And now some Socrates...

The idea that attachment to possessions is a bar to having a spiritual life is well illustrated by this story* about Socrates - another reminder that the problems in our lives are not about reality or about what happens but about our attachment to people, things and ideas.

Socrates believed that a wise person would intuitively lead a frugal life; he went so far as to refuse to wear shoes. Yet he constantly fell under the spell of the marketplace and could often be found there looking at the range of magnificent wares on display. A friend once asked him why he was so attracted to the market. "I love to go there," Socrates replied, "to discover how many things I am perfectly happy without."

*From  Anthony de Mello via The Spirituality of Imperfection