Unmasking Internalized Capitalism

While it’s 100% true that Capitalism prioritizes profits over well-being and is inextricably linked to systemic racism and oppression, healing internalized capitalism doesn’t have to be a big scary conversation about rejecting wealth and living off the grid away from modern society. In fact, gently pulling back the veil of internalized capitalism is an opportunity to reveal joy, fulfillment, and more prosperity.

You don’t have to be an activist or new agey–though I definitely am– to have a healthy curiosity about breaking through the limiting beliefs you probably don’t realize you have. Inquiry, in my opinion, is the highest form of truth. So I ask you this, friends, are you making choices based on internalized capitalism? And is it possible, that we’ve collectively internalized an economic system so deeply that the average person’s relationship to work, purpose, and prosperity is deeply fucked up? If that question just opened Pandora's box for you and a sinking feeling is running from your heart to your gut, read on, hope will be restored.

Capitalism reigns supreme as the predominant economic system, shaping societies, economies, and INDIVIDUAL lives. While the effects of capitalism are often discussed in terms of its external consequences, such as wealth inequality and consumerism, its influence runs much deeper. Within each of us, capitalism leaves an indelible mark.

The mark left by capitalism on our psyche is not something to be afraid of, it’s something to examine with an open mind and a lot of compassion.  It affects how we perceive ourselves, how we relate to what is possible, and how we define success. In this culture of busyness, where incessant productivity is prioritized and an adrenaline fueled schedule is a status symbol, we’ve lost connection with our true nature. Capitalism impacts our sense of worth, for sure, but it  also corrupts our relationship to time, and dulls our intuition and natural instincts. 

To begin the journey of healing, it's important to recognize and acknowledge the flaws and limitations of capitalism and to cultivate the space to hold that awareness with kindness and curiosity.  The first step is to acknowledge that a system that prioritizes profit over well-being, perpetuates systemic racism and oppression, and thrives on perpetual growth has inherent shortcomings. This realization doesn't mean we have to abandon all aspects of capitalism, but rather question and challenge its underlying assumptions and values. 

Again, the process of healing internalized capitalism doesn't require drastic measures or a complete rejection of modern society.

Healing internalized capitalism starts with questioning the beliefs and behaviors that have been ingrained within us. It's about consciously examining the choices we make and the motivations behind them. 

Are we pursuing material wealth and status at the expense of our well-being and the well-being of others? Are we defining success solely by achievement, productivity and financial means? How do we relate to time? Do we intentionally make space for rest and relaxation? By bringing these questions to the forefront of our consciousness, we can start to dismantle the internalized capitalist mindset that may be hindering our personal growth and fulfillment.

But breaking free from internalized capitalism doesn't mean rejecting wealth or financial stability. It's about redefining our relationship with money and prosperity. It's about shedding the disempowering values we’ve internalized in pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life. For many, pushing beyond the systemic belief system has yielded greater success, greater wealth, and greater freedom. 

Your first step on the path to healing internalized capitalism is so simple you’ll likely trip over it. Make time to slow down. What you may find is that you are so programmed to hustle and keep busy, that slowing down feels counter-intuitive. Warning: slowing down and cultivating a moment of joy or relaxation, for 5 minutes, may produce anxiety. So practice.

In a recent conversation, a friend questioned the validity of dismantling patriarchy and capitalism saying, “it’s impossible, it’ll never happen. Tell me how it’s possible.” To which I replied, “I can’t prove it to you, but what I know, to the core of my being, is that I believe it will. I’ve witnessed the belief transform the lives of my teachers, who taught me to believe, and my life transformed. One person, one breath, and one inspired action at a time we will spread the belief.” You can have freedom, wealth, and vitality outside the prescribed system.

So, let us embark on this journey together, questioning the deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviors that stem from internalized capitalism. Let us reimagine our relationship with work, purpose, and prosperity. And let us strive for a world where economic systems prioritize the well-being and flourishing of all individuals and the planet.