People of my heritage don't understand when I explain to them that I have many "things," that I have material objects. One time I took pictures of all the things in my apartment and brought them home for people to look at. They just shook their heads in confusion. They don't understand why I would surround myself with so much "stuff."
The elders see collecting material objects as a way of actually keeping yourself away from spirit, of "stuffing" yourself until there is no more room for spirit. When this happens spirit could be at your door knocking and you can't answer it — there is no room.
— Sobonfu E. Some, Welcoming Spirit Home