Most Malaysians will be very upset if they are called materialistic. They will deny that they are materialistic although, to my perception, most of them are materialistic. Why are they upset when they are called materialistic? To me, it is something to do with the meaning they attached to being materialistic. To majority of Malaysian, materialistic is related to being inconsiderate, self-centered or no empathy. Thus being materialistic is perceived as a bad thing and people don’t like to look bad in the eye of other people.

Is it wrong to be materialistic? Some people tend to quickly say yes. Before you pass any judgement, let us understand what constitutes materialism. If you see a palatial house or an attractive car being driven in front of you, and there is a strong desire within you to possess such things then there is a clear indication that materialism is a major motivating factor in your life. But if you remain unaffected and feel no desire to acquire them, then you are not being materialistic.

People who are being materialistic believe that gratification can only be had from material things. Pleasure or happiness derived from material things is limited in nature and short-lived. Often we hear people said that they will be happy when they get their first million dollars. Sure they are happy when they got that million, but how long can it last. Later they wanted another million, thus a new quest for “happiness” begun.

Man is composed of two things – body and soul. Thus he cannot live by bread alone. Material things cannot give man complete fulfillment. His soul need to be nourished for him to experience complete fulfillment. Soul can be nourished by opting forgiveness in moment of anger, hatred into love, negativity into positivity, and above all, opting introspection when beset by grievances.

When was the last time you are present to your breathing? Yes, breathing is something that we are not mindful of although it is very important. Our body automatically takes care of it for us, thus most of the time we seem not be aware of it. We will definitely be present to breathing when we have difficulty breathing. We will be dead if we stop breathing more than about 15 seconds.

I took the opportunity to spiritually experience air as it enters my lung and then exits. What a wonderful experience. You to can practice being present to your breathing and at the same time develop your spirituality. You don’t have to master special breathing technique to do it. If you need one, check it out here. Here’s how:

Take a deep breath and at the same time, remember God. We have the air to breathe out of God’s love for us (or universe you like). Then breathe out slowly whilst thanking Him. Do this mindfully and you will feel the pleasure. You may add instrumental sentimental music to give more impact.

What other benefit you can reap by breathing a conscious breath? Find out from this article, “A Conscious Breath - What in It for You?