Florian K.
Professional Teacher
Why we're so attached to stuff?
My aunt lives in a three-story house. It’s a house full of things, her things from her younger years until now.  She kept every single clothing that she wore even when she was a child. It’s amusing, isn’t it? I could barely walk in her room because even the floor is so full of stuff.  

Recently, I have been doing some decluttering because I got inspired by Marie Kondo. I learned that in the process of “decluttering” and organizing, you must ask yourself the most important question, “Does this spark joy?.


Aug 19, 2019 11:15 AM
Comments · 15
4
Interesting paradigm, but I doubt if there is an answer in the western culture. There is an eastern one, though. You'll find it in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. It's called Moha, pronounced moh. What it means is attachment to the material world and its material things. This leads to māyā or delusion - inability to see things in their proper perspective. Moha and the resultant māyā are said to be the root of all suffering.
August 19, 2019
2
Hey, Florian! I have already commented on your post concerning minimalism. I also heard a lot about Marie Kondo and her teaching people from all around the world (especially women) how to make their houses freer from stuff and their lives - from problems connected with the overabundance of that stuff.
To my opinion it's a great teaching and it is really worth trying. In the age of consumerism it is so important for people to realize and remember that the material things should not be the purpose and meaning of human life. Moreover, what's the point of attaching to them? When I sometimes catch myself thinking that I can't get rid of this or that stuff, I usually make a little effort and do this - just throw the things which I know I don't need or don't like any more, or give them to someone else. And then I usually feel free, it's an awesome feeling.
In this respect I really like the eastern culture with its philosophy.
August 19, 2019
1
@Florian K In that case, we are talking about another kind of "troubles" ( may be ) it would be interesting to know what she thinks about all stuff she's accumulated throughout the time
August 20, 2019
1
@Florian K you are right 😄

August 20, 2019
1
@Pablo Well you have a point but some people keep all of their memories. 😂
August 20, 2019
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