An emotional economy ...

As we watch the ripples of greed spread through our national and world culture, we may find a lesson worth using if we are to avoid repeating this mistake ourselves.

In dealing with others we all experience emotions. These feelings are simply guidance, indicating whether we are below the threshold of loving kindness required for healthy living.

Stressful, negative feelings indicate we are not experiencing life lovingly.

Deep understanding of our feelings inevitably leads to clarity and benevolence. Ignorance of our emotions is based in fear, greed and hate. The economic crisis we are experiencing grew from just this inability: ignoring the emotional experience of caring in order to act out of greed.

Maintaining loving kindness for ourselves and others requires attention to our emotional intelligence. This practice returns health to both emotions and economics.

Robert Rannigan
Albemarle County