Maybe it's not simply "the economy." Maybe what's really getting you down is the way you're talking to yourself about the economy. Don't get me wrong -- it's nice to have enough money to pay your bills. But what a lot of people are learning today is that you can't depend on money for your sense of security.

Spiritual teachers have been saying this for thousands of years. Buddha taught that being too attached to material things means we will inevitably experience suffering when they are taken away. In fact we don't have to actually lose anything to experience suffering. Just worrying about losing things creates suffering. Jesus likewise advised his followers to focus on developing a rich spiritual life instead of accumulating earthly treasure.

Spiritual teachers can teach, but each of us has to learn this powerful lesson for ourselves. The current economic crisis presents each of us with a priceless opportunity for genuine spiritual growth.

Our biggest asset in difficult times is our ability to stay calm, think clearly and act confidently. Instead of saying. "I need more financial security," trying saying "I need more spiritual serenity."

We can focus on deepening our spiritual life if we already have an active spiritual life. We can begin searching for a spiritual path if we haven't found one yet. There's no time like the present to think about what's really important to us and how to live our life purpose.

We all have direct access to the Source of Life. When we are connected to our Source we experience inner peace and find the strength to take our next step.

On a practical level we can use the current crisis to get our financial house in order. We can examine our relationship to money. If we've worshiped money or been a slave to money, we can turn money into our servant. If we've let our desires run ahead of our earnings, this is a good time to practice some practical Buddhism and upgrade our desire for more money into a deeper yearning for inner harmony. True happiness comes from within.

On a political level, if we feel the system is unfair and favors wealthy investors over working men and women, we can boycott credit cards (or pay them off in full each month). Credit card debt just transfers our hard-earned money into the already overstuffed pockets of the rich. And if the unholy alliance between Big Government and Big Corporations gets us really outraged, we can channel that anger into demanding that this outdated, corrupt and broken financial system be replaced by one that is fair and just for all Americans.

On a societal level we can reexamine our priorities. Money is not the source of wealth. Wealth comes from Mother Earth: from fertile soil, sparkling waters and clear air. Let's take better care of Mother Earth. Wealth comes from healthy, energetic human beings working together to create dynamic creative communities. Let's take better care of each other and think about the kind of world we want our children to inherit.

So don't let the economic depression get you depressed. Don't let those negative voices drain your energy. Do what spirited, courageous people have always done. Turn problems into opportunities for growth. Transform despair into a deeper faith.

Invest a half hour a day in your spiritual life. Invest it any way you like: meditate for peace, pray for faith, dance for joy, sing with gratitude, serve with love. It's the best investment you can make. The dividends are divine, the rate of return is infinite. and your assets are guaranteed for eternity.