Shining Light on the New Concept of Luxury
The definition of luxury has evolved significantly in recent years, shifting away from purely materialistic symbols of wealth, status, and opulence to focus more on values that align with personal fulfillment, well-being, and sustainability. This transformation reflects a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life, driven by changes in consumer behavior and global cultural shifts.
Key Aspects of the Changing Definition of Luxury:
Experiential over Material:
Modern luxury is increasingly associated with experiences rather than possessions. This shift emphasizes personal growth, meaningful connections, and memorable experiences. For instance, a luxury vacation might be more about unique, personalized experiences—such as wellness retreats or cultural immersion—than staying at the most opulent hotel.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices:
Many consumers today seek luxury brands that are committed to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility. Brands which emphasize eco-conscious fashion, exemplify this trend. People now prioritize luxury products that are crafted in ways that respect the environment and human rights, reflecting a deeper connection to social and ecological causes.
Well-being and Personal Fulfillment:
Health, wellness, and mental well-being have become central to the new definition of luxury. As people increasingly seek a balanced life, luxury is now seen as having the time and space to focus on self-care, mindfulness, and emotional well-being. High-end wellness experiences like yoga retreats, personalized health plans, and even access to quiet, restorative spaces are now synonymous with luxury.
Authenticity and Craftsmanship:
In the past, luxury was often defined by brand names and logos. Now, the emphasis is on authenticity and the story behind the product. Consumers value the craftsmanship, heritage, and the passion of the creators more than the product’s price tag or brand status. They appreciate hand-crafted, unique items that carry meaning, rather than mass-produced goods.
Time and Privacy:
Another facet of modern luxury is the luxury of time. In a fast-paced world, having the freedom to slow down, unplug from digital noise, and enjoy privacy is now a significant luxury. Whether it’s time to relax, engage in hobbies, or spend with loved ones, this intangible asset is increasingly seen as valuable.
Conclusion:
The modern definition of luxury is evolving toward values that promote a richer, more fulfilling life. It is no longer about showing wealth, but about living meaningfully, ethically, and sustainably. Brands and consumers alike are embracing these deeper values, recognizing that luxury today is about quality of life rather than quantity of things.
The Three T's of Luxury
The modern understanding of luxury has moved beyond just the possession of high-end, expensive items. It now emphasizes Time, Truth, and Trust—three essential elements that reflect deeper values in life.
Time: Luxury today includes the ability to control one’s time, allowing for meaningful experiences, relaxation, and personal fulfillment. Having the freedom to focus on what truly matters—whether that’s relationships, personal growth, or health—has become a crucial aspect of living a luxurious life.
Truth: This represents authenticity and a connection to that which is genuine and meaningful. People now prioritize honesty, truth, and that which is true to their identity and values, rather than just indulging in material excess. Luxury is about aligning one’s choices with deeper personal or ethical beliefs.
Trust: Trust signifies reliability and integrity in relationships and interactions, whether with individuals, communities, or the world at large. In a world full of uncertainty, being able to trust the people, services, and experiences we engage with adds an element of comfort and reassurance that is considered a luxury.
In essence, luxury is now less about outward displays of wealth and more about cultivating a life rich in meaning, authenticity, and trust. These values are becoming the hallmark of luxury, shifting focus from purely material goods to experiences and values that contribute to a richer, more meaningful life. This evolution is echoed by industry thought leaders like Jared Weiner and companies adapting to meet these new expectations (Palmer, 2023). These values also are innately entwined with the three elements of Luxxacation as described further down the page.
A link connecting money to misery?
In a Forbes’ article titled, “The Definition of Luxury is Expanding and Changing,” futurist Jared Weiner of The Future Hunters states, “the ‘three T’s’ of luxury now are: Time, Truth, and Trust. Time is of course the scarcest resource, the one thing we can never have more of. Post-pandemic, Weiner believes that consumers may want to use their time differently than before, having had the opportunity to re-evaluate their priorities while they were shut down or isolated.” (Kestenbaum, 2021) In short, luxury is now starting to be associated with something much greater than just monetary wealth and materialism. Is it possible that the last few generations have decided there’s more to life than making money and acquiring things and property? As many people know first-hand that money can’t buy happiness, research shows that “Rich people are more likely to be mean, […] according to a new study, that found those from poorer backgrounds are more likely to be kind.” (Morrison, 2022). Who wouldn’t prefer a solid state capable of exhibiting joy over contempt, no matter what the circumstances… whether rich or poor?
The Materialization of Materialism:
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DISCLOSURE:
Materialism and Well-Being: Materialistic values have been linked to lower life satisfaction, increased levels of anxiety and depression, and reduced social connectedness. People who prioritize material possessions often report lower levels of well-being, as they may place less importance on social relationships and personal development.
Kasser, T., & Ryan, R. M. (1993): A foundational study by Kasser and Ryan in 1993 explored the negative psychological effects of materialism. They found that individuals who prioritize materialistic goals, such as wealth and fame, reported lower psychological well-being, including greater anxiety and depressive symptoms. The study demonstrated that extrinsic goals, such as material wealth, are less likely to satisfy basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) compared to intrinsic goals (personal growth, relationships).
Kasser, T., & Ahuvia, A. C. (2002): Further research by Kasser and Ahuvia explored how materialism negatively correlates with subjective well-being, linking materialistic values to higher levels of depression and anxiety. They suggested that materialistic individuals often suffer from diminished social relationships and connectedness, contributing to overall lower life satisfaction.
Dittmar, H., Bond, R., Hurst, M., & Kasser, T. (2014): A meta-analysis conducted by Dittmar and colleagues in 2014 reviewed studies on the relationship between materialism and well-being. They found that materialistic values were consistently linked to lower levels of life satisfaction, increased depression, anxiety, and lower social well-being.
These studies indicate that materialism tends to undermine well-being by focusing on external rewards that do not fulfill psychological needs, which in turn contributes to lower life satisfaction and increased mental health challenges.
Luxxacation as the New Enlightened Luxury is designed to help you counter these negatives.
Luxxacation aligns with the recent turns in luxury
Key Elements of Luxxacation as Enlightened Luxury:
Truth: Living in alignment with one’s authentic values and beliefs. Luxxacation encourages individuals to pursue what is real and meaningful, fostering personal integrity and clarity in life choices.
Time: Luxxacation views time as a precious resource. It focuses on mindful living, where time is spent intentionally on activities that bring joy, fulfillment, and purpose. Time becomes the ultimate luxury when used wisely.
Trust: Trustworthiness is a central tenet of Luxxacation. It fosters emotional resilience, authenticity in relationships, and a sense of inner security, making trust an essential part of this new luxury experience.
Luxxacation represents a shift from superficial definitions of luxury to a more holistic, sustainable, and enlightened approach. It promotes a lifestyle of balance, fulfillment, and personal growth, where luxury is found in living your best life, grounded in self-awareness, purpose, and genuine connection. This new luxury is about the richness of experiences, well-being, and the integrity of mind, body, and spirit.
The 1st "T" of Luxury Correlates to the 1st Element of Luxxacation: "Take Time"
The 2nd Element of Luxxacation "Build Strength" Correlates to "Trust"
The second element of luxxacation, “Build Strength,” correlates with trust in the Three T’s of luxury by emphasizing the personal journey of becoming trustworthy through consistent, disciplined actions. A person builds strength by making the right decisions, particularly during moments of temptation, and by continually following through on their commitments. This integrity is what makes someone trustworthy.
Key Aspects of This Correlation:
Consistency in Actions:
Trustworthiness is built when an individual consistently makes decisions aligned with their values, even when faced with temptations to deviate. This consistent follow-through on the best possible choices shows reliability, which is essential for gaining the trust of others.
Resisting Temptation as Strength:
In times of challenge or temptation, a person who remains steadfast and doesn’t compromise on their principles displays inner strength. This unwavering integrity builds personal strength and deepens the trust others place in them. People who can resist short-term gains in favor of long-term integrity reinforce their character, which others can depend on.
Strength through Trust:
As an individual consistently acts in a trustworthy manner, they build not only external trust but also internal strength. Each decision to uphold their values fortifies their personal strength, creating a solid foundation of character that others can rely on. This continual practice of making the best decisions, particularly when difficult, ultimately leads to greater personal and relational strength.
In essence, the element of “Build Strength” in luxxacation emphasizes the power of trust—both in oneself and in relationships. Strength is built through a series of right decisions, which cumulatively foster trustworthiness and fortify personal resilience.
The Third Element of Luxxacation "Rise Above" Correlates to "Truth"
The third element of luxxacation, “Rise Above,” correlates deeply with the concept of Truth within the Three T’s of luxury by emphasizing the pursuit of authenticity and ultimate meaning in life. Here’s how they are connected:
1. Seeking the Authentic:
To “rise above” is to transcend superficial or materialistic concerns and aim for deeper, more meaningful truths. In the context of luxury, Truth represents authenticity—living in alignment with one’s values, desires, and the pursuit of what is real and genuine. Rising above involves shedding falsehoods and distractions to seek clarity about who you truly are and what truly matters in life.
2. Pursuit of Higher Goals:
The concept of Truth in luxury isn’t just about honesty; it’s about striving for the ultimate and the best version of oneself. Similarly, “Rise Above” encourages individuals to elevate their thinking and actions, aiming for higher goals, ideals, and aspirations that reflect the true essence of who they are and what they want to accomplish. It’s about rejecting the ordinary and seeking something more profound and enduring.
3. Truth as Strength:
To rise above means to reject the temptation of shortcuts or illusions and focus on what is true and real, which requires strength. In the luxury context, truth is about the integrity of choices and experiences—whether it’s personal growth or a commitment to higher standards. Rising above involves an unrelenting pursuit of these truths, leading to a more authentic, fulfilled life.
In both luxxacation and the luxury principle of Truth, the focus is on seeking the ultimate, not just in material terms but in personal development and authenticity. This quest for truth and meaning is the essence of rising above the ordinary to live a life of purpose and integrity.
Research Reveals...
Research has extensively explored the impact of behaviors like kindness, social connections, giving, and meditation on happiness. These activities often lead to significant improvements in well-being and life satisfaction, as evidenced by the following studies:
Kindness: Engaging in acts of kindness provides substantial boosts in happiness. Studies confirm that the positive effects of kindness are due to increases in social connection and improvements in both the giver’s and receiver’s mood (Rowland & Curry, 2019).
Social Connections: Strong social connections are a major predictor of happiness. Individuals with robust social relationships have higher levels of subjective well-being and are generally more resilient to stress (Diener & Seligman, 2002).
Giving and Altruism: Giving to others can significantly enhance the giver’s happiness, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the “helper’s high.” Altruistic behaviors activate regions of the brain associated with pleasure and reward (Aknin et al., 2013).
Meditation: Regular meditation practices are linked to increased happiness and decreased depression. Mindfulness meditation, in particular, improves emotional regulation and enhances overall psychological well-being (Goyal et al., 2014).
Practices such as being kind, maintaining social ties, giving, and meditating not only enrich individual lives but also have a compounded positive effect on societal happiness as a whole. Each of these activities nurtures well-being and fosters a greater sense of community and connection.
Catalysts for Happiness...
Being outdoors, surrounding oneself with children, engaging in physical activity, and indulging in creative endeavors are all activities that have been studied for their positive effects on happiness. These behaviors contribute to enhanced mental health and overall well-being, as evidenced by the following studies:
Being Outdoors: Exposure to natural environments significantly boosts mood and happiness. This effect is often attributed to nature’s ability to reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function (Hartig, Mitchell, de Vries, & Frumkin, 2014).
Being Around Children: Interactions with children can increase life satisfaction and happiness, particularly among parents and caregivers. This joy likely stems from the meaningful and fulfilling experiences children bring into lives (Nelson et al., 2014).
Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is a well-documented contributor to improvements in mood and happiness. Exercise releases endorphins, often referred to as feel-good hormones, which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety (Reed & Ones, 2006).
Creativity: Engaging in creative activities such as painting, writing, or playing music significantly enhances well-being and happiness. Creativity is closely linked to increased positive emotions, higher levels of flow and engagement, and even prolonged life satisfaction (Richards, 2007).
Activities such as enjoying the outdoors, spending time with children, being physically active, and being creative are not only enjoyable but also boost happiness significantly. These pursuits support both psychological well-being and physical health, making them valuable practices for anyone looking to enhance their quality of life.
Luxxacation presents the opportunity, no matter who you are or where you’re at in life, to empower you as an individual to achieve the absolute best that you can, with a vision to help you climb higher. Seek the truth and you will find it… expand the journey of your lifetime with Luxxacation. There is an incredible future awaiting you.
Sources:
Aknin, L. B., Dunn, E. W., & Norton, M. I. (2013). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(26), 10570-10575. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0808879105
Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Very happy people. Psychological Science, 13(1), 81-84. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9280.00415
Dittmar, H., Bond, R., Hurst, M., & Kasser, T. (2014). The relationship between materialism and personal well-being: A meta-analysis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 107(5), 879-924.
Goyal, M., Singh, S., Sibinga, E. M., Gould, N. F., Rowland-Seymour, A., Sharma, R., … & Haythornthwaite, J. A. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357-368. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018
Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., de Vries, S., & Frumkin, H. (2014). Nature and health. Annual Review of Public Health, 35, 207-228. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032013-182443
Kasser, T., & Ahuvia, A. C. (2002). Materialistic values and well-being in business students. European Journal of Social Psychology, 32(1), 137-146.
Kasser, T., & Ryan, R. M. (1993). A dark side of the American dream: Correlates of financial success as a central life aspiration. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 65(2), 410.
Kestenbaum, Richard. 2021. The Definition of Luxury Is Expanding And Changing. Forbes. (28 June 2023). https://www.forbes.com/sites/richardkestenbaum/2021/12/16/the-definition-of-luxury-is-expanding-and-changing/?sh=2bafa2c66a13
Morrison, Ryan. 2022. Money really IS the root of all evil! Rich people are more likely to be mean like Scrooge while the poor are kinder Tiny Tims, research shows. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10419679/Rich-people-likely-mean-poor-kinder-research-shows.html
Nelson, S. K., Kushlev, K., English, T., Dunn, E. W., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). In defense of parenthood: Children are associated with more joy than misery. Psychological Science, 24(1), 3-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612447798
Palmer, Tiffany. “What is Luxury?” Coldwell Banker Realty, 27 Feb. 2023, https://tiffanypalmertexas.com/2023/02/27/what-is-luxury.
Reed, J., & Ones, D. S. (2006). The effect of acute aerobic exercise on positive activated affect: A meta-analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 7(5), 477-514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2005.11.003
Richards, R. (2007). Everyday creativity and new views of human nature: Psychological, social, and spiritual perspectives. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/11595-000
Rowland, L., & Curry, O. (2019). A range of kindness activities boost happiness. The Journal of Social Psychology, 159(3), 340-343. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2018.1469461