Retail therapy, shopping addiction, whatever you want to call it -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retail_therapy
I am about to propose a radical hypothesis about this: It's not addiction, it's your primal and innate gathering behavior which has been dysregulated. Gathering is a natural behavior, particularly in women--and when this natural behavior is not accommodated in a modern environment things can go haywire. This is purely anecdotal, yes, of course--I still think it is an idea worth some serious consideration.
Women make up the majority of 'shopping addicts,' and there are a vast number of rehab and Twelve Step programs for them to choose from. Some programs even more expensive than the shopping trips--which makes these expensive rehab programs yet another shopping trip.
Rehabs and Twelve Steps do not address the fundamental need, the primal directive of our genes to gather--instead they suggest pharma interventions, behavioral interventions, and abstinence.
Foraging isn't just another hipster fad--it may be the body-mind-soul solution to address 'gathering dysregulation.' Fulfilling our genetic directive for gathering is as easy as finding a permissible and ethical spot for picking wildflowers, or berries, or herbs. Many wonderful herbs are right under our feet even in urban environments!
The peace and satisfaction you feel while shopping ends when the credit card or bank statement arrives. That same peace and satisfaction also happens when you gather in nature, the way your instincts direct you, and is a lasting peace without a credit card bill, guilt, or shame to follow. Foraging provides nourishment, joy, and healing for you and your family without the clutter.
Spring time is a great time to start a new relationship with your primal gathering instincts! Stay tuned for the next article in this series on reconnecting with your gathering instinct, ethical wildcrafting, and using foraged plants, minerals, and clays.
