We are not rich by what we possess but by what we can do without.
(Immanuel Kant)
Mindless pursuit of possessions will likely consume you and leave you with no room for what truly matters. The very thing you pursue may drown and entomb you. Would that be worth it?
We have to watch what we are preoccupied with, with what takes up most of our time and resources. Are we so engrossed with chasing after material possessions that we leave little time to enjoy them? Some may consider accumulating branded items as legitimate reasons. But don’t they leave you feeling as if you need to keep adding to your already mile-high stash of hardly worn bags, clothes or whatever takes your fancy. Don’t they leave you on a high only for a very short time, just like taking drugs or smoking does? They’re all addictions. Be careful! You have a problem!
Don’t rationalize away your obsession. Work could also be the gold bar that locks you in. Sometimes you feel suffocated, at other times you feel inertia. These are symptoms that you need to get help. You’re not doing well. Reach out. There are professional help or even long lost friends or relatives who are just waiting to connect with you. What have you got to lose? Drop us a line, if you can’t find anyone you trust to talk to.
I would like to share the following story which may sound somewhat bizarre in today’s quest for fitness, and staying slim and healthy. However, each of us has appetites that compels us to unhealthy habits, which can even be addictions. Let’s watch out for these appetites. You can become a slave to your appetites, just like Raynard. You can miss out on so much more because of the lack of control. So get out while you can. Don’t wait too long. Your life is worth so much more than material things. Don’t let these things possess you. Get out and build relationships. They’re worth so much more!
Artist: Lydia C. Text: Anna G.
Duke Raynard III
There was an account of a 14th-century duke in Belgium, Raynard III. He was imprisoned by his younger brother, Edward. Instead of killing him, Edward built a room around Raynald in the Nieuwkerk castle and promised him he could regain his title and property as soon as he was able to leave the room.
This would not have been difficult for most people since the room had several windows and a door of near-normal size and none was locked or barred. The problem was Raynard’s size. To regain his freedom, he needed to lose weight. But Edward knew his older brother and each day he sent a variety of delicious food. When Duke Edward was accused of cruelty, he had. a ready answer,”My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills.”
Raynard stayed in that room for ten years and wasn’t released until after Edward died in battle. By then his health was so ruined, he died within a year… a prisoner of his own appetite.
