You
are not your bank account.
You are not the clothes you wear.
You are not the contents of your wallet.
You are not your bowel cancer.
You are not your grand latte.
You are not the car you drive.
You are not your khakis.
(Tyler Durden)
Goods
Material goods seem to be a necessary component of modern life.
Whilst it may be possible to own nothing, this may also prove very
inconvenient.
Owning goods is not a problem in itself.
Instead, it is the additional significance we give belongings that is
the problem.
Rather than use an item when we require it and then set it aside, humans are
conditioned to horde, to keep, to
possess.
Wars have started over this.
People
When we try to possess people, things become more complicated.
People are not objects.
They have thoughts, feelings, wants and desires; many of which will be in
discord with your own.
This is why
marriages
fail.
You cannot own the other person; they are not 'yours' - despite a contract
to the contrary.
A relationship between two people is simply that; a
relationship.
If you want to hold onto the relationship and
fix it in place - you will fail.
Experiences
Events happen and then they pass into
memory.
Seeking
to hold onto the memory will cause you suffering.
It does not matter whether the memory is good or bad, the events are gone -
you cannot
keep them.
Living a life where you experience the
moment
and then let it
pass is at the heart of
taoism.
Realising the fleeting nature of experience makes you live a more
vital, complete life.
You do not
squander opportunity.
Without possession
If you live without seeking to possess, you are freed of an immense burden.
You can love more freely.
The illusion of permanency and the need for possession no longer bind
you.
You can just
be.
It is not always necessary to hold, to keep, to possess - sometimes you can just enjoy - and then carry on with your life.
Page created 5 January 2000