A B C

 

I believe we are here to learn, grow and be what we are designed to be. Developing what is inherently within us and giving it expression in our lives is part of learning and growing. And when we are expressing and experiencing who we are and what we are then we are more fully functioning as human beings. We each have a purpose, a reason for being, which probably is not what we do for a living.

 

Years ago HH the Dali Lama spoke in Portland, OR. After a while of chanting and mounting anticipation among the throng of people filling Pioneer Courthouse Square, His Holiness walked out on the platform and said: “Every human being has the potential to be happy.” That is so simple and so elegant. And it is true. We, in the United States of America live in a society with the hallmark of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

 

If we develop a unified state of mind then we can consciously co-create happiness. There are certain areas of our lives that are critical for our well-being and our happiness that we will discuss in this essay. Health for one is so important for most people’s happiness. Attaining or maintaining good health is possible. Relationships that are healthy is vital as well. Relationships that work and serve you and others, rather than just getting along are important for well-being and happiness. And having enough; enough money, enough time, enough energy, enough love are all important to being a happy, healthy and whole human being.

 

With the “cult of success” in post modern America there was a reversal of priorities that began to shift around 1970. Placing money, status, power and outer appearances of success above and beyond ethics, honesty, responsibility and human dignity which all came down like a house of cards in autumn of 2008 with the global economic melt down and subsequent great recession. There is such stress for success in today’s society and with that comes the outfall of stress on relationships, personal health and one’s own state of mind.

 

Perhaps there is a better way than what is taught in most schools and colleges and what is practiced in most businesses, public thorough-fairs and homes that will result in the kind of conditions we really want: good health, happiness and having enough to enjoy life.

 

There is a better way, a way that has been developed and shared down through the ages by masters and teachers, sages and saints of many traditions. From Jesus to Buddha, Buckminster Fuller to Baba, and many thinkers of all ages we can gain great insights and wisdom to live fully alive and happy lives.

 

In order to attain and maintain a state of mind and heart in which we live as happy, healthy and whole human beings we need to combine two things. Principles and Practices which lead to the inner Work for happiness.