Beautiful things comfort; they bring a real clarity and ease. We have to continue to make our environments beautiful - it's sort of like a prayer. If you surround yourself with beautiful things, you have a better life - one with more oxygen - Anjelica Huston
In a society that functions on materialism, it's a commonly held belief that a desire to engage in experiences is superior to a desire to acquire physical objects. Our previous experience in this society may have taught us that it is more 'spiritual' to refrain from aspiring to own physical items. In fact, the supposed value of the denial of physical pleasures of all kinds is inherent in many religions. Giving is seen as being superior to having, and so faced with an array of dazzling physical objects and experiences on a day-to-day basis, we are conflicted about where to place our energies and intentions.
So, suppose we consider an alternate perspective, which is to embrace the idea that we deliberately chose to come here to have a physical experience. This view is subject to your personal spiritual beliefs, however from what I am coming to understand, beings from all over the universe are vying for the opportunity to incarnate on this earth, as its third dimensional reality will enable them to enjoy a physical experience. The above quote from Anjelica Huston reflects a belief in the spirituality of things; that beautiful surroundings enhance our connection to a higher power. And, is the creation of a beautiful environment indicating a desire for beautiful things or a desire for beautiful experiences? Is it really possible to define a 'thing' as opposed to an experience, or are they one and the same?
People talk about the law of attraction and manifesting 'things' as being part of a spiritual practice, realising in the course of their journeys that it is not the things that are bringing them joy, but the feelings related to enjoying those things. And, what are experiences, but happenings that conjure feelings? If an experience doesn't come with an emotion it cannot be called an experience, but simply an occurrence. An experience may be painful or joyous, but it is something that enriches our lives with the emotion that it carries with it. So, I would surmise that the enjoyment of a physical object could be thought of as an experience, as it might stimulate feelings of wonderment, comfort or sensory pleasure. And, does wanting to experience these feelings indicate that we are less than spiritual? Or, does it demonstrate that we are gloriously physical, capable of using our connection to spiritual sensitivity, appreciation and gratitude, yet grounded in our physical bodies as we were intended to be during this lifetime?
Traveling is a wonderful experience, and so is snuggling into a set of luxurious sheets. Hugging a family member is a beautiful experience, and so is admiring a well-crafted piece of art. Playing an instrument is a fulfilling experience, and so is writing with quality stationery. Volunteering is an enriching experience, and so is filling a vase with beautiful flowers. Is it wrong to want lovely clothes so that you can experience the feeling of soft fabric on your skin? Is it shallow to want to read a book that smells like it has never been touched? Is it unspiritual to have a desire to experience the scent of a delicious candle when relaxing at home? Or, to enjoy eating food that doesn't belong to a carefully monitored health plan? Or, to drive a smooth car down the freeway every morning on the way to work?
When we live fully within our physical bodies, aspiring to and manifesting all the wondrous experiences that they have to offer, we are fulfilling our purpose on this planet. We are living in a physical dimension for a reason and we are here to revel in and grow through the physical experiences that we have available to us. I don't think you can separate a 'thing' from an experience. If a thing brings no pleasure, it is worthless, and if an experience brings no pleasure or growth it is also worthless to us. So, let us intentionally select and cultivate our physical objects and experiences. Let us only choose those that 'spark joy'. Let us enjoy those physical objects that can be acquired within our means and seek to draw to us those that are not yet available to us. The universe expands in proportion to our expansion, our desires and our manifestations. We were made for continual expansion.
Like the air you breathe, abundance in all things is available to you. Your life will simply be as good as you allow it to be – Abraham Hicks
Abraham-Hicks Publications. (2021). Official website. https://www.abraham-hicks.com/
Brainy Quote. (2021). Anjelica Huston quote. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/anjelica_huston_879359?src=t_beautiful_things
Marie Kondo. (2021). Shop: Spark joy. https://shop.konmari.com/
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