Money Economy and Non-Money Economy !

Money Economy and Non-Money Economy !

There are 2 ways to see our lifestyle and the activities that we do . There are some activities that we do for money .Than , there are also activities that we do without a thought of money. These has lead us to see our economy as money economy and non-money economy .

When we do voluntary service , we are in the non-money economy . Also , there is so much that we do that is not counted in the GDP of the country !

Cooking our meals , cleaning and looking after our homes , going for picnics , enjoying long walks , sitting and having fun with friends and family . Just sitting alone by a river side , fishing quietly , cycling leisurely in the countryside , reading a book , having a cup of coffee with loved ones and the list can go on and on ......... ! All these wonderful activities are not bring in any money. We do and live much of our life that does not centre around money . 

We can actually live a wonderful life being joyful , happy and useful without thinking much about money. 

I will share my personal experience to illustrate my point .

Just after graduation from medical college , I had sometime and so decided to go to an ashram or a spiritual retreat . I spent about 2-3 months there . I worked in the ashram hospital as a volunteer . People from around the villages and those who were staying in the ashram came for their needs . We also ran an eye camp for people with eye problems ,especially cataracts . Medicines and drugs were donated from around the world . Doctors came from many parts of the world to give their time , experience and service freely .

It was one of my happiest times in my life and even my medical career ! Living as a caring and sharing society was really wonderful and joyful . We lived a simple life , yet comfortable and peaceful . Happiness came where less was seen as more. I worked or shared my skill with so much of joy that I always looked forward to serve my patients . There was never a thought of money there.

We had lovely leisure activities after work . went for long walks in the countryside. Sat with like minded people and shared life experiences . Also took part to look after the ashram compound by cleaning and even cutting grass . I could be cutting grass by the road side and passing people showed respect. Some of my patients too saw me and bowed with respect. I always felt so happy and joyful .

Those were one of my best experiences in life .

GDP is sometimes over-rated in our lives . Alvin toffler even call it , 'Grossly Distorted Product ! '

So many wonderful things and information is shared free on the Internet !

Our actual activities in our daily life's are equal to or even more than we put a label of money or earnings .

At home , so many women work all day long cleaning their homes , washing clothes , cooking , looking after children without demanding a pay !

There is so much going on that is not accounted in the money economy .

We have got used to consumption that we have forgotten contribution to other or sharing can bring so much satisfaction to oneself .

As we move from isolation to community and start tasting the magic of generosity , we will experience a world that is so differently from the money driven economy that we will realise that life and living is so much more joyful , peaceful , satisfying and good .

My point today is to highlight that there is a vast and bigger world beyond the money driven world !

I will stop now .

Till we meet again . Take care . 

One last quote : The world has enough for all our needs , but not for our greed !

Love.

Amar.

Money Can Buy Joy and Happiness !

Money Can Buy Joy and Happiness !

Today it is money's turn to give me joy and happiness ! Money can buy us happiness and joy if we know how to do that !

The best way is to share my own life examples !

As a young boy , I was given some money when I went to school . That was for my daily tit bits at the school canteen . Early , before schooling , I saw some goodies and if I wanted them , I simple asked from my parents , usually my father . A coin or two were given to me or taken to the shop for whatever I wanted . It seemed a good deal as my needs to were simple .

At school , I felt I wanted to have some freedom or independent to have my choice as to my needs. Also , I wanted to have some control over my living and needs .

I managed to convince my mother and it was agreed that I will get my monthly quote of the money . It was now left to me to see how I used that money. That really felt good . I had control and also a sense of responsibility . 

I started looking at life with a new value . After a good meal from home , I went to school . Instead of my usual canteen tit bits , I decided to forgo that ! If really thirsty , I will just have some water from the common tap . That is it . I started developing the technique of delayed gratification and planning my needs and desires . I also felt very free . 

I remember , that I saw a t-shirt and really liked it . Saved some money and was able to buy it . What a joy it was to have that t-shirt. When I wore it I felt so good and happy . Buying my first t-shirt and enjoyed wearing it really was very satisfying . I enjoyed that simple t-shirt for a long time !

At another occasion , I was able to buy some books . It was such a pleasure getting those books .

From that humble beginnings , I realised the joy of being free and independent to do things on my terms! I also learned the value of money ! I was also able to decide what was important and what made me feel good in the long run . I was quite happy to have simple food at home . I really enjoyed eating and realised that when really hungry , food tasted better ! 

So, going out or simply eating out was not that important to me . Tasting and enjoying food was short lived . When I bought a book , I could enjoy reading it for many , more days . I felt that my money gave me more value ! I was creating my own beliefs on matters of money !

Those early days were my building days to my money philosophy .

Today too , I will buy something that gives me joy and pleasure for the long term ! Of course , I am not totally crazy or weird !

A simple meal is still great for me provided I am really hungry ! Hunger is my best appetizer !

Than comes my joyful things that money can buy . A good pair of leather shoes that are comfortable , has a good design and colour can give me real joy ! To me those shoes look like a piece of art ! They may be costly . but in the long run , the cost is forgotten and I enjoy countless days of joy !

I like a good smelling scent or spray after my shower . A good brand can be costly . Same thinking goes again . That spray bottle will go for a long time and I love that scent ! I am putting that scent for me ! If others are enjoying it , it is okay with me ! I am pampering myself first !! That feels good . A good scented bottle can go months ! Everyday after my shower I

feel so good spraying that scent on my body . What a joy ! 

A good crystal glass may be expensive to buy . I can and have used it for years ! Sometimes , just to share my crazy side, I will divide the cost of my joy with these material things over time ! I good crystal glass was 150.00 or 200.00 , whatever currency . Now , I have been enjoying my drinks for the past 5 years That is about 1825 days ! It works to just below 0.10 cents daily and will still be going cheaper by the day , while my joy is still going up !

That is real and true investment in my eyes ! My. joy and happiness is my value ! 

What would be yours ?!!

I will end here . The point is that we can find happiness anywhere , provides we appreciate and value whatever that is !

Till we meet again . Take care .

Thanks for reading .

Amar.