre at 207-439-4280, deirdre@vip-coaching.com or sign up for her free e-newsletter at www.vip-coaching.com/news.
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philosophy: the best cosmetic is great-looking skin |
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