Why This Scary Economy is … Good For Us?

Yep, I really do believe that, in a very un-empathetic, this economic crunch can be good for us. How dare I even think something like that when people are – at this very moment – losing their jobs and homes all over the nation? I do have great sympathy for that. And there will be thousands of tragic and harrowing stories of survival to be told before this has passed. I’m looking at it from another angle. So when I say that “this economy is good for us”, I’m considering that this might bring us all toward more conscious-living, force us to practice more environmentally-friendly behavior, and connect to our roots.
My post of last week on “The Story of Stuff” video alluded to some of that, but this past week’s economic follow-up events are reinforcing the thought further still. We will most likely ALL have to cut back on consumption to make ends meet. In the long term, as we adapt (and we will), this can only have good repercussions on our environmental and spiritual well being.  The “how” of this is pretty self-explanatory. If we need to cut back, we will become more aware of all the purchases that we make, choosing carefully the items that we really need. We will look for better quality products that will offer a long serviceable life. We will learn to cherish old favorites, like that soft sweater and that old sitting chair, mending and fixing as necessary. We will learn to exchange gifts that have significance and purpose and soul, making gift giving a meaningful gesture again.

We will become smarter in carefully considering our investment in big purchases and won’t squander on insignificant tschotchkies.  We won’t be so infatuated with fashion trends and fads because they don’t have
durability. Instead, we will each develop our own enduring style. We will become more resourceful and creative in finding ways to repurpose goods for another life. We won’t be so wasteful with our food and other
staples, and will buy only what we need when we need it. We will have more respect for our belongings because each has a meaning and purpose.

Without the means (and obsession) to indulge in reckless consumption, we might just become more of a community because we won’t be so focused on “stuff”.  We might just start caring more about people than material things. We could very well start finding more activities that bring us together in enjoyable, authentic and enriching ways. And, there’s a chance that we will learn to respect our elders again for all the wisdom and comfort they bring us.

Sounds like Utopia? Actually, doesn’t this remind you on how our parents and grand-parents used to live? It used to be a cash society where one would only buy what they could afford. Seems like a return to the olden days. Strange, huh, after we’ve sought and achieved so much advancement. I’m not saying we should go Amish. But I believe that a self-enforced “frugal living” scenario can feel very freeing. It’s an opportunity to see our spirits grow, something that can really only happen when we can start being unattached to “stuff”. No matter what I can afford, I will now, more than ever, look for style AND substance AND durability. Something that fits my needs and makes me feel good when I use it.

The bottom, bottom line? The impact on our environment. The planet can only benefit when we curb the pilferage of the planet’s natural resources and thus the pollution emitted in the manufacturing, packaging and transportation of our “stuff”.

See, this can become a good thing. As we’ve all heard, growth can only be achieved through pain. Bring it on.  Ouch.