Money, Money, Money:
How to Escape its Clutches
and Focus on What Really Matters

Most people will agree that having money is a good thing. At the base level, it allows you to fulfill the most basic needs: food, shelter, clothing. Kick things up a notch and money allows you to buy a really nice car, a house in a good neighborhood and the newest video game system to hit the market.

Take things even further and soon money brings you a new level of status, fancy jewelry and maybe a second vacation home in a coveted locale but what money cannot do -- no matter how much of it you have (or don t have) -- is bring you happiness.

This is why, when it comes to living a truly peaceful, fulfilled life, it s so important to transcend money s clutches and learn to appreciate what you have (whether that includes money or not).

It s True: Money Cannot Buy Happiness

Despite living in a culture that celebrates money and all things related to it, being well off does not ensure your happiness.

"The relationship between money and happiness is pretty darned small," says Peter Ubel, a professor of medicine at the University of Michigan.

Initially, yes, receiving a large sum of money does activate the brain s pleasure centers, but this feeling eventually wanes. That s why you likely don t get too excited when you receive your paycheck every two weeks: you re used to it.

Experts say that it s possible to get used to just about anything, which means that while receiving a huge bonus check may make you momentarily happy, if you received one every week it wouldn t have the same effect. Even lottery winners reportedly revert back to their original level of happiness within five years of winning the money.

Others say that being happy has more to do with your genetics than your bank account. Research on twins has shown that 50 percent or more of a person s happiness level is associated with the genes that determine their personality.

Further, studies by Ed Diener, a University of Illinois researcher, have found that (extremely wealthy) people on the Forbes 400 report the same level of happiness as the (extremely money-poor) Maasai herdsman who live in East Africa.

Letting Go of the Pursuit of Money

It s certainly OK, recommended even, to pursue a healthy goal. But when that goal is centered on money, it can become all-consuming and unhealthy. People who are too money-focused often lose sight of what s really important, and may not appreciate what they do have. The end result may be undue stress, anxiety and feelings of inadequacy.

The Sedona Method is a powerful, scientifically proven, tool to help you let go of negative emotions and thoughts, such as an unhealthy obsession with money. As you learn to release this negativity, you ll find that joy and abundance will naturally flow into your life, which means that you ll enjoy more success and, yes, more money even, but in a way that is purely positive in nature.

As the New Year approaches it is an ideal time of year to focus on what really matters. So this holiday season, give yourself, or a loved one, the gift of inner peace, joy and understanding. Give The Sedona Method.

Source: Forbes.com