The Unexpected Joy of Being a Spiritual Person
Recently in one of my university courses, we discussed the topic of luxury, spirituality and social media being interconnected in one’s lifestyle.
Right now in society, materialism encompasses the vast majority of our lives, particularly for young people in their teens, or those in their twenties (like me) as well as those in their thirties, forties, and fifties.
This is speaking generally. In my degree, I’m studying fashion design, and I can see this unhealthy trend of overconsuming ‘things’ that just give us momentary satisfaction.
This is unsustainable.
Like the linear fast fashion equation, where there’s a constant supply of cheap mass-produced clothing from factories – new styles, looks, and advertisements for something physical, all selling the idea that if you have it, you will be cool, you will feel happy etc, etc.
Yet how many people realise that underneath this facade is slave labour, detrimental environmental impacts and, to put it simply, plain greed.
Textile waste, credit: Unsplash.com
Social media promotes this idea of materialism and everything is about aesthetics. Yet from my perspective, the spiritual and material are opposites. Sure, the item you buy is physically existing, but the longest you can obtain it for is only this one lifetime. However, the intangible and the spiritual is what last the longest, it goes beyond this lifetime.
Amusingly, I find that being a spiritual person is what’s most precious and fulfilling to my inner being, even though the elements to it are intangible and contrary to what a materialist seeks. Then is it wrong for me to assume that materialists are, to a certain extent, rather shallow, while spiritual believers have a more enriching aura about them?
As I go about my daily life, I sometimes feel a sudden unexpected joy and gratefulness about who I am and it just feels so nice when you don’t need anything to trigger this. I’ve realised that “less is more” and truly, who needs that much stuff anyway?
If one is at peace with oneself, from inside to outside, one would automatically not desire or pursue various wants. That peace is itself a luxury. Life would then be a lot easier to enjoy and hardship would bring joy – as only once that hardship is overcome, does one realise the preciousness of the journey.
Journalling, Credit: Unsplash.com
There’s so much more to life than we know. Search for the unknown, look inside yourself and discover what it is you genuinely need, what’s important, what your values are, where is your purpose, and what’s your goal?
Nowadays there are many people who suggest mindful practices. I suggest Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa – there’s so much to learn and it’s all free!
Read 5 Reasons Why Falun Gong (Falun Dafa) is Great!
Good luck with all your future endeavours!
Peace,
Rose Jane
Views expressed in this article represent the author's own opinions or understandings.
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