"These days, in our materialistic culture, many people are led to believe that money is the ultimate source of happiness. Consequently, when they don’t have enough of it they feel let down. Therefore, it is important to let people know that they have the source of contentment and happiness within themselves, and that it is related to nurturing our natural inner values." Dalai Lama
I agree and yet struggle with aspects of it too. Its easy to say some of this as I live in the richest country in the world, in one of the richest cities in the world. I would love to just create art, music, create experiences for people that are life changing and positive, and through teaching and music I actually get to do that everyday.
On the flip side, over the years I have faced struggles creating art and making a living. I have made good money, getting burnt out by the day, and I have made great art, music and events, barely getting by or going into debt.
The balance of money vs. doing what I love, for me at this point in time, is the key focus now; doing what I love, while paying the bills and leading the lifestyle that my family and I want to live.
It also seems that money helps expand and promote ideas, and helps to reach more people. On the flip side of that though, now that I think about it, is my plan to disprove this to myself. For one, for my first book I will donate all the profits to charity, that way I can take my-self and any potential greed about that out of the equation. Second, I won't be using money to promote it, just an idea, and people that I respect and appreciate, as well as people who believe in the idea that together we can make a difference.
This whole money thing has been a real head trip to me for years, I don't pretend to understand it. Sure the basics, trade, etc. but all the deep levels, hmmmm. More on this as time unfolds…