The Trap of Materialism

Being materialistic is not inherently bad in every situation, but it often leads to negative consequences. While some people may find short-term satisfaction in acquiring material possessions, the long-term impacts on happiness, relationships, and personal growth tend to be detrimental for many individuals.

Since my youth, I believed that success and happiness were defined by material wealth and social status. Such a mindset developed because of my family’s expectations and societal pressure.

Ever since I entered the corporate world, my relatives, family members, and neighbours have compared me to those who seemed to be excelling in their lives. Their evaluation criteria were mainly job title, position, salary, and material possessions. This external pressure drove me to constantly pursue achievements and be a part of the rat race, not realizing that there is no finish line for such a race.

By my mid-thirties, I was well-established in my corporate career, with a high-paying job, a stylish apartment in a prime metro area, and a luxury car. I took pride in my accomplishments and felt I was living the dream, thanks to those who motivated and pushed me to work hard and achieve success.

However, despite my outward success, I began to feel a deep sense of dissatisfaction and emptiness. By then, I was already in comparison mode, constantly feeling that whatever I possessed was slowly becoming outdated and needed an upgrade. But every time I acquired a new gadget or luxury item, the initial excitement quickly faded, leaving me with a nagging sense that something was still missing. My better half noticed this shift in my attitude and gently helped me recognize that I was getting trapped in a cycle of materialism.

I initially dismissed her concerns, firmly believing that more money and possessions would eventually bring me the happiness I was looking for. I began setting even greater materialistic goals, such as acquiring a more impressive apartment, upgrading my first car to a more prestigious one, adding two more cars, and obtaining designer items that I could not afford earlier.

I never bothered to reassess the reason behind my mental emptiness. Perhaps I was unaware that our world is undergoing radical changes at an accelerating pace, where whatever we possess today is likely to lose its impact or value tomorrow. Newer and better versions will replace the old, leaving them vintage and obsolete. This is a fundamental truth about life — whether we accept it or not is our choice.

By my early forties, my material possessions had grown substantially, but so had my anxiety. The pressure to maintain a high standard of living and meet societal expectations weighed heavily on me. I found myself working longer hours, sacrificing personal time, and missing out on relationships and experiences that once mattered. The joy I once found in my achievements faded as I became trapped in a cycle of chasing the next big thing.

One day, while my better half and I were attending a charity event organized by 'Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM),' I met individuals who had chosen simpler lives but seemed genuinely content. Their stories were filled with experiences, travel, and deep connections with others. Their happiness was rooted in memories and relationships rather than material possessions. They were all seniors to me and had seen more of the world than I had. Despite being highly successful in there respective domains, well-established, and wealthy, they chose to step aside from the rat race to pursue more meaningful aspects of life. I could immediately resonate with them.

This encounter was a turning point for me, as it helped me select the path that led to holistic success. It was then that I learned to balance success with my core purpose of being happy. Since then, I have been associated with the aforementioned non-profit organization, which has a worldwide presence in over 160 countries, covering all continents. Through this journey, I discovered that true happiness and satisfaction come not from possessing more, but from volunteering and giving back to society. I am glad I chose this path and have found it to be the most rewarding. Meditation | Relaxation | Yoga | Spirituality | Heartfulness

My story serves as a reminder that focusing too much on material possessions can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction, while embracing experiences and relationships can bring genuine joy and contentment.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely based on my personal experiences and perceptions. I do not intend to cause any offense or hurt anyone's feelings. Readers are encouraged to interpret the content in their own context and discretion.