True luxury is simply enjoying life's small pleasures without any feelings of guilt. When was the last time you sat in a quiet place and listened to your favorite music? I don't mean listening to the radio while you're driving the kids to soccer practice. Or, when did you indulge yourself with a decadent piece of rich, smooth chocolate? Again, I don't mean gobbling down a Hersey's bar, for a little energy, before rushing into your big meeting. What I do mean, is setting aside time to enjoy the the things that make you feel rich. Luxury can, and should, be enjoyed often, at least once a week. Daily is better.
Luxury does have a purpose, too. It keeps us from feeling "deprived." It makes us feel like there's more to life than just the bare necessities. The more we struggle with the idea that we're just "getting by" the more we need to incorporate luxury into our life. I often write about the power of thought and this is a great example. Feel poor and you will be poor. Feel rich and, while you may not suddenly come into a pile of money, you will see the richness and luxury in everyday living; the glorious melody of the bird's song, the majesty of the mountains you can see in the distance, the babbling of the brook behind your house, the hopeful feeling of witnessing a sunrise. These are the gifts are true luxury.
Try to incorporate luxury into your life everyday, even if it means getting up a little earlier so you can have a few minutes of "quiet time" to read an inspiring passage or spend time in solitude with only your thoughts and a journal. Then, once a week, or so, give yourself a little grander lunxury...a scented bubble bath, a slice of rich cheesecake, a bouquet of flowers from your garden. Indulge your senses with the things that bring you pleasure. The trick is to not feel guilty afterwards. You deserve these rewards. Treat yourself well. There's no room for a guilty conscious! I'm willing to bet that when you begn to do these things for yourself, you'll find that life will start rewarding you with even more little luxuries. We always get more of that which we give our attention to. Mother Nature is pretty cool that way.
How do I reward myself? With a few of Mom's chocolate ant cookies. I can tell you, that Cookie Monster's got nothing on me!
Now it's your turn. Go feel rich. The abundance of the planet is waiting for you.