How To Be More Spiritual With Your Purchasing Power. Important Step: Know The Difference Between Needs & Wants, Scholar Says. Most people throughout the world and in the United States consider themselves to be spiritual.
But how many of us are able to incorporate our spiritual principles into a healthier, happier and more loving life? That’s the rhetorical question posed by Frank P. Daversa, who began his journey as a spiritual seeker in 1997 after contracting a serious illness.
“I think it’s safe to say that, even for those of us who are very observant in our spiritual beliefs, it can be hard to consistently abide by our core principles amid the multitude of daily decisions and habits,” says Daversa, author of the book “Spirituality in the 21st Century” (www.FrankDaversa.com).
“I think the key is to know the difference between what we want and what we need. There are a few things we can do to help us along the way.”
Daversa offers helpful tips for one aspect of daily life – shopping.
• Spend your money wisely; don’t be fooled by the “newest thing.” We live in a free country, which means we are free to buy many things we may not actually need. If we don’t have enough money, we can put it on a credit card. Businesses are sophisticated in their ability to get us to want things we don’t need. Just because a product is new, however, doesn’t mean it’s necessary. When the urge hits you, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”
• Ask yourself if a purchased item will be good or necessary. If you’re uncertain about an item’s necessity, then ask yourself if the purchase would be worthwhile or meaningful to things that matter: health, family, etc. If you’re still unsure, then always remember that moderation is a safe bet—we don’t need to have everything! You may not know if the thing will be good or necessary, but if you don’t buy it then you’ll have more money for something else, such as a deserving charity.
• Think about all of your resources. Money doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We sacrifice time and energy in our jobs to afford life. Rather than buying a thing, you could invest the money you earned while away from your family to afford a family vacation, for example, or your child’s college tuition. Rather than buying some product, you may spend your time considering better investments.
• Appreciate the value of older goods. Antique furniture is a good example of the value that older items possess. Do you know why an antique generally costs so much? Sure, it has to do with the principles of supply and demand, but what drives that demand? In a word: character. Antiques possess a distinctive style and sense of history, qualities that are harder to find in more modern furniture. Just because a product is older does not mean it lacks value. Get the most out of your product’s natural lifespan, and appreciate the intrinsic value it possesses beyond its material worth. That is not to say one should never purchase goods for pleasure; all it means is such purchases should be made in moderation.
Frank P. Daversa
Frank P. Daversa, raised in South Hempstead, NY, has led an eclectic life with work and interests that have included computer programming, writing and spirituality. He earned his A.A.S. degree in data processing from Nassau Community College in Garden City, NY, and a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and information processing from SUNY College at Old Westbury, NY. Two years after earning his B.S. degree, Daversa moved to Houston, Texas. He worked for a number of years in the corporate world before becoming a writer in 2007. He published his first web article on spirituality in 2008, and his first book in 2011. He published his second book in 2012. Daversa contracted a serious illness in 1997, prompting him to begin a spiritual journey that eventually inspired him to write his latest book, “Spirituality in the 21st Century” (www.FrankDaversa.com).
