An old saying goes, “Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial poverty.” This expression holds within it a truth about the human condition—one that calls everyone to reflect upon the true worth of what we possess and our desires’ role in our lives.
The Nature of Contentment
Contentment is a state of mind wherein an individual is at peace and satisfied with the present conditions surrounding his or her life. It is gratitude for what one has, without the desire to have what one doesn’t. This does not mean complacency or a lack of ambition. On the contrary, it means joy in one’s journey and not in the destination.
Contentment is like the treasure within a person. It is a resource that can never go out of stock, whatever our external circumstances. People who are content generally experience more happiness, have better relationships, and are in better health. They also stressed less, were anxious less, or were depressed less.
The illusion of luxury
On the other hand, sometimes luxury is related to having wealth, possessions, or status. It explains the attitude that “more one has, the more happiness.’ Having a good life is, naturally, a want, but looking for luxury turns into a race that never ends.
The thing is, that’s a problem with luxury: It’s contrived. Society invented it, and now society’s selling it to us as if it’s something we need to be happy about. It is a man made disaster for the mental health. That’s where the science comes in. Evidence has piled up showing that this relationship between wealth and well-being is weak. Once basic needs are met, more stuff typically brings imperceptible returns.
The chase after luxury can turn into a hunt that artificially leads to poverty. By chasing more things, we overlook the nurturing of relationships, our health, and our people. We constantly compare our lot in life, wanting what others have. This can create feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.
Finding Balance
The key to the good life lies in the middle ground—between contentment and ambition. We should strive for our goals, but we should not forget to appreciate what we have along the way. We find contentment when we are thankful for things, live in the moment, and enjoy simple things. We should also set realistic expectations and not compare ourselves to others.
Well, once in a while, it would not hurt to indulge in a little bit of luxury. Feel good, feel nice; indulge in stuff and treats once in a while since those things are going to make you happy. True wealth is inside—it’s about the relationships, the experiences—these things through which we grow in our ways.
Contentment rather than luxury could be much more rewarding, making life richer and worth living. We can free our lives from this continuous pressure of acquiring more to satiate the hunger in our stomachs and concentrate on things that really matter. We can cultivate in ourselves that calm peace and contentment that shall not depend upon any external factor.
Power of Choice
Ultimately, whether we want to live a life of contentment or luxury is our choice. We can choose to focus on what we don’t have or what we do. We can opt to compare ourselves with others or be grateful for our journey. We can run after material things or foster peace within ourselves.
While the path to contentment may not be an easy one, it is much more rewarding in the long run. It is a pathway towards a richer and more rewarding life, as the saying goes: “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
Embrace the simplicity of contentment and seek true riches within yourself. Appreciate the beauty around you and, above all, the blessings that are sent to you. Remember that happiness doesn’t come from having so much but from richness in the heart and mind.
