ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.- Proverbs 25:27
This proverb equates overindulgence in honey with delving too deeply into matters. It teaches us that even in enjoying something sweet, excess can lead to unfavorable consequences. It encourages self-control and moderation.
This could be an apt verse that can initiate timely reflection for Filipinos, politicians and laymen alike. I have seen a rather poignant sign attached to Toilet paper dispensers ,inside the toilet of one of Quezon City’s biggest Mall, it simply says take only what you need, lets save the trees! The small sign evoking a faint message for mindful consumption of that rather lowly paper is a vital caution against overuse.
As we go to one of Ormoc City’s not so famous yet very beautiful Heavens Peak we saw this sign take nothing but pictures leave nothing but footprints. The sign although attributed to American Indians is relevant as ever. We must not take the very thing that was the reason of our coming to that very place , its beauty, when we pick flowers and get plants, sooner than later the place will be diminished to a state where people will blame those that came before, the destroyers.
Mindful consumption begins with awareness. It involves being cognizant of the impact our choices have on the environment, society, and ourselves.
Instead of mindlessly accumulating possessions or consuming resources without thought, mindful consumption emphasizes intentionality. It prompts us to consider whether we truly need something before acquiring it.
Politicians can learn a thing or two, if we needlessly consume and exploit our resources, the public funds so coveted, we destroy roads before they are really destroyed and repair them again. The Public Servants who acts more of tyrants unmindful of their actions actually exhaust whatever goodwill the universe gives and after a certain period, this unmindful consumption creates problems that actually destroys their chances.
We came with nothing, we leave with nothing! Mindful consumption acknowledges that, it affirms our temporal nature and the limit of our resources. Take nothing but pictures leave nothing but footprints!
