Live More and Consume Less

In case anyone is in doubt, the economy has not yet rebounded. And it may never return to its previous levels. More of us will suffer from some aspect of the downturn. Yet there is good news. We are all connected, so joy as well as sorrow will be shared.

I feel saddened by the news each night. I hurt for all whose lives are disrupted and for those who lose their lives in the continuing crises in Iraq and Afghanistan, in India and Pakistan, in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and in Thailand and all places in turmoil. I pray for peace in all of those areas.

These are the times to define ourselves. Our President represents hope and a change. Those are the individual messages for each of us. Only with a refocus will our lives improve. Now is the time to figure out our purpose and what we want our future to look like. Now is the time to ask:

What is right with our lives?

What must we change?

Too often what is right is exactly what we have. Too often what is wrong is what we feel we need. What if we're exactly where we're supposed to be, as in everything happens for a reason? If something is not right, what is the lesson? The answers may not be easy and may mean getting rid of long-held beliefs. But you know when they are wrong. You know when your life isn't working. If you lose something, such as a job, consider that a step towards your new future. There is always that new future, if you accept change and trust.

How do we do that? There are answers within our grasp. Now is the time to reach for them. Anything less is unacceptable and dangerous.

Now is the time to Live More and Consume Less.

Live More: Our focus should be on improving our bodies, minds and spirits. What is important to us? Are we spending time on those people and activities? There will be a different answer for each of us. For me, that means spending more time on my spiritual side and more quality time with my husband. What is your answer?

We need to take time out to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. You can do this in your own way. You might decide to simply spend some quiet time alone each day writing something in your journal, just sitting and being quiet, or taking a peaceful walk. Too often, we keep busy just to keep ourselves from thinking. Living More means taking that time to think about our lives and the lives of those we love. Often we can help others more or make better decisions when we are more centered and balanced. That requires time and attention to our thoughts.

Consume Less: Our focus should not be on buying and having "more." We can each decide how to cut down on consumption, such as eating and buying less. What does that mean for you? For me, that means fewer sweets that aren't healthy and fewer book purchases. That's why I often recommend older books, so I can use books already in my library or ones borrowed from a friend. These are small suggestions. You decide which ones work for you, such fewer new clothes, movies, dinners out, or unnecessary trips in your car. We can impact the world and our lives. Part of that is the acknowledgement that we simply, as individuals and as a nation, use too much of everything. Change that.

Live More, Consume Less

Cheryl A. Chatfield, Ph. D. invites you to visit her nonprofit organization at http://NottInstitute.org to sign up for the free monthly Practical Spirituality Newsletter and receive a complimentary copy of "Five Must-Read Metaphysical Books for 2010."