No need

Last week I had the experience that is the downfall of many a resolution. I got bored. I started questioning why I was doing it at all. I entertained thoughts like "It does not make any difference" and the classic "This is dumb."

Of course, this coincided with a want. I honestly do not remember exactly what it was. A sippy cup? A plastic spray bottle? It was something that I did not want to buy used and that I believed I needed. I managed to hold firm to No-New, and survived. Without the item.

I was left wondering, "What do I need?" And what do I want. If I adhere to a narrow definition of need (i.e. what is necessary for my survival), I find two things. First, that I already have far more than I need. Secondly, that my only ongoing needs are for sustenance and energy. What then, if we expand the definition of need to include comfort? Stimulation? Joy?

As with most dichotomies, I believe that the need-want split is limiting and ultimately useless.In examining my own consumption, I am finding it more helpful to be patient, to let the want sit for a little while and see what happens. If it stays, perhaps there is something that I already have that can be re-purposed. Or maybe my neighbor can lend it to me. Or it may be available at a local resale shop.

Once instant gratification is denied and the original urge of desire has passed, most wants get very quiet.