The Soul of Objects: A Reflection on Life and Existence

The Rumor from the Fourth Planet

There's a rumor floating around on the fourth planet from the sun. It suggests that if an object is well taken care of for long enough, eventually, that object will develop a soul.

A silly rumor, I know. An object having a soul? Not on this planet. Not on Earth. Here, we throw every object away. We toss it into a stinking pit somewhere as soon as it breaks or gets too old. We replace our phones, cars, and even books without a second thought. Every paragraph that didn’t hook us gets discarded. Those books end up in the same pit as all the plastic bags that hold dog waste.

The Hidden Souls of Everyday Items

Didn’t you know that books had souls? So does a guitar, a paintbrush, a car, and even a pen. Everything is living in its own way. Well, that’s just what they say on the fourth planet from the sun, anyway.

Here, if you sit in some grass and watch the individual blades, you’ll see them move. The grass behaves in strange ways. If you look closely, you’ll see each blade wave, rocked back and forth by the wind. They stretch, attempting to grow towards the sun. They even yawn, because here, even the grass needs sleep.

The Collective Life of Grass

If you zoom out a little, looking at all the blades of grass as a whole, you’ll see a green sea. You’ll witness their tides and strides as they march across this earth, loud and proud to be alive.

But even though we see it with our own eyes, we deny that these things are ‘truly’ alive. In this hive mind, we are the only ones ‘truly’ alive. With our thumbs and developed minds, we believe these plants and objects can’t be like us. We are special. We are above them.

The Cost of Existence

We can cut them down, move them around, build towns, write symphonies, and destroy meadows just to exist. Here, everything around us is just to help us be. Apparently, we can’t ‘be’ without destroying everything.

Here, on the third planet from the sun, if we thought that everything could potentially have a soul someday, the guilt would be too much. The weight would break our backs. Our morals have aesthetics, and we have a need to always see our behavior as pretty.

What Would Objects Say?

If these objects could talk, what would they say? Maybe someday, in some way, they’ll tell us.

The Importance of Connection

In our fast-paced world, we often overlook the connections we have with the objects around us. Each item we own carries a history, a story that intertwines with our own. This connection can foster a deeper appreciation for the things we use daily.

The Impact of Consumerism

The cycle of consumerism encourages us to discard rather than cherish. As we chase after the latest gadgets or trends, we forget the value of what we already possess. By taking a moment to reflect on our belongings, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude.

Embracing Sustainability

Sustainability is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. By choosing to care for our belongings, we contribute to a healthier planet. Repairing, repurposing, and recycling can breathe new life into old items. This practice not only reduces waste but also honors the potential soul within each object.

The Power of Mindfulness

Mindfulness can transform our relationship with the material world. When we approach our possessions with intention, we can find joy in the simple act of using them. This awareness can lead to a more fulfilling life, where we appreciate the beauty in the mundane.

Conclusion: A Call to Reflection

As we navigate our lives, let’s remember the stories behind our belongings. Each object has the potential to hold a piece of our soul. By acknowledging this, we can foster a deeper connection to the world around us.

In the end, perhaps the rumor from the fourth planet isn’t so silly after all.

-CH 9/28/25