When people are asked, "How many of you are content and happy with what you have?" the reply of an overwhelming majority of people is "Not me." And when they are asked what do they want most out of life, the typical reply is "I want to be happy," as if happy is some kind of a place, like Disneyland or Happy Land. But happiness is not a destination. It's a process. In fact, happiness is not even so much a sentiment (contrary to popular culture reinforced by the media) but more of a state of being and an attitude if you will. It comes from feeling connected with everything and everyone. It is the level of our awareness that makes the difference between living "happily" or unhappily.
Living in an increasingly artificial world, it's easy to forget our spiritual roots, and very hard not to live the illusion of life rather than life itself. When we live by the motto: "He with the most toys lives," rather than "He with the most joys lives," we invariably experience artificial joy that prevents us from living fully in the here and now while connecting with real people, real life and having real joy. Perhaps that's because knowingly or unknowingly, many of us fell victim to the illusion of The American Dream and its promise for sweet success based on a materialistic values system.
So before rushing to say: "I want more money," confusing material success with experiencing more love and joy, ask yourself "at what cost? Is the high price tag for achieving success, as narrowly defined by THE AMERICAN DREAM, worth the effort and the great sacrifice? In the pursuit of THE AMERICAN DREAM it's easy to lose sight of what's really important and overlook the many trappings of success. You may sacrifice so much just "to get there" only to discover that there is no "there" there. There is more to life than material success and living by the code of external and shallow values that really don't serve our highest good and purpose. Then you become disillusioned and life easily becomes an empty experience devoid of meaning and real joy or purpose.
This is not to say that you should not strive for excellence or even material success. After all, there is nothing virtuous about being poor. How can you help your fellow human being when you are suffering from lack yourself? It's unfortunate that money has such a bad reputation ("money is the root of all evil"). In fact it's the love of money ? greed - that drives some to commit crimes that is the root of all evil). When used properly with the element of charity being incorporated, money can be a very useful tool to actually make a difference.
It is more spiritual to live well for yourself so that you can give yourself away to benefit others. You are an expression of life itself and that demands your active participation in the process of life through creativity and prosperity. However, it's essential that you make informed decisions based on the awareness that the promise of THE AMERICAN DREAM which is based on a materialistic and shallow values system (to have it all and enjoy it all and live happily ever after) is just an illusion that may not be in your best interest and can actually cause you more harm than good. Success has its own trappings. It demands a very high price tag that may not be worth it.
But if you still insist on knowing whether or not you have reached "Happy Land," in the end you will know it when you live your life consciously. That means you practice the attitude of gratitude for all the blessings in your life (remember it could always be worse). Your joy of life is not dependent on external values such as the accumulation of possessions that produce artificial joy that is as fleeting as it is cruel. You stop defining yourself based on somebody else's narrow definition of who you are and should be. After all, your true essence, which is constantly changing and expansive, is beyond any man-made definition. Now that's something to get excited about.
About The Author
Copyright © 2004, Geela
Author of "The American Dream"
Geela is an award winning singer/songwriter/composer, columnist, and author of the best-selling book "THE AMERICAN DREAM," her true- life story of how she came to America as a young immigrant with nothing and overcame incredible obstacles to achieve mega-success. She founded ONE SPIRIT, ONE WORLD to help children and promote a culture of peace and harmony. Get a free sample of her music and her book at http://www.Geela.com.
I have to be honest. I made the woman cashier... Read More
When people are asked, "How many of you are content... Read More
Over the course of my life's journey I have come... Read More
Did you know that there are gifts that will multiply... Read More
As a coach, I often ask myself the question why... Read More
My journey to becoming a therapist began with a desire... Read More
How do we smile at each other? Is there a... Read More
I have decided to declare 2004 as the YEAR OF... Read More
When I tell you what I heard you'll be able... Read More
I'm searching for modern happiness. The old-fashioned kind takes just... Read More
We are all familiar with or have heard of the... Read More
If there was ever a principle that was responsible for... Read More
Right off the top: What is the difference between dating... Read More
Are You Chasing the Elusive Butterfly of Happiness?For many people... Read More
The most beautiful flowers, in conjunction with their design and... Read More
One of the most important colors in advertising is the... Read More
Whatever we want in life, a partner, more money, good... Read More
The Law of Attraction exists in your life right now;... Read More
Ever notice how some people just seem to be able... Read More
People's lives today are jam-packed with great projects, ideas, to-do... Read More
Has someone nearby been sending you emails rather than calling... Read More
Does the expression "single and happy" sound like an oxymoron... Read More
Where does happiness fit on a scale of 1 to... Read More
The most important achievements you can ever have in this... Read More
Only you can call me into aliveness. Each time... Read More
Though his racing speed is a maximum 6 feet per... Read More
Why Are You Here?When I ask this question, I'm not... Read More
Imagine discovering a way to get rid of your fears... Read More
According to U.S. research, you can add seven and a... Read More
Many people live in clutter, emotionally eat themselves into overweight,... Read More
Are you tired of the same routine day after day?... Read More
The quality of your life has a strong connection with... Read More
The freeway was relatively clear. It was early in the... Read More
Our sense of smell elicits strong emotional reactions and trigger... Read More
Has someone nearby been sending you emails rather than calling... Read More
I assume you want to be happier. Searching for greater... Read More
What is wisdom? But first, what are the conditions that... Read More
Ever notice how some people just seem to be able... Read More
Is your life really the life you want?Quickly determine how... Read More
Placing your attention, energy and focus on the negative aspects... Read More
Want to be happier?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker, author and... Read More
Every disease or ailment, whether it be cancer, diabetes, arthritis,... Read More
"There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a... Read More
I like to be around positive people, people who tend... Read More
Do you want to put a smile on someone's face?... Read More
If you're an employer or a manager then work place... Read More
People's lives today are jam-packed with great projects, ideas, to-do... Read More
It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day... Read More
"Don't you understand, everything in this life is meaningless," cautioned... Read More
Happiness is something we all seek, yet few of us... Read More
In pursuit of happiness, what will we do as women?... Read More
Happiness comes to a person when it is caused by... Read More
Don't Let Life Happen To You ... Read More
A friend once said to me, "There is no meaning... Read More
Did you know that there are gifts that will multiply... Read More
We've all had a vision or a great idea and... Read More
Humans are liable to experience a variety of afflictions, but... Read More
How Laughter Can Reduce Stress and Improve Your HealthA merry... Read More
Learning to love yourself isn't easy - especially if you... Read More
The year is almost half over. Many of us are... Read More
Witchcraft is a messy, expensive, time-consuming, and inefficient way to... Read More
Where does happiness fit on a scale of 1 to... Read More
When people are asked, "How many of you are content... Read More
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE - how to build positive emotions for extraordinary... Read More
You have a purpose in life. You have a unique... Read More
My grandmother, Mimi, was a great solitaire player. My family... Read More
Finding Happiness |