Experiences over stuff. I get it. Plenty of research has been done testifying that people who spend money on experiences are happier. It makes sense. Stuff perishes and experiences remain. But my intention is not to debate or prove what is already proven. My intention is to draw your attention to the underlying mechanics of the mind.
Human mind wants to chew. The basic human tendency of the mind is to crave. And more often than not, it does’t crave for stuff or experiences.
It craves for NEW stuff or NEW experiences. Once its chewed and no juice is left, it looks for NEW stuff or experiences to chew on. The mind is incessantly looking for NEW.
It doesn’t necessarily discriminate between stuff and experiences. As long as it gets something new, something unknown, something it has not experienced before – it will find a way to justify the pursuit and its acquisition. Doesn’t matter if its an experience or material stuff.
If you skydive four times, it may give you thrill every time. However, its very likely that it won’t be that exciting the 5th time. By that time, mind has run out of the juice. It may then entice you to try Scuba Diving…and then Bungy jumping and so on. Try going on a holiday to the same place four times in a year. Eventhough travelling is an experience, you will soon discover that you want to go some new place the 5th time.
Mind seeks novelty. Be it an experience or material goods. Be it a holiday or a new phone.
Mind doesn’t seek stuff. Mind doesn’t seek experiences. Mind seeks different.
The underlying pattern in which mind behaves is the same. You may feel little better spending money on experiences over stuff, but in reality, mind is playing the same game, regardless.
