Wise Livelihood

Whatever our job is, we can practice it mindfully, with an intention of non-harm, of easing suffering, and of compassion. This means developing an attitude toward our occupation beyond just the money we make. We can develop an approach of service and care about the effects of our actions on others, both within and outside our workspaces

In addition to financial security, our livelihood is a source of meaning and purpose. It provides a context of our place in the World. It is intertwined with both joy and suffering. It can be a source of craving or a manifestation of low self esteem and denying our needs.

Livelihood can refer to the career or job we have to earn money. It can also refer to caregiving rolls at home, or the time and energy we give to volunteer service.

Each of these situations can bring either difficulty or eay, joy or suffering. Each can help meet and address our needs, or they can cause harm. They can offer support for recovery, or triggers for relapse.

Becoming more intimate with our experience with livelihood gives us another opportunity to pause, go off of automatic pilot, and see the pitfalls before us. With more clarity, compassion and wisdom, we have the choices that elude us when we are walking around in a trance - causing harm to ourselves and others. With the seriousness of addiction, this clarity, wisdom and compassion in our work or volunteer activites can mean the difference between life and death.