Let's face it. We are living in difficult times. Economic crisis threatens to remove our wallets and purses from our possession and extract the remaining wealth we may still possess. Not only that, it chips away at our fragile peace of mind, throwing some of the pleasures we once experienced into the abyss of no return. What is the lone individual to do to salvage a pleasurable, rewarding life for him and his loved ones?



The Illusion

Too many people think that happiness is an external affair. They believe that events in their lives control how they think and feel. During these stressful times they arrive at the conclusion that happiness is a fleeting experience?something that is found in escapism or what I call irrationally selfish activities. They act in self-defeating ways?only worsening their situation.

The not-so grand illusion is expecting other people or things to supply you with happiness. Now I admit that pleasurable value for value relationships and the possession of material wealth should be enjoyed for all they're worth. Tragically, there are innumerable cases of individuals blessed with these who sadly think that their lives are empty. Happiness for them seems forever illusive.

Do I know something about illusions that you don't know? Maybe, maybe not. However, I believe illusion-busting is possible. Happiness is not something you obtain through people and things. It is an internal affair. Happiness is a way of life.

Think It

Ask yourself this. Do you possess control over your thoughts'or do they race through your mind as wild, uncontrollable beasts? I guarantee that if you can't control how you think?negative thoughts will gain a foothold in your mind. You surrender it to that beast of negativity and pessimism. Can lack of control over your mind result in personal happiness? I doubt it.

Feel It

Did you know that all of your thoughts result in you experiencing feelings about them? Positive thoughts eventually lead to positive, healthy feelings. If the beast of negativity and pessimism control your thoughts you will suffer uncomfortable feelings most of the time. Worry, fear, hate, anger, bitterness etc. become your intolerable daily existence. Feeling bad most of the time certainly won't result in you feeling happy.

Act It

If you have relinquished control over your thoughts and emotions?your actions are probably ineffective if not downright self-defeating. When you exercise no control over your thoughts and feelings it is impossible to effectively control your actions.

Devilishly deceptive is the false belief you are controlling your actions, even though you are still manifesting unfortunate results. How frustrating! Success in life means acting in a purposive, effective manner. Daydreaming about all the good things, that are about to appear in your life from nowhere, is a futile attempt to transform illusion into reality.

Conclusion

You may be thinking all of this sounds good in theory?but what about experiencing happiness, pleasure, success and peace of mind as a way of life. How do I go about doing that during a severe economic crisis?one that looks like it isn't leaving us anytime soon?

I could tell you that there are esoteric teachings that lead you down the path of happiness and success. But really, truth is much simpler than that. Sure, you must make the effort to uncover some secrets of happiness. However, they're not that difficult to find if you know where to look. I'm sure you know how exciting it is to discover secret hideaways.