I’ll never forget the magic show that I went to, and got to participate in. The magician had a large jar filled with jellybeans. The challenge was to figure out how many jellybeans were in the jar. He chose 5 people from the audience and asked each of us to give him a number. I had a number in my head. Before I divulged my number, I thought I’d try to trick him and blurted out a different number at the last second.
What happened next continues to baffle me. As each of us gave our number, he wrote it down – consecutively and in order. Let’s say the numbers were 1,2,0,4, & 5 – or 12,045. He opened the jar of jellybeans and pulled out a sheet of paper that revealed the number of jellybeans in the jar – 12,045!
How did this happen?
I’m told that he made some kind of twist of his head, move of his hand, or a look in his eye that motivated me give him the number he needed. Whatever he did, he got the results he wanted from all five of us!
Magic is not only for entertainment.
In the documentary, The Social Dilemma the tech experts who created social media platforms sound the alarm on their own creations. They talk about how the best gamers, algorithm experts, mathematicians, and (yes!) magicians were hired to design the most effective means to influence, control, and monetize our behaviors. The platforms are so manipulative, that the creators won’t allow their own kids to use them.
As we head into Black Friday, I’m happy about some of the deals. I’m also aware that, based on my browsing history, ads are targeted to my preferences. Simply put, I don’t want algorithms influencing my spending.
I think that practicing mindfulness is a valuable tool to get through the holiday buying season.
Watch for an opportunity to notice that you are planning on buying something. Take a step back and pause for a moment. Reflect. Is this an impulse buy? Am I buying a gift to check it off my list? Or will this gift have a true impact? Be grateful you have the money to make the purchase. Perhaps you’ll just savor the moment and not buy. Maybe you’ll acquire the gift for yourself or someone else. Or perhaps you’ll give it to a charity. Either way, make it a mindful purchase and find joy within yourself.
I’m grateful you’re reading this. I’m grateful for the feedback I get from you each week. And I’m grateful you’re in my life.
I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving,
Barbara
PS. I’m headed to see my daughter, Kristen, in Chicago for the holiday. There will be no Sunday memo next week. I hope you enjoy your time with your loved ones.
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