All You Need Is...

Its no secret that these are hard times.  We are bombarded by signals all day long that we are in a huge economic crisis, our infrastructure seems to be collapsing, the model from which we have based our livelihoods is failing. And things just aren't looking up any time soon. 

As straights become more dire, it becomes harder to imagine our world as a healthy, happy place.  Watching loved ones around us suffer can have devastating effects on our psyche, personally and collectively.  We may begin to cling desperately to what we have, hoarding our belongings in fear.  We may get caught in the circular funnel of anger and bitterness.  Or we may blindfold ourselves, refusing to view the inevitable changes in life.  But it is important to view life's foibles with a sense of curiosity and an open heart.  

Take time to peak inside yourself and ask what you can do to return to a healthy, happy world.  Remember that what you need you already have.  As human beings, we contain all the tools we need to live happy, fulfilled lives.  We just need to open our hearts wide enough to accept that.

Rather than grasping or hoarding physical things, allow your heart to fill with gratitude and generosity.  Sharing of yourself, your time, your heart are gifts that give immediate returns.  Ask yourself what you can do to truly uplift another person today.

As for anger and bitterness towards the current state of the world, this is a double edged sword.  No one wins where there is hate.  Any anger you harbor is like decay inside you.  It hurts you more than it hurts the one/ones you are angry towards.  When you feel a hot swell of hate arise in you, gently pull yourself out of its depths.  Ask yourself questions about your anger until you have diffused it.  Once you have created space inside yourself where the hatred was, you can fill it with compassion.  Like a soothing balm, compassion heals and promotes internal growth.

Open your eyes.  Listen intently.  Life still swirls around us, joy is still to be had, and love still permeates us all.  Bring yourself back to the basics, and feel gratitude that you are alive in this time of great change in the world.  We are witnessing a large shift in the way things work around here.  Rather than stand by, actively participate.  Make your heart a tool for change inside you.  You really have nothing to lose.