The passport to such desires is money. Unfortunately, while we strive strenuously to fulfil our surface desires we completely ignore our fundamental needs and the result is we become frustrated, fretful and withdrawn. To put the surface value of money in proper perspective, we need to develop our fundamental values that automatically draw lines of containment, care and contentment.

Dr H.C. Modlin, senior psychiatrist, Menninger Clinic, Topeka, says, "Each person already has his or her own style of dealing with money. It's a blueprint etched in the mind." But, if it creates conflicts, illnesses, unhappiness, he advises to "develop a new blueprint". Broaden your narrow thinking, tighten your belts and belly and give other ways of being a chance.

Here's a sample alternative blueprint:

Step One: Daily, walk through open spaces, preferably the seaside, to experience a sense of vastness and dissipate the feeling of problems crowding in. After a 45-minute walk, stand erect. Raise your arms frontward to shoulder-level. Smoothly swing arms outwards as if you wish to embrace the world. With eyes closed, raise your face to the sky and extend your neck. Puff out the chest and abdomen to draw more air into the lungs. Inhale-exhale deeply. Repeat until you feel an expansion in your being. This exercise de-freezes feelings, changes the body's biochemistry and makes you optimistic, determined and energetic.

Step Two: Say "No" to every self-centred, conditioned desire for luxuries. "Swim against the current of desires with fierce joy and daring triumph," urges Dialogue With Death author Eknath Easwaran, assuring, "It's not repression, it's a liberation of the spirit." Saying "No" is a powerful resistance exercise that muscles the will, conquers and keeps desires to practical, rational levels. Follow these reality tips:

Step Three: Don't be obsessed about status. "When you let go of ME and MY wants, the ego-free mind merges with the discerning intellect. This harmony is yoga," says Swami Chinmayananda. This way, your inner drive harnesses stress for more creative and altruistic purposes — to leave the world a better place and to contribute to beauty. As appreciation, recognition and respect roll in, the hankering for more money fades. What's more, the mental turmoil ceases as the mind relaxes, the muscle tension eases, breathing becomes normal and the blood pressure stabilises.

Here are some contemplative tips:

The writer is the co-author of the book, Fitness For Life.

Picture by S. Mahinsha

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