HAPPINESS

I wonder if the results of “happiness” studies might surprise you? Levels of happiness reported in different cultures across the world reveal an inverse relationship between wealth and happiness. It seems that material success makes us miserable. The affluent Western world reports the lowest levels of happiness. Conversely, it is in the poorest countries that we find the happiest people.

Could it be because they might be materially ‘poor’ but spiritually rich? Could it be that, because they are encouraged to go within, to meditate, that they enjoy a much deeper connection to nature, to one another and to their higher, holy Self?

We in the West think we’re so clever but our worship of the intellect has come at a great cost. Our obsession with thinking, together with the lure of the outside world and its gaudy displays and temptations, have obliterated the Light of our being.

We are the ones who are ignorant. We have swapped the awareness of this Light for empty promises, momentary pleasures that come and go. You see, everything that comes, goes. Think about it. No relationship, no achievement, no substance, no high of any kind can possibly provide deep peace or lasting happiness. All of these things are intrinsically temporary.

We have lost sight of that spirit within us that does not change, is not temporary, was never born and will never die.

All of our attention is pulled out to a world shrieking “consume, compete, emulate these ludicrous body shapes and false body parts, feel like crap about yourself if you don’t measure up to them”. No wonder rates of suicide, anxiety and depression are going through the roof.

Our souls are sick for want of nourishment. What a price to pay for passing pleasures.