In this video, I share 3 powerful ways I escape the materialism trap. Discover how to break free from the cycle of wanting more and find true fulfillment.

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Chapters:
00:00 The materialism trap
00:42 DanShaRi
03:41 Eudaimonic happiness
06:05 Gratitude

How I Avoid The Materialism Trap

All around us, we’re constantly told to buy and aspire for more stuff, with each purchase promising happiness—better looks, better relationships, better everything. But this is exactly how the materialism trap works. It keeps us in a cycle of wanting more, spending more, working more, and feeling more unhappy.
If you’re tired of this cycle and want to avoid the materialism trap to live a fulfilling and contented life, this video may resonate with you.

DanShaRi is a Japanese concept rooted in Zen philosophy that promotes simplicity and living more deliberately. It has been a wonderful practice in helping me avoid the materialism trap. It’s rooted in three key principles: Dan (to refuse), Sha (to dispose), and Ri (to separate).

The first step is Dan, which is about refusing or not allowing our possessions to rule our lives and accumulate out of habit rather than out of necessity.

It’s not about depriving myself but about thinking critically before making a purchase. For example, Instead of falling for impulse buys or the pressure to own more, I pause and ask myself, "Do I really need this? Will it add real value to my life?" These simple questions help me to avoid cluttering my life with unnecessary items.

The second step is Sha, which means letting go of things that no longer serve us. Whether it’s an item that doesn’t bring me joy or something I’ve outgrown, I’ve learned to declutter my space without guilt. By releasing these things, I also free up more time, clarity and mental space.

And the last step is Ri, which focuses on separating my identity from my possessions. I think we sometimes have a tendency to form attachments to things. But I’ve realized that identity and value transcend material ownership; we are not the sum of our belongings, but rather the essence of our character and the experiences that shape us.This mindset shift helps me stay grounded, reminding me that life is about being, not having.

Ways I Avoid The Materialism Trap To Simplify Life

Growing up with limited resources, I often envied those who had more. When I finally had the chance to buy the things I couldn’t afford before, it made me feel good... but only for a while. Once the novelty had worn off, I was on to the next shiny thing. This "hedonic treadmill" kept me unhappy and constantly spinning in my little hamster wheel.

Psychologists define two pathways to happiness—hedonic, which is about pleasure, and eudaimonic, which is about living with purpose. Hedonic happiness is enjoyable, but it’s fleeting. Eudaimonic happiness, on the other hand, is more stable and fulfilling.

Hedonic happiness is enjoyable but the pursuit for virtue and bringing out the best within us and in others gives me greater joy. For me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than spending time with loved ones, or helping a friend in need, or having moments of calm and introspection. Happiness is a by-product of a life well-lived. - Eleanor Roosevelt.

We all get busy sometimes with our jobs, our dreams, our goals. And I occasionally find myself getting caught up in the whirlwind of it all. But whenever I catch myself being pulled towards the relentless pursuit of my ambition or feeling discontent with what I have, this profound statement that I read years back serves as a powerful reminder:

“Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost – “Life”. Whether you fly first or economy class, if the plane goes down – you go down with it. You will realize, your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world. Treat yourself well. Cherish others.”

It’s easy to take what we have for granted thinking we’ll always have them - our loved ones, our health, our peace of mind. Yet “some things are more precious because they don't last long.” - Oscar Wilde

Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

By focusing on what truly matters—our values, relationships, and passions—we can break free from the materialism trap and live a life that feels richer and more fulfilling from the inside out.

Thank you for watching this video. Wishing you a beautiful day or night and I hope to see you again next time.