The problem is one can never be satisfied..

[S_Parc]

In all honesty, I'm finding happiness right here, right now.

Part of it involves what I'd call, transcending "the need to belong", and then, the need for others' approval. The latter, esp coming of a dysfunctional household, took the longest to overcome.

As for needs/desires, I'm no longer thinking of having an extended family and hence, I'm no longer involved with Brazilian women. Thus, living abroad isn't a top priority anymore.

For periodic boinks, there are GFE escorts up in Montreal. But for the rest of the time, I have a pretty full schedule of things to do, right in the New England region.

I don't believe one needs to join any group or association, like Landmark (formerly EST), as suggested but you do need to get yourself into some self-directed regimen of managing your daily state, whether it be Qigong/TaiChi, meditation, or self-hypnosis/biofeedback.

[NorthAmericanguy]

You have to be aware that things are the way they are today because the people of the United States have lived beyond their means.

Yea, and more specifically, the exact term is called, conspicuous consumption.

"Conspicuous consumption can be defined as, the act of buying a lot of things, especially expensive things that are not necessary, in a way that people notice."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspicuous_consumption

[Winston]

Buddha said:

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. Do not believe anything because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything because it is written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and the benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."

Where did he say this? Can you quote the source? I should show this to my mom, since she thinks that Buddha was judgmental and tradition-oriented, which gives her the right to be that way too.

I'm moving this thread to the Deep Discussions section.