The Art of Happiness

[Jenifer Madson]

The Art of Happiness

In reading 'The Art of Happiness,' by H.H. The Dalai Lama, I was reminded of the distinction between happiness and pleasure. True happiness is something we cultivate from within, and therefore it brings a deeper sense of satisfaction. Pleasure is fleeting, and, by that nature, feels like something we need to repeatedly chase in order to experience it.

That's not to say that pleasure is necessarily a bad thing, but it is a danger when the pursuit of it runs our financial lives, when we literally buy into material things as a substitute for getting in touch with what really makes us happy.

Take A Minute:
Are your expenses driven by happiness or pleasure?

Make A Minute:
Pretend that you were going to get rid of any expenses that only brought momentary pleasure. Look at how that decision would affect your overall financial picture and decide if actually getting rid of any of them on that basis makes sense.

Example:
I used to spend an inordinate amount of money at the bookstore because I derived great pleasure from wandering the aisles and engaging in whatever learning process the book provided. However, oftentimes I ended up with books that were only pleasurable for a short time. I determined that my future book purchases would only include those that provided lasting change in my capacity for compassion, service, and artistic expression, and the rest I could borrow from the library. That simple decision has saved me hundreds of dollars.

Answering the call of your happiness takes courage--the courage to turn inward and listen to that still, small voice that tells you where your happiness lies. Develop enduring happiness from within, and I promise you'll be less susceptible to spending for temporary pleasure.

[tele]

i like your example and challenge. for me, it is time on select site on the internet. what ads value personally and professionally vs. what is killing time.
i get value here vs. getting caught up on youtub or dabble on social networking sites.

[David Sandusky]

interesting twist, tele, on time as an expense - good stuff!

[Jenifer Madson]

I agree, tele, the Internet can be the best or the worst thing available to us, depending on how we use it. Thanks for your comments!
Jenifer

This is great. Everyone should take inventory and and be more responsible. I just saw on the news that the avg. college student graduates with $3K in credit card debt, some in the story had up to eight cards and $8K in CC debt?! Make it a goal to not buy or rent more square footage for acquired goods. I know someone that has twelve bikes, twelve! There is four people in the family.

I think your message is important. Thanks!

Jensen

[Jenifer Madson]

Thanks Jensen. I reminisced on this the other day as I wandered the aisles of the bookstore, just taking in the sights of all the new books, occassionally stopping to enjoy a bit of their themes, and delighting in no longer feeling compelled to bring 4 or 5 of them home with me. I appreciate your comments.

What do you think it is going to take for people to realize that the more you buy, the more you want and that is not a pursuit of happiness that works or inspires people, really?

[Jenifer Madson]

I think it takes a lot sometimes for people to face that truth, and what we can do in the meantime is inspire people by our willingness to find and cultivate happiness other than by way of our wallet. The more we share that possibility, the more we support that ideal.