Imagine the day has come when you are finally surrounded by everything you ever wanted. You own all the luxuries and gadgets you so long dreamed about.

Now you look at it all and ask yourself: What is the one most treasured item in my possession? And once you locate that item in your life, ask yourself another question: Is it within the power of the item to bring me the ultimate happiness? Or will it provide only a transient feeling of temporary elation?

The teachers out there teach that gratitude and still more gratitude is the new-found key to personal fulfillment and more satisfying experiences and things.

And with that another question surfaced to my mind.

Is more ‘material stuff’ ever going to satisfy our deep human needs?

There is, inside me, a subtle flame, a feeling, a sense, that this is all transient and surface level happiness. The real ‘stuff’, the true joy in life, is elsewhere.

All things that we collect and surround ourselves with, might have a practical application, a reason for being. Whether it be a tool, a vehicle, a shelter, a piece of clothing, a food, a drink etc. All of it provides a desired function. And from that function, we are rewarded with feelings of comfort, and what perhaps could even be called well-being.

Yet, unless we also feel personal connection, a feeling of acceptance and feeling of self-worth plus more of similar feelings; despite all the ‘material stuff’ there is still an emptiness inside of us.

How do we then navigate from the overstimulated desire ‘to have’ to our more subtle desire of being whole?

So how to start the journey to our heart’s true fulfilled desires?

Let’s see if I have the correct strategic answers to that…

The Fulfillment Strategy

1) Let’s start by appreciating the whole journey called life. The miracle of life is very underrated by us all. Unless we step out of our individual perspective and come to see life from a broader perspective of planets, universes and energy, we might not realize the opportunity we have been given, by being alive here and now.

2) Next, let’s start by accepting ourselves the way we are now….with any perceived flaws and imperfections we might think about at times. And without the need to compare ourselves to anyone else, even us, in the past ! (yes, that’s truly hard, I know!)

3) What you might find helpful, is this practice. Once a week, find a quiet spot, sit for a few minutes just by yourself and do simple breathing exercises. Close your eyes and put your focus on your breath. Appreciate life force for each breath you are graciously receiving. And let go of any tensions you might have accumulated in your body.

When I have some discomfort, I focus my attention on my breath. And I try to let my thoughts slide inside without grabbing them by their horns.

Once we have come to the center of our being, life seems to flow through us.

So, what do I see as the key to my living happiness and joy?

Coming home to my true self, being unique and authentic in being ‘me’ with all that comes with that package.

Relaxing in the knowing that all is transient, even unwanted undesirable feelings or worries.

As you surely would know, our past colors our present, yet might not determine our future.

All shall pass. So, with that, enjoy each breath while it’s still FREE!

Breath freely!