We tend to be extremely possessive of our belongings. Recently, an incident was shared with me regarding a rather heated exchange between an older sister, age 13, and her younger brother, age 11. They were visiting relatives and out on an excursion. He had brought his ball cap on the trip but had chosen not to wear it that day. Seeing that he was not using it, his sister chose to wear it. The argument revolved around his right not to use his possession but retain his right to determine whether or not someone else could use it without his permission. Inasmuch as it was not being worn, his sister felt justified in wearing it and felt his objection was unjustified.
Based on this latter presumption, most of us should expect a horde of our neighbors to rummage through our homes and help themselves to about 20 percent of our possessions. Inasmuch as these unused items occupy a large portion of our dwellings, this sort of invasion might be a blessing. Instead, we could just take advantage of local thrift stores. When we finally acknowledge that we probably will never use certain items again, these stores are an ideal way to support worthy causes and offer others an opportunity to use our unwanted treasures.
In less developed cultures, people have far fewer personal items than we do in our nation. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors had many items in common and most of their weapons, tools and dwellings were fashioned by themselves or other members of their small community. Many groups were nomadic and could not afford to carry excess items as they migrated from one place to another. Their few personal possessions were primarily functional and essential to their survival.
With very few exceptions, we generally don’t have any idea who has made those things we possess. This is unfortunate because innumerable people have been engaged in making our lives safe and comfortable. Although we live as individuals, we are infinitely interconnected with and interdependent on others around the world. Perhaps we should occasionally take time to reflect on their contribution to our lives.
Let’s consider a simple kitchen chair. Who initially designed it? Who harvested the wood that was used? Who fashioned the various components, the legs, seat and back? Who produced the stain, varnish, and glue to hold it together and enhance its appearance? Who purchased it for sale in the store where it was bought? Who built the tools that were used, the buildings in which the chair was manufactured, warehoused or sold. Who produced the various vehicles that transported it throughout the process? How did it get to your home?
The inquiries are endless and reveal the vast number of people who have had a hand in making it possible for that chair to be used by its final owner. Too often we casually dispose of our belongings with no thought of all that went into their construction. Choosing to re-home unwanted or unused items is one way to honor those who have contributed to their development and distribution.
We have only considered one item. It would be overwhelming to go through this process with every object in our surroundings on a regular basis. However, occasionally doing so as we wander through our home, get in our car or pick up our phone might help us expand our awareness of our greater human family.
Have you ever considered how many lives you have touched throughout the vast matrix of our planet by the work you do? Those of us who work in a service industry are not producing permanent objects, but our efforts can still have a ripple effect. As a massage therapist, I promote my clients’ wellbeing. Hopefully, they, in turn, influence others in a positive way at least partially due to my efforts. This is equally true with those who work in medicine, restaurants, education, hospitality, entertainment, and so on.
It has been said that one thing we can do to enhance our mental health is develop an attitude of gratitude. Being thankful for the multitudes who have made our lives better through the numerous objects that surround us is one way to do that. Hopefully, others will send a little gratitude our way as well.