Monday, September 14, 2015

Getting More Stuff

Before my present pursuits, I spent a number of years working retail.  I had the opportunity to observe all sorts of behavior, especially binge shopping.  If a person wishes to receive and education in social studies, spend time in retail.

In the beginning I got very bothered by rude and hostile people.  Over time, as I studied positive thought philosophy I learned the principle of detached observation, or mindfulness.  I separated myself from the direct meaning of their behavior, and began to look for motives.  Time and again, the obvious stood out. The more concern a customer had for buying and getting, the more likely they appeared to be hostile or unhappy.  In my own experience, the cliche proved itself.

After seeing this for many years, I resolved to practice more of the principle of detachment from want.  I read a statement from a philosopher: "by releasing, we are released."  More peace came to me as I applied that saying to all sorts of situations in my life, in addition to material things.

"...Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."  -- Luke 12:15

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detachment_(philosophy)

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