Have you ever had one of those days...you know...when you had a great time out shopping, then when you came home you looked at your purchases and wondered, "What was I thinking?" Or maybe you didn't get the "Ouch" until you opened the credit card bill or bank statement. With Christmas in the not-so-distant past, you may still feel a queasy sensation as you recall overspending that cast a shadow on your enjoyment of the holiday, or trip over and try to find a place to store the glut of "stuff" cluttering your home.

 

So...what WERE we thinking as we shopped? What happened to our resolve that "this year it will be different?" The problem is one of conscious awareness. And just so you know, merchants are doing everything in their power to prevent conscious shopping.

 

Many years ago a best selling book titled "The Hidden Persuaders" exposed the techniques of merchants and advertisers that put your conscious awareness to sleep, and let your "little-self ego-mind" take control. Since those many years ago, merchandisers have refined their subliminal anesthesia.

 

Time to "Wakey, Wakey" my friends! Claim your power! By the way, the same principles apply to our eating and relationship activities as well as workplace, family, etc.

 

Merchandisers use everything from music to smoke and mirrors to encourage your spending. A great "antidote: is to look beyond the "what" to the "why."  We may be purchasing a frying pan, but in our minds we are "buying" a dinner table surrounded by loving family. We may be purchasing an outfit for our class reunion, but we are "buying" the envy of former classmates. And by the way guys, the sweet young thing in the bikini does not come with the Harley.

 

So next time you put something in your cart, ask yourself, "What am I buying?" You may find that you already have it, or can have it without bying a thing. I am not against shopping, only being manipulated.

 

So...now, when that tax refund comes in...arm yourself with awareness and go shopping!!

 

Blessu! RevAli