I have enough

I had an interesting conversation with my martial arts teacher today. 

We both made and talked about observations of the world and religions, and philosophy.  Some of what we talked about was as follows:

So many of the people on this planet, the US in particular are worried about material wealth, and no matter how much we achieve in our society there is a want for more. 

We in the US have it better materialistically than pretty much any humans in history. 

Hell, one of the largest health problems we face is an outbreak of fat kids. 

Other countries attack us because they are disgusted by the image of the fat, rude, and unappreciative American.  By no means is this problem purely an American problem, but we are exemplifying it pretty well in this country. 

So much of our energy is spent in pursuit of the almighty dollar, and I too have been guilty of such.  In fact in many ways most of the unhappiness in this world can be traced to wanting something that you don't have.  Most of these things weather it be a new Ipod, political power, or mutant ability fall under the category of want, not need.  Particularly in this country we seem to worry about what we want instead of what we need.  50% of the world has never seen a telephone.  If you have $20 in your pocket, you are richer than the vast majority of the populous of the world. 

Master Kim had pointed out that if material possessions, and wealth could buy happiness than all Americans would be, as a rule, the happiest people in history.  However they are not so.  Americans have one of the highest per capita imprisoning rates, a high suicide incident, and depression is almost as common as a cold here.  This is not just true with this country but several others that are associated with wealth.

In my life I have had nothing, and survived, I have had anything I desired and also survived.  However I have noticed that there are times when I was the poorest when I was the most happy.  I don't advocate divesting of all material possessions, but it is amazing how freeing not having anything was. 

Most of all this unhappiness can be remedied by one statement that being "I have enough."  This sentiment is reiterated in several religions but few ever take the time to really consider it.  If you give a un-enlightened wretch everything they desire, they just desire more and more till being ruler of the universe is not enough.  I guess the trick is catching you being greedy.  Most of us don't even realize we are doing it.  The endless quest for bigger or better toys can be all consuming. 

I understand providing for a family, or obtaining a goal, but at what point do you realize that you have traded hourly wages for the good years of your life. 

I also understand that someone once said if a family makes enough to feed its self that was acceptable.  If a family makes enough where it is one potato short, that was strife.  If a family makes enough for what it needed plus one potato, that was bliss.

My goals are a bit loftier than that, but it illustrates a point. 

There are also those that say money, and sex are like air.  If you have enough of it it's not that big of a deal.  It's when you don't have any for a little while that they seem to become increasingly important.

I am not rich by any means, but I have enough air to breath.  For that I am thankful.

I have enough.