The Story of Stuff (ID #001)

Date: 4/29/2008 to 5/5/2008
Duration: 1 week
Host: Tom Clayton
Topic(s): 1

Overview:

In this conversation we examine our lifestyle/values related to consumption and materialism and their relationship to happiness and meaning in life.

Topic 1: The Story of Stuff (week 1)

In this conversation we examine our lifestyle/values related to consumption and materialism and their relationship to happiness and meaning in life.

This is an important conversation because it lies at the heart of the shift in consciousness that is called for at this time in response to many of the crises that currently face our species.

As we examine our lifestyle/values related to consumption and materialism and their relationship to happiness and meaning in life, we may gain critical insights for potential solutions. Doing this with others opens up rich opportunities to share our wisdom and learn from one another. It helps us more fully realize what is possible as we work together.

The intention is that as a result of this conversation/sharing participants will:

1. Have increased clarity and awareness regarding the role consumption and materialism plays in their life.
2. Define one or two realistic changes they wish to make to help bring about the shift in consciousness necessary to address these issues at the micro and macro level.
3. Experience the hope, excitement and power of giving and receiving support, networking and building community.

1. Watch the video "The Story of Stuff " and record various aspects of your experience as you viewed and reflected on it. What did it bring up for you? What feelings, ideas, insights did it create/evoke?
2. Reflect on the question: What stories do we operate from (individually and collectively) that result in our relationship to/values about stuff (at the micro/macro levels) ?
3. What ideas, insights, awareness, wisdom do you have that you believe can promote the necessary shift in consciousness to transform our values and relationship to stuff?
4. How can you best implement changes that you would like to see in your life and support others in doing the same?