Spirituality 101

Nothing external can ever make you happy, bring you peace, or prove you are lovable. Anyone even slightly involved in spiritual disciplines knows this frequently referenced maxim. Yet, here we are as shop owners, pushing customers to buy things they possibly don’t need, implying owning a new shiny object will guarantee happiness, and encouraging purchases of pricey trends that promise social acceptance.

It’s quite a challenge to sell while your Higher Consciousness is arguing with your every persuasive attempt: “You know she really doesn’t need this!”

Spiritually minded shop owners do come up with valid justifications for nudging their customers to buy: “Beauty feeds the soul”; “Shopping is therapeutic;” “They’re supporting artists and local independent shops.” Selling and “selling out” are not the same thing. All humans are consumers, and as a self-actualized one, you get to champion “Conscious Consumerism.” A spiritual path isn’t counterproductive to successful selling. Integrity, pure motives, and behaving with the best interests of others in mind are definitely possible. Here are five suggestions to do just that:

1. Abstinence isn’t a necessity

It’s all about intent. Owning a luxury car yet understanding it’s just a car and if it goes away that’s fine, passes godliness muster. Balancing the human desire for beautiful objects, but simultaneously going easy on attachment to them is the primary goal.

2. Sell what you believe in

The true cost of an item is far more than materials and labor. Think globally: Is the product depleting finite natural resources? Is there a cost to human health associated with it? By selling products made with renewable and organic materials and produced in ways that support worthwhile causes, you keep your conscience happy with every cha-ching of your cash register.

3. Recognize value in the non-material

Not every harmful factor can be eliminated but carrying meaningful products that people will cherish and keep, rather than toss into landfills, offers a lifetime of emotional nourishment for your customers.

4. Support customers

Post fun, thoughtful reminders that life is about more than things. Quote spiritual masters or compose your own. It might feel risky to discourage a sale, but it also might turn someone into a regular customer, knowing your shop walks its talk.

5. Boost customers’ self-worth

Offer luxuries such as yummy bath products, hand-painted silk scarves, elegant beeswax candles or other favorite feel-good products. Shopping can be a meditative experience, providing tranquility during stressful times. Sell items that will replicate a feeling of calm and enjoyment for your customers. Truly, we all deserve to cherish ourselves.