While Buddhists commonly practice meditation, Siddartha Gautama's actual question was "Why are so many people so very unhappy?"
No amount of money, fame, power, sex or what have you will make someone happy. If one is happy, it's not likely the result of anything that one possesses.
The simplest answer to his question is that people are so unhappy because they are trying too hard. Perhaps it is better just to accept what we have, rather than striving for what we do not possess.
I personally am as poor as a churchmouse. There are times when it bothers me, but not a whole lot. By contrast, the very most miserable time I ever had, I was making $120.00/hour as a software consultant, but had to be far away from my wife so as to work on-site.
When I do get any significant amount of money these days, quite commonly I give it away. I find it odd that many of my colleagues, even my own mother, regard me as grossly irresponsible for doing so.
Acceptance is typically the answer for ones emotional well being. I find that I can still strive towards what I want but I accept that where I am right now is exactly where I am meant to be on my journey. That it all will serve a larger purpose.
Alternatively you can be in resistance to what is, which tends to rob you of your serenity.
Comments
There are many different kinds of meditation.
While Buddhists commonly practice meditation, Siddartha Gautama's actual question was "Why are so many people so very unhappy?"
No amount of money, fame, power, sex or what have you will make someone happy. If one is happy, it's not likely the result of anything that one possesses.
The simplest answer to his question is that people are so unhappy because they are trying too hard. Perhaps it is better just to accept what we have, rather than striving for what we do not possess.
I personally am as poor as a churchmouse. There are times when it bothers me, but not a whole lot. By contrast, the very most miserable time I ever had, I was making $120.00/hour as a software consultant, but had to be far away from my wife so as to work on-site.
When I do get any significant amount of money these days, quite commonly I give it away. I find it odd that many of my colleagues, even my own mother, regard me as grossly irresponsible for doing so.
Acceptance is typically the answer for ones emotional well being. I find that I can still strive towards what I want but I accept that where I am right now is exactly where I am meant to be on my journey. That it all will serve a larger purpose.
Alternatively you can be in resistance to what is, which tends to rob you of your serenity.
I meditate daily, using this app - http://stopbreathethink.org/