We live in difficult times. In addition to the challenges of everyday life we must adjust to a changing socio-economic and political reality.  Added to this mix is an overhanging cloud of anxiety and depression resulting from the underlying and often unconscious apprehension of living in the age of International terrorism.

Our culture has become increasingly violent and aggressive.  Our children are intoxicated with video games that promote competitiveness without compassion.   The television broadcasts a predominance of mayhem and danger.

A person trying to live a peaceful life filled with value requires soul strength to compensate and counteract all these external forces.  We need soul strength to soothe our anxieties.  The search for meaning increasing is found in consumerism.  The measure of success is how much one has acquired or accomplished. The greater good is no longer in the equation.

Consequently, there is enormous spiritual starvation.  We are empty of internal resources.  People are seeking a solution to their emptiness. They attempt to obtain sense of well being by increasing the experience of soulfulness in their life.  As part of that search we see a shifting from external pleasure to internal seeking for self knowledge and a greater congruence between what one professes and how one behaves.