The story is told of a man named Arenius who lived in the fifth century. Determined to live a holy life, he abandoned the modern comforts of Egyptian society choosing instead to follow a simple, solemn lifestyle in the desert.
Yet, whenever he visited the great city of Alexandria, he would spend time wandering through its bazaars and markets. When asked why, he explained, “My heart rejoices at the sight of all the things I do not need.”
I first heard that story over ten years ago and have both repeated it and thought about it repeatedly since then.
Consider the meaning and opportunity behind that final sentence: My heart rejoices at the sight of all the things I do not need.
When was the last time you considered the joy of not wanting things?
It is, an amazing way to live!
Just picture the freedom that would come with not wanting to buy stuff and being content with what you have. So much so, that you would find joy in noticing all the things you didn’t want.
Imagine being freed of the desire to keep up with the ever-changing trends, gadgets, and fashions that surround us constantly. That freedom would allow us to spend our money more intentionally. It would allow us to spend our resources on those things we truly value. Imagine the joy we would feel knowing our money is not being wasted on things that don’t matter.
Even more, visualize the joy that would accompany finally redefining the word success in your life. While almost none of us would define success purely in terms of acquiring more and more possessions, we often do in our actions and checkbooks. But reaching the point of truly “not wanting stuff” would change all that. Success could be defined, fully, on our own terms. How amazing would that be?
There is an unmistakable joy found in living an intentional life. The relentless pursuit of “more” can be exhausting. Stepping off that consumer treadmill would do more than liberate us from the pressure to hurry and chase every new fad. It would empower us to make choices each day that align with our deepest selves.
Not wanting things would allow our aspirations to evolve. We would begin dreaming bigger dreams for our lives than physical possessions. We would see our one life as more valuable, with more opportunity. Our ambitions could fully center on creating a positive impact rather than a shopping cart. This would enrich both our lives and the lives of others.
As a result, our lives would feel genuinely fulfilling and purposeful. Doesn’t that sound worthy of rejoicing and celebration?
And, of course, contentment with what we have doesn’t mean stagnation in life. Contentment leads to more and greater ambition.
If that’s not enough, there is even greater joy to found in this. Freeing ourselves from the desire to buy ends the constant comparison with others that so often crushes our soul and joy. And the less we are swayed by comparison to others, the more we are able to appreciate our unique journey, our unique life, and the unique role we are able to play in the world (at least in terms of the things we buy).
There is an unmistakable joy to be found in not wanting to buy and accumulate more things. No wonder, as the old story goes: His heart rejoiced at the sight of all the things he did not need.
Imagine it, picture it, and then go realize it for yourself.
This joy is accessible to all of us. It begins with seeing the emptiness of pursuing things we don’t need, finding a greater purpose for our lives than simply being a consumer, practicing gratitude for what we have, focusing our resources on what truly matters, and then finding satisfaction in those decisions.
And we can all do that today.
Celeste says
Love this! Thank you
David E. Rockett says
How might I download and maybe print this excellent article.
Thanks
Kelli Smith says
This is one of my favorite of your posts and I will never forget it now that I’ve read it. Thank you.
Sue Ellen says
This story is so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you so much, Joshua, for sharing this. I will remember these words of Arenius, and try to live by them every day! My life is so “full” and I truly have all that I need already…and those are not Things.
Alison Heal says
Simone Weil said something related to this, which really affirmed my own journey in this direction, about our ‘attempts to eat beauty, to eat what one can only look at’. I have learned that I can look at a beautiful thing, and enjoy it, without wanting it. That’s freeing.
Mary B says
I’m a new widow and currently working on decluttering the house. I want to thank you for starting me on the path to decluttering. For me, I’m experiencing such a freedom in owning less. I know the decluttering is going to take a while, but that’s ok. I get such joy when I see things slowly disappearing from the house. When I walk thru stores, I find nothing appealing or attractive to me anymore. The things I would have purchased just don’t have a hold on me any longer. Why would I bring more “stuff” into the house when I’m already trying to get “stuff” out of the house?
Lisa K Rainbird says
Hi Mary,
I just wanted to reach out and wish you well on your journey. I was widowed at age 39. My life has taken many different courses over the past 27 years. And what has remained a constant for me has been to learn what I need. Sometimes more – and often less – and having the power to clear, and simplify and beautify my space has brought such peace. I’m rooting for you! Lisa R.
Annie says
This article hit home for me! I’ve been on a minimalist journey for only a few years but around 13 years ago I made the decision that I wouldn’t buy souvenirs on vacations. The purpose of my vacations are taking in the sites of the locations and relaxing. I didn’t need stuff to bring home or waste time shopping when experiences are more important. My children don’t ask to go into gift shops because it’s just something we never do.
BUT every time I vacation, I have this pull to WANT to go into the gift shop. Even though I don’t want anything. I’ve wondered when that feeling will go away. This article “ My heart rejoices at the sight of all the things I do not need.” – maybe that’s what I need to think when I feel that pull! ☺️
Deborah Russell says
had an appointment at Costco optical department, and while I was there, hubby wandered the aisles.
When I was done, he had nothing in the cart. How amazing to go to Costco and not buy anything!
Renee Crane says
I have never been a prolific shopper in any category, but since retirement have been fairly content with what I have, even making significant reductions in my possessions. Then I found your blog! I was able to fine tune a bit. All great. It gives me peace.
I had not put the word joy in thoughts regarding NOT accumulating until last week. I went into our local big box everything store with TWO NEEDED household items on my list. As it turned out, neither were available for various reasons. So I took a stroll through several departments, including groceries, to make sure I had not forgotten any necessary items. As I walked, I kept saying no to new and appealing items: don’t need, too hard to clean, already have similar, etc.
As I worked my way toward the exit, I was overcome with gratefulness to the Great Provider that as a new widow, He continues to not only provide physical needs, but also contentment, peace, and joy! (And I left empty-handed.)
Judy says
Beautiful, Joshua!
So very true—- For the most part I have gotten to this point and it’s awesome.