Your mother probably told you that money can’t buy happiness. Well according to a new study, your mother might have been wrong. Seems that having money doesn’t necessarily make you happy but spending it on other people does - even as little as five dollars.
That got me thinking about what makes people happy - truly content in their lives. Some people have a lot of fancy toys but they don’t seem too happy. Some people seem to have less but are blissfully content. And yes I know people who have both. I think in the end most people are looking to make some sort of difference in the world - to have mattered to another human being and made their life richer.
The Dali Lama says that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness - to maintain a feeling of compassion or loving kindness. He says “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” The more we care for others the greater our own sense of well being.
So how do you do that?
Well the Dali Lama says he tries to treat each person he meets as an old friend. That’s similar to something Wayne Dyer says: when you meet anyone treat the event as a holy encounter. You can bet if either of those guys crossed your path you’d probably feel happy.
My mother used to say, “What goes around, comes around.” When you open your arms to the world, its opens its arms right back. In this case, I think my mother got it just right.
How do you create happiness?
Who would have thought that a simple reusable bag could start such a fascinating conversation? Edmonton Journal writer Paul Simons recently lamented the growing popularity of Lululemon bags.For those of you who haven’t yet encountered Lululemon, it’s a Canadian company which sells yoga inspired athletic apparel. Purchases are put into reusable bags which proclaim the company’s manifesto which includes such gems as:
Sweat once a day.
Creativity is maximized when you’re living in the moment.
Children are the orgasm of life.
Dance, sing, floss and travel.
Simons declared that spiritual advice from an eco friendly bag doesn’t sit well with her. Readers had lots to say about the article. Some felt that if the bags promoted good living, then what’s the problem? Others disagreed, including one who said if you are consulting a Lululemon bag for spiritual advice, then you honestly have no life!
I guess I must be part of the so-called Lululemon cult.
They make great clothes and have a cool philosophy. And yes I have a couple of bags that come in handy when transporting stuff. Maybe they don’t push my buttons because overall, their advice is a pretty good fit with my way of thinking.
Sure I get inspired by thought provoking books, great conversation and amazing people. But for me, inspiration also comes in the most interesting places…from my dog, Starbucks coffee cups and TV ads.
If something makes you stop and think, or prods you bit or even pushes your buttons, then I think hooray.
Where do you find your inspiration?
That got me thinking about what makes people happy - truly content in their lives. Some people have a lot of fancy toys but they don’t seem too happy. Some people seem to have less but are blissfully content. And yes I know people who have both. I think in the end most people are looking to make some sort of difference in the world - to have mattered to another human being and made their life richer.