When we overly invest in needless material possessions, we sacrifice something. Usually, it's genuine happiness.

We are bombarded by influences and distractions that threaten to sabotage any hopes of accomplishing personal goals..With so much to do and acquire, true happiness can become an afterthought. Although we might increase our material wealth, we don't always increase our happiness. True happiness is a state of mind that grows from within.

To be human is to live in a state of spiritual flux. Change is inevitable, so our desires are certain to change. Ever wonder why you feel happy one day, disturbed or sad the next?  Ever wonder why you desire who you like until someone different comes along? And why is it, the more you take, the more you want? If you had twice as much income as you do now, would you pay off bills and live within your means or would you feel justified to acquire twice as many possessions?

Most of my life I  heard that money is the root of all evil, but I quietly disagreed. Now, I understand how money, at least too much of it, can sabotage happiness. According to research, money creates happiness only up a certain income level. While we might relish the notion of being a billionaire, studies indicate more is not better once our needs and a few desires are fulfilled.

I recently watched a television show which offers a glimpse into the homes of people so wealthy it was beyond comprehension. I began to feel overwhelmed just looking at their trappings--fifteen cars all the same color, grandiose oceanfront penthouses with the most exquisite designer furnishings, sliding glass floors, high-rise garages with scenic views for cars and yachts, and of course, room service offered anytime day or night, . It was hard to conceptualize the lavish lifestyles which included the ability to take a three-year honeymoon or make a decision to sell a property and relocate to a mountainous environment because the dog didn't like the Florida heat.

As the cameras rolled, highlighting each expansive room in several privately owned penthouse properties, I finally became bored with the many choices which except for the landscape, reflected magnificence and sameness.  I tried to imagine myself a world traveler, jetting in and out on a weekly basis, hiring caretakers for the pets, packing and unpacking the family, drinking expensive wines and dining with the wealthiest. Yet, with the constant routine of being surrounded by choices, trappings, and travels, I don't think my life would be better, just different. In fact, I might miss making plans, setting goals, and rejoicing when financial goals were accomplished.

Watching that television show, I realized something new about myself: I would not want to be rich and famous. I wouldn't want to step outside of that natural state of spiritual flux which promotes spiritual growth. Up to a certain point, money correlates directly to our state of well-being, but when we overly invest in needless material possessions, we sacrifice something. Usually, it's genuine happiness.

Although these OU fraternity students are responsible for their individual racist behavior, this type of behavior didn't start with our children.

America, we have a problem. The latest publicized incident reflecting blatant racism happened on a tour bus filled with fraternity brothers from the University of Oklahoma. The University's president, David  L,Boren, handled matters swiftly and appropriately.  He is to be commended. However, some argue that innocent nonparticipants are being unfairly punished. But as the slogan goes, "If you see something, say something." Nobody did, and because those "bystanders" said nothing, there was tacit agreement and they stand accused. Nobody said, "Stop this madness" and those appearing in the video seemed comfortable with the racist chants.

President David L.Boren agreed that, while deplorable, this type of behavior is not an isolated incident. It has happened in past eras and even today such tacit participation in racist behavior continues. It was acceptable during slavery and it happened again during the Holocaust as an entire world looked on. Before discrimination of any kind becomes blatant, somebody sees something but says nothing. Before such behavior became deplorable, somebody saw something but said nothing.

Racism is an ugly word and an ugly wound that affects an entire society. In reality, racist behavior has never disappeared. It exists and is perpetuated within established institutions or it has simply gone underground. And while we put band-aids on psychological injuries or lock the problems behind bars, we continue to maintain institutionalized racism in a society that promotes and supports "separate but equal" as well as "integrated but unequal." It's a miracle so many young people survive and grow into adulthood. It's a miracle most young people remain positive enough to stay out of jail, find jobs, and fall in love.

Despite blatant and subtle acts of racism and degradation, most of us manage to stay focused in order to survive and even thrive. What our young people have today is resilience despite all else, but even resilience can wear thin.  Even the best products have an expiration date and even the best protective gear can fail.

It's time we faced the real problem of racism in our society, and although these OU fraternity students are responsible for their individual levels of participation, this type of behavior didn't start with our children.

Are you in charge of your life circumstances?

From my point of view, I don't think we all are ready to take responsibility for our circumstances in life. As a child, I didn't know that the universe is made of energy which is neither created nor destroyed but constantly flowing, re-purposed so that in time, we become who we were meant to be. 

 

 

Our circumstances may not be perfect, but they are what we need so as to achieve our greatest good. The choices we make determine how well we do.

 

Whatever obstacles and challenges we face in life, it is our mission to eradicate or overcome them. Our job is to master short-comings and attain our highest state of spiritual existence.

We are constantly presented choices that allow us to grow in emotional strength and personal integrity. Hiding from them only postpones the inevitable. We are part of this universe. We have a right and a reason to be here.

When I discovered that I am responsible for creating the path I follow, I felt empowered. If I am in charge of my individual life circumstances, I have the power to change my reality. We all have the same power to become.