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MUSINGS

Thoughts on Spiritual Materialism

Writer's picture: Chaunti WarowayChaunti Waroway

Written April 13, 2020

We may be tricked into believing that the things we purchase and the beliefs we hold are the answers to our spiritual pains.


We might buy more crystals, incense, beautifully printed fabrics, oracle cards, jewelry with sacred geometry, spiritual books, and so on. We surround ourselves with these things, and for a moment, we feel better.


We might also hold tightly to beliefs about the world that make us feel like we know something others don’t. We feel morally or intellectually superior, and we feel better.

But be cautious of these consumerist and colonized mindset traps.


It’s not the things or beliefs themselves that matter, but our relationship to them that points the way to the truth. It’s how we interact with these beliefs and objects that holds the real power.


If the things you love and the beliefs you hold contribute to a sense of superiority, take a closer look at what that’s about.


Even in spiritual communities, division can arise from our attachment to things and beliefs.

You can be a spiritual being without all the things and beliefs you’ve accumulated. These things are tools and bridges to get us to the real place we long to be. Yet, too often, we get distracted by the pretty things and forget that they are meant to lead us deeper.


You can be a spiritual being without all the beliefs you’ve acquired from ayahuasca, meditation, journaling, or that life-changing trip.


If you want to go to the next level, practice letting go of attachment to all of that. The truth is beneath.


There’s no fast track to wholeness. We have to do the work and show up. We take the lessons and live them.


The ego can be sneaky and latch on to just about anything.

Your truest spiritual essence is found in authenticity, compassion, forgiveness, faith, gratitude, kindness, bravery, and love—not clouded by the ego.


Perhaps my ego is even active while writing these words.


 


Written on June 5, 2020


What does spirituality mean to you?


Often when I ask people this question, they struggle to find an answer. The response is usually about self-care practices—yoga, meditation, card readings, reiki, or maybe their anger toward their religious upbringing.


Looking at spiritual practices in my community (Ontario, Canada), I see the influence of a culture that promotes individuality, materialism, positivity, and financial gain as success. Many of the spiritual practices we explore come from cultures with which we have little connection, and people are searching for meaning but feeling disconnected from their roots, often due to generations of trauma.


Many of us have lost touch with our spiritual selves and don’t even know where to begin. It’s common to begin from a place of self-interest, driven by a desire to free ourselves from the pain of existence. It’s natural to start with ourselves—and profound change can occur here. But it’s easy to fall back into patterns of consumerism, fast fashion, and appropriation that distract us from deeper spiritual growth.


The ego can sneak in at any time, causing us to become selfish in our quest for spiritual discovery. This is part of the process, and we must call it out to move beyond it.

As we work on ourselves, we must remember our interconnection. If we’re all one, can we truly be free from suffering while others continue to face exploitation, abuse, and discrimination?


If we only seek to better ourselves while ignoring the needs of others, we have missed the point. It’s time to dismantle the systems that promote selfish ways of living.


There are people and beings on this planet experiencing real pain. The uprising of Black Lives Matter highlights the injustices that many face daily. These issues are not new; Canadian society was built on the foundations of racism, speciesism, and colonization.

We cannot stand by while these atrocities continue, whether subtly or overtly. It’s time for us to do the inner work so we can serve others, expand our love outward, and contribute to dismantling these systems.


If you’re unsure how to help, educate yourself. There are countless resources available to help you understand the challenges marginalized people face. We are here to help.

It’s time to face the shadows of our past and ask ourselves: How can we take responsibility and do better?


“We’re all just walking each other home.” - Ram Dass




Reflect on how this image relates to the words shared above.
Reflect on how this image relates to the words shared above.



From an animist perspective, everything on this planet is interconnected—humans, animals, plants, the land, the sky, and all elements are alive with spirit. Spirituality is not just about personal growth or self-care; it is about recognizing the web of life we are part of and embracing the responsibility to care for all beings. Every act of healing or growth we experience within ourselves ripples out to affect the world around us. Our spiritual journey is tied to the well-being of the earth, the animals, and the people.


As we uncover our own truths and work to heal, we must also remember the collective healing that is needed. It’s not just about us—it’s about all beings on this planet, and how we can be stewards of each other’s lives. Our spiritual path invites us to reconnect with the land and each other, acknowledging the beauty of all living beings while recognizing the shadows we must face.




Questions to Reflect On:


  • How does your spirituality connect you to the world around you—not just yourself, but to the land, the creatures, and the people in your community?


  • In what ways can you shift your spiritual practice to be more inclusive and aware of the struggles others are facing?

  • How can your personal growth help dismantle systems of oppression, and how can you use your voice to amplify those who are marginalized (people, plants animals, the land) ?

  • What are some ways you can embody the principles of interconnection and stewardship in your daily life?

  • Reflect on how consumerism or cultural appropriation may be influencing your spiritual journey. What steps can you take to live more authentically, respecting the roots of the practices you engage with?

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