The Less We Have, The Happier We Become
Posted: Sunday, November 15, 2009
by e
Dhammabucha Rocksprings Meditation
Nancy Gibbs of TIME writes, . . . "we stopped buying all the stuff we didn't need that was supposed to make us happier, and we seem to be happier for it. And who would have expected that?"
Nancy's article explores why Americans are becoming cheerier even though they have lost economically, and the truth is; the less we have, the less we have to worry about, and the less we worry, the more time we have to see the beauty of trees, and the wonder of the universe and contemplate our part in it. Without possessions getting in our way, we become human beings again.
Having so much stuff led us into this fear mentality which was then capitalized on by the hate radio bunch and the fear mongers of the left and right in order to score political points . . . and for what? To get themselves more power, which in turn gets them more stuff, both materially and egotistically, which are both huge burdens!
Only when we are free of our stuff can we really see with insight how this all comes down. How childish is the quest for power, things and security. How self-defeating. So much effort is expended for literally nothing but illusions.
The residue of fear from the past 30 years is still keeping the fear mongers busy, but this will fade out in time. Their popularity will wane. The highly successful disaster and horror movies currently in vogue reflect the old days of fear and not the new reality of unattachment to stuff.
They will not be particularly remembered because they are from the past. It‘s the films which reflect real insight into future trends that make the lasting impression.
Keep an eye out for the movie that touches fledgling chords within our spirit, a spirit that is beginning to awaken to a new day when all that we fuss and argue about is seen for what it is; our fear of losing all that stuff which makes us unhappy anyway!
Look carefully at where your stress lies. If you are sensitive, you can feel it. You can feel the physical sensations of a mild adrenalin rush, an increased heartbeat, the subtle anger that creates an urge to strike back or a feeling that you must right a wrong. Or that you must change someone's mind.
This is all stressful. This causes an underlying unhappiness whether you "win" or "lose," because there is no winning or losing ultimately, only the happiness or fear that you feel in in this very moment.
Anytime that you rely of stuff, which means material stuff or psychological (spiritual) stuff, and once you dig your heels in with strong, unyielding opinions, you are guaranteed not to be happy even though you may talk yourself into thinking that you are.
Let go if you can, of as much as you can. That‘s where you will find peace; that‘s where you will find contentment; and that‘s where you will become a complete human being.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Lots of thought provoking comments--I must agree mainly relying on anything but you, your maker, and or the Universe is not going to make you happy and content. Thanks for offering this article for folks such as myself to read.Hi Steve, thanks for the nice comment and the five star rating! You made me happy and content :)Best...........e
Nicely done. Know what you like and like what you know is a big part of it, yet your ideas are correct: the less that has a hold on us (our possessions) the better. Great job."the less that has a hold on us (our possessions) the better." Lots of insight there Michael! Thanks for commenting, always appreciate your input.
Best...............e
Thanks for sharing e. There is a Christian scripture that illustrates, in my opinion, the crux of your piece. For dramatic effect, I'll be taking it from the King James Version :) - Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
I really appreciate your insights e.Beautiful, thanks Rhymes. Hope all is well with you. See you on Late Night? :)
Best..............eGreat verse--never heard that.....
Franny, Franny, Franny - - - you are definitely enlightened! Thanks for the great rating.
Best...............e
What a good and enlightening article. I totally agree and in our materialistic society we tend be associated with our 'stuff'. In fact, in many cases, nut just associated but actually become our big house, fancy cars, designer clothes and the black figures on our back balance.Thanks for a great article.Thank you so much, too, John. When we become as nothing, then . . .
Metta.............e
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