The Intention Project

The Intention Project is the cure for affluenza. It reminds that we are part of a global village, that we are co-creators of the world, and it's time we stopped worrying so much about ourselves and focused more on helping others.

What is affluenza?

Affluenza is affecting millions and many people don't even know they have it. It is a pernicious, insidious "virus" that is causing stress, anxiety, and even depression among its victims.

According to a definition in Wikipedia, affluenza is:

1. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses.
2. An epidemic of stress, overwork, waste and indebtedness caused by dogged pursuit of the American Dream.
3. An unsustainable addiction to economic growth. (PBS)

Affluenza, in a nutshell, is the excessive pursuit of material riches as a means to happiness.

As British psychologist Oliver James said in an article from Reuters:

"Studies in lots of different nations show that if you place high value on those things, you are more likely to suffer depression, anxiety, addictions and personality disorders."

Yet, many so-called "spiritual" leaders are actively advocating affluenza by pushing "Law of Attraction" belief systems as a means to achieve riches, encouraging followers to visualize or "think positively" to manifest material wealth, cars, and new homes for themselves.

While many families in America are falling prey to financial stress, it's no surprise that one of the biggest markets in self-help and positive thinking is in "creating wealth."

Yet, where does it end? How many cars or houses do you need to be happy?

Here in America, a nation with a standard of living that far exceeds that of most of the world, it seems just a tad selfish and myopic to expend so much mental and "spiritual" energy on manifesting more and bigger cars for yourself - and meanwhile, much of the world is starving.

Material objects and wealth can be fun. But when pursued to the exclusion of all else, it ends up being an empty pursuit.

The purpose of the Intention Project is to encourage a broader view. Use that power of intention to think outside of your own selfish needs for status symbols and instead help other people.

Ultimately, it's more fulfilling and will lead to greater self-satisfaction and inner happiness.