Book Series Kicks Off 2009 with a Look at Strife, (Spiritual) Poverty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Overworked, overstressed Americans are searching for peace and contentment, but most of us find it elusive. Dr. Leonid Sharashkin, editor of the new Ringing Cedars Series, says we've forgotten how to be happy—but his books can help us remember.

Here are a few insights and suggestions gleaned from The Ringing Cedars Series that you can take to heart in 2009 and beyond:

Re-evaluate your work life. You don't have to love the job you have, but you should certainly be doing something you don't hate! If you have a well-paying job that brings you nothing but misery, no salary level or list of fancy perks can justify your unhappiness. Lighten up your views regarding labor and you might be surprised to see that working fewer hours or even switching to a more appropriate career can change your entire view of the world. Try to come to terms with the idea that money and status are only an illusion and that the universe always provides for people in need. Once you free your ego from unnecessary attachment to money and power, you will be a much more peaceful person.

Plant and nurture a vegetable garden. Limitless well-being comes from working the soil and growing flowers and nourishing produce alike. Plant a variety of vegetables and fruits and spend half an hour each day tending to what you grow. A small amount of time in the garden yields bountiful results not only in a delicious, healthful harvest but in your personal tranquility and joy as well. Gardening is a natural stress reliever. Savor working the soil with your hands. The earth is vastly intelligent and believe it or not, this kind of interaction is actually a divine form of communication with the planet.

As much as possible, expose your children to nature. "In infancy they learn the so-called value of material possessions and never consciously comprehend that the natural world—trees, grass, dirt—is a more nurturing and educational playground than a nursery. The only way to counteract this is to get outside with your children as much as possible. Let babies roll around in the grass; let toddlers play with bugs and rocks; have older children join you in the garden."

Promote clean-peace. (De-clutter your home.) To get started, rid your home of any excessive and unnecessary items, he suggests. Most important of all, don't try to keep up with the Joneses. Material possessions are unable to make or keep you happy. Get rid of old clothes, sports equipment, or anything lying around you don't need. Once your home is clutter-free, you will notice a much more serene atmosphere that promotes creativity and peace.

Take a break from the technocratic world. As frequently as possible, take a sabbatical from distractions such as television, computers, telephones, and radios. They waste time, sap your energy, and promote a sedentary lifestyle—which can lead to depression.

Identify and cut back on your whims. Whether it's your twice-a-day coffeehouse lattes, drinking binges, reckless sex, or weekend shopping sprees that get you out of your slumps, remember that these distractions never really bring lasting peace. On the contrary, the financial and spiritual price tag for even low-grade self-destruction is quite high. Spend a few weeks denying yourself of your "crutches" and just wait. This will allow your spirit to begin seeking the resources it really craves to be content.

Imitate the earth's natural cycles to reduce unrest. In short, wake up with the sunrise and rest when the sun disappears.

The Ringing Cedars Series (Ringing Cedars Press, June 2008, ISBN: 978-0-9801812-0-3, $15.95) is available at bookstores nationwide and from all major online booksellers.

For more information, visit ringingcedars.com.