Happiness transcends far beyond power, money, material, and lust, but many people confuse it for a one dimensional possession. Money and power can help or destroy us. The choice is up to us, because in reality, we are only the temporary custodians of money and power.
Why is happiness so hard for some us to grasp? Happiness is not something in a remote location, at the beach, or in beautiful mountains. Visiting any or all of these exotic places may make you happy, but happiness is a lot closer than most people realize.
In fact, happiness exists within all of us. You can easily make a case that happiness is a choice. Some people make statements, such as: "My life is boring; all I do is work," "My life isn't fair," and "When I make a million dollars, I'll be happy." Sorry to say, the problem of "unhappiness," in the previously mentioned statements, lies within the individual. In each case, happiness was a matter of choice.
If we have a job, we are doing better than someone who is unemployed. Life is not fair, but it is not all bad. Even in the worst of times, people of exceptional character rise up with courage and vision. The person, who sees a "bench mark" of material wealth, as a gateway to happiness, has "missed the boat."
While he or she was chasing a million dollar dream, his or her family ties were lost. Children do not raise themselves. Wives, husbands, and good friends do not stay "on hold," until you are ready for them.
One dimensional people will usually find their "Golden pot at the end of the rainbow," but they will also lose many more valuable parts of life along the way. Never allow a hectic and busy lifestyle to raise your children and nurture valuable relationships.
The fifth Yama, Aparigraha, or non-attachment is the key. Happiness is found in the heart, soul, and mind. Over consumption of worldly possessions will only create a society of "spoiled children," who demand more possessions, but never find true happiness.
Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Join Us
Fall Meeting October 30 -31 & Novermber 1 - 2 , 2010
We welcome anybody that wants to start a Withdraw Center or wants to join the Oregon Coastal Center. There are no dues, fees or costs.
We will be holding two identical Sessions this fall. One session on the weekend and one during the week. Both Sessions will be about our experiences with our Peaceful Preparer Center, our plans, our dreams, our fears, and brainstorming.
There is no charge for either Session if you provide your own lodging. If you want to stay at the meeting resort, the following is the pricing for Eagle Crest lodging.
We ARE NOT “back to landers.” We do not want the hardships of homestead. Instead, we like our comforts and are willing to prepare for them to continue. That is why we have picked the Eagle Crest Resort for our First Annual Fall Meeting. The Eagle Crest Resort has all the comforts you want in a resort. Just check the features of Eagle Crest Resort
If two people want to share a bedroom, then both can attend the Sessions with no additional fees. The bedrooms vary with king size beds, queen size beds and twin beds.
The early bird gets their choice.
Session # I - October 30 - 31, 2010 2 nights ($100/night*) - Starts on Friday night October 30 at 7 pm and last until 11 am on Sunday November 1, 2010.
Session #2 - November 1 - 2, 2010 - 2 nights ($100/night*) - This part starts on Sunday night and 7 pm and last until Wednesday at 11 am.
*Lodging Scholarships are available.
The above fees include lodging at the Eagle Crest at Redmond, Oregon (11 miles from Bend, Oregon)