DO THINGS MATTER MUCH TO YOU?
Cheryl was used to having chairs, tables and forks and spoons. She also had beds, a dressing table and an almirah. Cheryl took all these things for granted until the day the flood waters came and she was unable to salvage anything. It was then that Cheryl realised that her mind and body were all that mattered and she could do without other things. Perhaps the problem starts when a young girl is given in marriage and she is gifted an almirah, a bed and other items of furniture. So she starts a new life endowed with things which may be part of her dowry. In Sri Lanka, the dowry system still prevails although some poor girls still marry without cash or kind. Even though the bride may bring nothing the wedding presents may amount to substantial gifts and the couple will start life with many things. Gifts can even amount to cash enabling the newly-weds to buy luxuries like a rice cooker and waffle iron or toaster. With day to day use, these items will soon become part of the couple’s lifestyle and will be missed only if they break down. Furniture like beds and tables are also useful but it is possible to manage with the minimum such as mats to sit and sleep on. The main thing is to have a mind that can rise above things so that one can adjust to changing
IN SRI LANKA, THE DOWRY SYSTEM STILL PREVAILS ALTHOUGH SOME POOR GIRLS STILL MARRY WITHOUT CASH OR KIND. EVEN THOUGH THE BRIDE MAY BRING NOTHING THE WEDDING PRESENTS MAY AMOUNT TO SUBSTANTIAL GIFTS AND THE COUPLE WILL START LIFE WITH MANY THINGS
circumstances. There may be times when one has very little and practically no cash to buy things. So are you materialistic? It is time to question and decide on priorities without waiting for things to happen as in Cheryl’s case. Another factor is when disability or death comes when one has no choice but to forget material things. With the Open Economy and the advent of television, many Sri Lankans started hoarding things that money can buy. The Internet also means that one can buy or order things online. Delivery systems have become easier and more convenient. While accepting that life has become more pleasant due to many things, one must practice living for the day and not allow things to take precedence. Mind over Matter is what counts. Switch off from things by closing your eyes and concentrate on what your mind is saying. Be alert so that you do not feel deprived even if you lose your things…