Over consumption is a daily problem in my world. Im sure you see it in yours as well. The need to be more, have more, and seek solutions outside of ourselves. It’s run rampant in our culture here in the United States.

The solution to this problem is to feel safe, loved, and gratitude in our current place.

Some easy to implement mindset shifts can be as simple as putting down the ads and turning towards that which we already have.

Another easy method is to ask ourselves what feeling we’re grasping for and find a way to fulfill that in another way.

When we see others as having more than us or as better than us, it can give us feelings of vulnerability, meekness, and fear

When we see others as having less than us or not as good as us, it gives us a superiority complex and we view our world as gross and in need of altering.

When I notice I am experiencing an overwhelming feeling of lack in one department of my life or another. I look to the Buddha’s 8 Fold Path and it sets me right.

Right View: Know the truth of what reality really is (hint: you might need to come to yoga for this)

Right Intention: Be a force for good and free your mind from evil

Right Speech: Say NOTHING to hurt others

Right Action: Work for the good of others and do no harm.

Right Livelihood: Respecting life in your vocation

Right Effort: Resist the mind being pulled away from your highest good.

Right Concentration: Practice meditation

Right Mindfulness: Control your thoughts

Ask yourself, who is the happiest person I KNOW (not someone you think is happy or have seen on TV).

Then reflect on what it is that makes that person happy. Maybe even ask them yourself.

The quest for happiness can be eternal if you keep looking in the wrong place, and, my friend, it’s been within you the whole time.

So, the next time you see an ad for something that you think will solve a problem for you, I want you tho reflect on Right Effort and Right Mindfulness.

It the desire warranted and supported by your highest self aiming for Nirvana? Or does it feed to rampant thoughts that are lacking clarity on what is really real in this life?