The impact of the envy of health, motivation and happiness

Is it a coincidence that, in Western society, the green color is associated with money and also with envy? After all, capitalism is based on the assumption that the success is defined by doing better than others and on the financial acquisition. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to reach for that 1% higher income, in order to realize the American dream. To be in the top 1%, it must climb on the other 99! This is does not mean that it is bad trying to succeed. Instead, it is trying to rise above others, that is the problem, and envy is the root of this cry of "wins the green".

In 2007, Dr. S. H. Kim and Dr. r. Smith published a document entitled "Understanding the envy" in psychological bulletin, which examined the role of envy in our lives. Envy, it seems that it has a significant impact on our lives in countless ways, from physical health to the motivation for mental well-being. Of the three, the most common Association is the negative correlation between the envy and the happiness and peace of mind.

Envy universally is viewed negatively by all religions. In Islam, envy can destroy good deeds of a person. In Christianity, one must reject the envy to be stored. In Hinduism, anything, including envy, which leads to an imbalance in life will cause misery, while in Buddhism, taking joy in the good fortune of others it is considered to be the antidote to envy. However, envy is one of the predominant emotions in all of us.

Advertisers often seek to stimulate feelings of envy, to encourage us to buy. Unfortunately, attach to this destructive force euphemisms: labels, such as desire, or unit, or want to or need to. Do "we need" clothing designer labels, the cars, the home of largest and so on?

The Division of property is essential to the process of divorce and lawyers thrive when each partner covets objects acquired during the Union. Very often, this desire for a certain element is less driven by attachment to the element which is the need to beat another former partner.

As a Canadian, I often hear other Canadians lament the fact that cheaper buy at United States, that life is better, that the American across the artificial border has more individual freedom, lower taxes, greater choice and so on. Apart from the fact that this is false, many of our colleague envy of Canadians and time for the life of an American citizen. However, while some things are cheaper (fuel, for example, is about 8-15% cheaper), insurance, premiums for health, education, many foods and a myriad of other acquisitions are priced higher in Canada. At the same time, wages are generally lower for the average person to United States, social security and welfare networks are less vigorous and so on.

Many of the prejudices and biases in the world are borne by the resentment and envy, often exacerbated by the lack of true understanding. How do many in the Middle East United States aversion due to envy and ignorance? How many of us do not like the Chinese and envy of his economic power perceived due to envy about what we feel are unfair trade advantage?

Studies have consistently found that envy and jealousy leads to stress and ill health. Many other studies have concluded that envy and schadenfreude (taking pleasure in the misery of someone) are components of and contributors to health problems mental and occasionally manifest in violence and dishonesty against each other. Some develop overwhelming need to get revenge, destroy others or "Downing them."

However, the desire to achieve and acquire, often associated with greed and power, are not of themselves, negative. The desire to achieve and be the best person that one might also are at the heart of democracy and capitalism. The effort to improve the circumstances around us, satisfied with the prevailing conditions is not a negative. Envy is different from the need to be better, but based this ambition near his heart when that need is better than another person, solely for the purpose of uploading over that individual or group. "Black power" and both feminism attempted to improve the lot of these different groups, while the efforts of the Aryan Nations are aimed at belittling and break down groups that unlike white supremacists involved in that movement. Clearly, the desire of the two first is improve self or the lot in life, while the second is intended, not to be better by improving, but forcing the others down.

Some people claim that any ambition is negative. This, to me, is simply an excuse to be complacent, indifferent or indolent.

Envy is better repelled taking joy in the success, good fortune and welfare of others, and perhaps, following their examples. Jealousy is best deleted or rejected by recognizing and celebrating our own uniqueness, strengths and abilities, but does not use the benefits to take advantage of others.

Joy and inner peace does not come from failing to meet the challenges, but to embrace these challenges, overcome them and savoring the feeling that they have improved ourselves and it has been considered of others in the process.

The greatest athlete, after all, not so much compete against each other as he or she competes against and challenge himself to equal to the occasion. The most telling mark of a true champion is the way with regards to the competition after winning (or losing) competition. Very few better energy waste of envy. Why should then ourselves - weaken our physical health, our mental well-being or drive to be the best we can be - by allowing the jealousy which govern us?

Among other interests, Robert Lee is a writer who focuses on ethical considerations in business and living simply. He is the author of six books, including the last Drop of life, to minimalist guide live High Life in a low-budget and wild people have known. Their blogs include http://findingtheoasis.blogspot.com, as well as minimum life blogs, live in a yurt, harvesting wild plants and eco-innovation.

The best tips for happiness as a Muslim woman

Marriage is fulfilling half of one's religious duties in Islam. Therefore, learning to be a confident, supportive, loving, wise and righteous wife should be a top priority for all Muslim women once they are married. And, in doing so, Muslim wives have the profound power to offer much happiness to this world, as noted in the sayings of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him,

"This world is nothing but temporary conveniences, and the greatest joy in this world is a righteous wife". (Sahih Muslim).

Learning new methods to help Muslim wives fulfill their duties and responsibilities to their husband, family and household are also seen as completing critical acts of worship to Allah, may He be glorified. Listed below are some tips for a Muslim Wife striving to reach new levels of happiness for herself and her family:

* Understand your duties, roles and responsibilities as a Muslim Wife. By understanding that your husband is the Imam, spiritual leader, of your family should give you great peace of mind. The ultimate responsibility of providing for the family financially, spiritually, physically, morally, and emotionally lies on his shoulders. And, the consequences of his abilities to do it appropriately and righteously are weighed on his scale of good and bad deeds. His inability to advise or provide correctly may incur sins by Allah because he is failing in his duties as the Imam. For example, if he advises you or your children to do something unacceptable in Islam, and you obey his wishes, he incurs the sin for teaching you wrongly as well as your sins for doing the sinful act. Therefore, you should appreciate the great blessing for solely being responsible for what is inside the home, your children and wealth.

* Strive to be your husband's partner in this life deserving of the hereafter. You should strive to reach the highest level of heaven, furdose, together. Offer him the comfort and joy to do the difficult yet extremely rewarding acts of worship. For example, be his alarm clock for fajr, make sure he does not miss his prayers or jummah (congregational prayer on Friday). Prepare a healthy suhoor (breakfast before fasting) and have iftar (meal after the fast) ready on time. Help save money for Hajj, encourage giving random charity throughout the year beyond the prescribed zakat (alms-giving) and accept a more modest lifestyle in return. Offer to make Qayal al-Lail (night prayers) together in the third part of the night, and strive to be the most caring, compassionate.

* Be his trustworthy confidante. Listen intently to his secrets. Be proud of your unique and special bond. Accept the responsibility that you share his inner most visions, goals, hopes, dreams, worries, and pain. Offer him the support that no one else can offer, simply because you are the only one that knows and understands him to his fullest. Mediate in kind tones when you sense he needs an advisor and best-friend. Take pride that you are his chosen confidante, so continue to foster an environment so he always turns to you first. Know that it is haram (prohibited) to share family secrets, especially private acts and words shared by a married couple.

* Apply the art of influencing positive moods during difficult times. Being the sunshine to your husband's rainy days is difficult and tricky, yet one of the most treasured skills. Learn to listen patiently even if his anger makes you uneasy--know that your happy mood is what you want as the outcome, not his continued anger. Offer happiness to brighten his sadness. Rush to please him during times of frustration. Be a balanced, respectful leader so he values your strength, but beware that arrogance does not overcome you. Be kind and gentle often enough, without showing you are incapable or weak. Be confident and aggressive enough to teach him something new, yet not rude, abrasive or hurtful in the process. Be his wise woman...second to his mom. [Be aware that you and your mother-in-law have completely different relationships with your husband. Resisting competition shows your level of self-respect and dignity--qualities he years for in a pious wife.]

* Strive to have your home his chosen place of comfort and leisure. Cleanliness, organization, brightness and clutter-freedom keep a home happy and fun. A creative woman can find her family's comfort zone and preferences. It is possible to find tones that are naturally colorful and lively yet calming. Beyond the overall pleasing appeal of your home, you need to be refreshing to him close-up too. Allow your bodily fragrances and breathe to always be worth being a cheek apart. Allow him all the reasons to rush home because it is safe, healthy, and peaceful and fun--his getaway from the daily stresses of work, and outside forces. Make a lifetime goal to establish and share all your favorite halal (permissible) past-times together. From fixing cars, cooking exotic meals, playing family board games, reciting Qur'an, learning nasheeds (Islamic songs), and grocery shopping--family time is sacred treasured time. Be your family's Leisure Leader.

* Strive to be the best personal chef you possibly can. Be keen to please all his senses, which the beauty of food has the ability to do. Be patient and try to learn how to master the art of offering a refreshing scent to your nose, pleasurable texture to your fingers, appealing display to your eyes, and the peaceful silence to your ears--all in one tasty meal. Remember that this is possible with the least of foods. For example, some of the favorite foods of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, were milk, olives, olive oil, bread, cucumbers, and dates.

* Be timely and aware. Organize a schedule tight enough to maintain a healthy routine and regularity to your life; yet flexible enough to allow for surprises and randomness. Know that the dunya (this life on Earth) is very short, and that every positive act is one step closer to the akhira (hereafter), inshaAllah (God willing).

* Strive to please Allah and Allah Alone, may He be glorified. Make pure intentions in all that you do, especially when you are ultimately doing something "just" for your husband, children or household. Know that these are your duties as the Muslim wife, and be thankful that no good deed will ever be overlooked or under-appreciated by our One Beneficent Creator. Do not strive for the temporary conveniences of this life (such as, "Thank you" gifts, or words of praise). Be aware that you can be the greatest joy in his life and worthy of great things in the hereafter. Ameen.

Ponn Sabra MPH, a highly-prolific public health official, turned best-selling author, internet marketer and columnist, now focuses all her time and energy to being a Muslim homeschooling mom. Ponn and her 3 girls created the 1st and largest online community dedicated to American Muslim moms where they share their high-tech, traveling, green tips, tools, contests and more. Come grab some great freebies at http://AmericanMuslimMom.com today!