The Dharma of Golf Clubs
Desire leads to suffering.
Ahhhh yes, we can hear this truth repeatedly in spiritual circles, yet do we really heed its message?
I know I don’t.
Here’s an example…
I was at home on a Saturday watching golf. That might sound boring, but before you knew me as meditation Lou, I was in the golf industry.
Although my relationship with the sport is complicated, I still find it relaxing to watch.
Watching golf spurred in me an interest for new clubs. So I popped on Facebook marketplace to see what's around.
As someone who worked in the industry, I can spot a good deal.
Without boring you with specifics, someone was selling a set of clubs for $120 that could have easily sold for $600+.
I messaged him, confirmed that the clubs had the right specs, and told him I’d take it!
I felt the buyers’ adrenaline rush of claiming such a great deal. I told him I would come by tomorrow to pick them up.
It was settled.
Or so I thought...
I awoke on Sunday, went to yoga, came home, and enjoyed a slow relaxing morning. I figured I’d text the guy to come by in the afternoon.
At about 1 pm, I popped on the app and saw that he had messaged me a few hours earlier. He explained there was a lot of interest and asked if I could come soon.
Enough time had passed that he sold them to someone else.
The high of the perceived deal came crashing down. I let out a sigh of frustration so loud that my partner stopped what she was doing to ask me what had happened.
I told him I would take them! WTF!?
It’s been a while since I bought something on Craigslist or Facebook. I should have remembered that If you really want it, get it as fast as possible.
I should have known this was an insane deal that others would be after. Of course, I should have known better—but that’s not the point.
As I stewed in disappointment, I realized—I created this.
My desire created expectation, and my expectation led to disappointment.
In a span of 24 hours, I succeeded at making myself miserable.
Although I felt defeated, I was amused at what I got myself into.
There’s a money lesson in here as well...
“Getting a deal” makes people mad. Ever see those Black Friday videos of people mauling each other to get into a store?
Getting a deal is great, but as I thought about it, I realized I don’t need a deal. There’s an erratic scarce energy to deals and discounts, and I don’t need the stress.
Most people believe, “Why pay more when you can pay less.”
But a question you know I like is, What if the opposite were true?
Why pay less when you can pay more?
Paying more means I value it, and have more choice and ease.
(I'm trusting the person who bought them needed it more than me.)
Nonetheless, I appreciated the lessons and the opportunity to share them with you.
Where is desire or expectation creating suffering in your life?