Everyone says that they want to be happy but we don’t often talk about what that actually means. I want to start discussing the nuts-and-bolts of our individual journeys towards the goal of happy lives of integrity.  My hope is that you will use the tools presented in The Principles to construct your own spiritual path.

You don’t have to be particularly superficial to wish for wealth and to think that material success would bring happiness.  And perhaps it does for some people.  However, I also know many wealthy people who are absolutely miserable.  In the end, I think the problem is not so much the money as the priorities.  

What if material success was the second priority after a life on integrity and real self-worth rather than the other way around?  So often, it seems that money and fame will fix our feelings of doubt and loneliness.  I would say it makes more sense to work on those feelings through being honest, having spiritual faith, cleaning up the messes we make, and helping others first.  Then, if we are blessed with material rewards, we are able to enjoy them.  What a terrible waste to be given a life of luxury and find out that it brings no joy!  If you lead a life you can be proud of, happiness will come whether or not you have money.

This morning in my meditation, I focused on the phrase, “Happiness is already here.”  Earlier in my life, I was always waiting for something to happen - a relationship, a job - with the expectation that then I would be happy.  It’s not that I don’t still have such goals but why should my happiness have to wait until I achieve them?  Can’t I be happy in the process rather than waiting for the result?

This, of course, returns to The Principles.  Surrende is a principle that allows us to accept life as it is without despair.  Faith is a tool for believing that the universe has a plan for us and we will be cared for.  Helping others is a strategy to escape our self-obsession and take actions that build real self-esteem.  Over the next few weeks, we will look at how to use all of these Principles in detail.

The reason that I believe The Principles can bring happiness to anyone is that they are so broad.  Having informed the world’s great religions and spiritual programs such as the 12-steps, these concepts are wonderfully elastic.  You should feel free to interpret them in any way you see fit because all spiritual paths must necessarily be individual.  My hope is that we can work together to give you practical tools to implement The Principles in your daily life.

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