Buying and giving is... so emotional. Entangled in it are hopes, fears, excitement, and worries.Given the context of the upcoming holidays and Black Friday, I wanted to discuss the emotional context of consumerism and how we can go about our consumption in a more "enlightened" way.I discuss four "methodologies" for grappling with this concept of consumerism: minimalism, essentialism, Marie Kondo, and —my own term— enlightened consumerism."Enlightened consumerism" is my current (aspirational!) practice. I do this by asking myself questions like:- Is this item expanding my essence (my me-ness)?- Is this expanding my ability to create? (or others' ability to create)- Am I increasing my light and the light of others through this item? Conversely, to prevent buying from negativity, I ask myself:- Am I buying to fill a void?- Am I buying out of fear, guilt, or shame?- Am I buying because I have been told to do so?I look forward to your thoughts on this one!Love, Aurora