HAPPINESS If you ask someone what happiness means to them, chances are they would say: money in the bank; the car of their dreams; or a big house. Unfortunately, western society keeps perpetuating the illusion of, The American Dream, when in fact, obtaining, maintaining and protecting assets can create just the opposite result--unhappiness. Western style societies are riddled with stress and all the physical manifestations of it. A great deal of this has been brought on by excessive debt and very little time to enjoy family, friends, having “me” time or getting to play with our toys. Why? Because we are working so hard to keep the illusion alive. Picture a juggler that has 20 balls in the air at once. He has no time to rest because it is a full time job keeping those balls from falling. This is what I call existing. It is not really living. A friend recently made this statement, “here I am almost homeless, jobless and the happiest I have ever been”. Crazy? Not really. It’s amazing how happy we can be when we don't put requirements on it. My philosophy in both my practice and personal life is this…Keep it simple. I won’t define what would make me happy, but I can tell you what has made me happy. Happiness has come in many shapes and sizes in my life, from what I would have expected to the unexpected. They include: Following and honoring my path Meditating Yoga Making a difference Coffee with friends A good meal Doing things that feed my soul Thought provoking conversation Being out in nature Laughing, dancing, singing and playing… just to name a few. How about you?