luminousminds

The State of the Village Report, based on an imaginary contemplation, “What if the world were a village of 100 people”… states that if you have a roof over your head, food in your frig, clothes on your back and a place to sleep, you are more comfortable than 75% of the world’s population. If you want to be amongst the top wealthy 8%, all you need is some money in the bank and a little more in your pocket. Note that it doesn’t appear to matter how much or little you have.

My dad – who’s known some pretty great comforts in his life – considers himself poor, fortunate and happy. And knowing his monthly income, there’s no disputing he’s below the poverty level. But he can feed, clothe and shelter himself. And if he couldn’t for some reason, he’d figure out how to survive because he is blessed with brains, street smarts, generosity, undeniable charisma and the power of perspective.

The way he looks at things – positively and creatively - enables him to keep plugging along. He believes that there is no true dead end. He sees the wonder in the smallest things and won’t waste his time trying to convince non-believers. He simply greets each day open to what it might have in store for him.

Of course, he also knows how to ask for help when he needs it and he’s healthy enough to pitch in and help others. In fact, he’s given so much in his lifetime thus far that his karmic debt might have racked up plenty in his favor.

But what’s the secret of his “success”? His goal is happiness, he knows how to create it within himself, and he’ll teach anyone interested in learning to do the same.

Could you be a good, giving and kind king in a land of so little?

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