Dalai Lama's Birthday

The Dalai Lama celebrated his 78th birthday last week and said he was "counting on young people to create a 'happier' century."  In his speech, the spiritual leader made it clear that "happier" was an opportunity to "not just think of themselves."  

According to the Dalai Lama, building a "happier century" would include incorporating many ways of changing the world:

• Create better conditions
• Live in harmony
• Spirit of coexistence
• Practice compassion
• Think of others 

 
All of these ideas are co-mingled and intertwined.  
They piggyback on each other.  
Some mean the same.  

Which came first-the chicken or the egg?

If we were to create better conditions, we would probably be able to live in harmony with a spirit of coexistence.  We practice compassion when we think of others.

How can we create a happier century?  

Where do we start?

What can we do to put such a change in motion?

Is it even possible?

What is the first step?

Second step?

How can we begin?

Start with yourself by thinking of others.  
Thinking about how you can serve is one way to make a difference.  
It doesn't have to be a huge, world-wide, mega difference, but a small change which will cause ripples of "happier."

A small change can lead to a big change.

To live in harmony and a spirit of coexistence requires us to practice compassion-to ourselves and others.  Be kind to your co-worker, neighbor, others and yourself.  All of these changes will lead to better conditions and can be accomplished by each one of us.  Set an example for your child, friend and even strangers.  Our expectations for a "happier century" will be easily attained when the result is not just thinking of ourselves but figuring out how we can serve.

How can you serve by making small changes for a 

"happier century?"

Happy Birthday to the Dalai Lama!