Conscious Consumption
In the long run, material things do not make us happy. We get used to them quickly, and then the novelty wears off. What does make us happy is financial security in the sense of not having to deal with poverty or hunger. This is exactly why we should secure our food and water sources by planting trees, tending gardens, and developing sustainable water systems.
Our happiness does increase when we spend time with friends, partners, or family and enjoy nature and quality time, all with good mental health. Doing good in the world—by giving back, lending support to others, or volunteering for a cause—also makes us happy. A 2016 study from the University of the South shows that “random acts of kindness” for others or for the world can boost your mood. Interestingly, the study found that “helping others can boost your mood more than if you had done something to help yourself. Why? It encourages our body to release dopamine, which gives you what some call a ‘helper’s high.’” A 2017 survey from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute noted that people are happier overall when they give to others and that the more they do or give, the happier they tend to be. It’s simply referred to as “the joy of giving.”
Life’s short. We should enjoy it. It’s not about not consuming; it’s about consuming consciously to meet your basic necessities and within your means. Ultimately, the things that will help you live a more fulfilled life will be the experiences you have and your inner happiness—not the possessions that you own.
Life is made up of moments.
When we can live with a perspective of abundance instead of scarcity, our life changes for the better. We attract more abundance. It all comes down to consuming within your means, living simply, and making sure that money is consciously spent on your basic needs.
What are our basic needs? For all of us, these include:
Clean Water
Healthy Food
Shelter
Clothing (Secondhand or Local)
Education
Electricity
Love and Connection
Spirituality
Consuming consciously and living simply allows us to form a symbiotic relationship with nature. Diversifying our investments, our crops, and our trades helps us weather times of crisis such as storms or recessions. As we steward the land, planting and regenerating it, we increase our biological, spiritual, emotional, and cultural capital.