“The notions, ‘I am’ and ‘this is mine,’ which influence mankind, are but delusions of the mother of the world.”--ancient Hindu writing.

Truth has been philosophically defined as to be only seen in glimpses and not a steady view. Given the nature of the world and the humans that inhabit it, life well remain the chance and the choice to become wise.

To be a powerful person, I don’t believe is to dominate, control or create. True power is found in understanding. That said, the world is full of power-plays generated through dominating countries, people, and resources.

Much of our life is under the powerful control of money, time, and societal conformity. We are constantly under pressure to create direction, security, and relaxation. I guess we don’t give much time to understanding. But it is important for the individual to truly understand themselves, without delusion.

Material possessions have created a power illusion. Status generated by possessions is deeply ingrained in our society. What we have is who we are. But, you can’t count on your lungs to outrun danger if you don’t strengthen them. You also can’t live up to your full, rich, potential if you don’t work at that. However, today’s marketplace is bursting with products promising relief from the pesky bother of becoming strong and crutch free.

Clothing and makeup can act as armor, shielding you from the world when your esteem is lacking. But these can also be distracting, they can’t fix self-acceptance. True personal power is found in growth.

Today, illusions and delusions, propelled by possessions is escalating. Manipulating the illusion has become big business. Even the way banks now do business is a promise of riches and getting it all. We are buying high end depreciating products while creating a false sense of self-worth.

We get a change of attitude, carry our posture straighter, with a fine car, but an addiction to these feelings begins. An excess of material possessions creates a superficial life. What our lives should really be about and what is important gets misplaced. People stop seeking deeper truths and understanding. Who has the time. Besides, we just have to look like we’ve got it together, for social respect. Appearance is so much of what we trust. Spiritual substance, the hallmark of society, still remains low in importance.

A big problem with this illusion is that it distracts from what is really going on behind the smoke screen. Power grabs, greed, pushing unnecessary products, mass production in overdrive destroying the planet, false realities, unhealthy minds, neediness, people pushed into financial excess to fit in, family turmoil and breakdown, confusion, misdirection, and the double edged sword of prejudice ripping at our fundamental belief that we are equal and one.

All aspects of society move forward like a three legged race, the actions of one are tied to the other. Therefore, illusion seems to be something that society can’t overcome without conscious effort. But, “Clothes don’t make the man.” Man makes the clothes, usually in a third world country sweat shop, for a few cents a day.

Fewer, more responsible possessions will help un-clutter our lives. Practicing real personal strength and courage are surely better than merely dressing the part.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21, King James Holy Bible. Do material possessions have yours?

“Every moment new changes, and new showers of deception, to baffle and distract him. And when, by and by, for an instant, the air clears, and the cloud lifts a little, there are the gods still sitting around him on their thrones,--they alone with him alone.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.