...Here were these poor, sad-looking beggar children asking for rupees, however, with my friend being a monk, it was not really appropriate for him to give money to the children in that way. At the same time, the swami didn't feel right just ignoring these children when they came to the car window. He was much more used to playing and laughing with children than uncomfortably ignoring them. I'm sure that anyone who has driven or walked through major cities of any country must have experienced the discomfort of not knowing how to respond to beggars on the road.

The swami had recently received a gift from his guru - a funny-looking cat puppet that almost looked real. He had an idea. The next time they drove through that part of town, Swamiji brought the cat puppet along. When one of the kids came by his car to beg for change, Swamiji reached up with the hand puppet on, and grabbed the child's arm. The child looked at the strange creature, squealed, and ran away.

At first, Swamiji was concerned that he had scared the child off, but soon the boy returned with the rest of the children. They all wanted to see the cat puppet, and the next thing you knew, the kids were all laughing and reaching out so the cat puppet could grab them too. From that day on, every time the swami's car came through that area, the boys would run to surround his car and play with the cat puppet. Talk about turning an uncomfortable situation around to create happiness!

This is what spiritually happy people do - they approach common situations with uncommon radiance and heartfelt thoughtfulness. Every person on this planet has had the experience of seeing someone in need that you'd like to help, and perhaps could help in some small way, or on a temporary level. You may not have the means to really help the person, or you may know that helping in that way would only serve to continue the cycle of poverty for them. You're only one little person with limited finances - you can't just pour a few thousand billion dollars into uplifting conditions for those in need around the world. What can one person do?

Perhaps you can still offer a smile, a blessing, or some friendly words. Or you could break out a cat puppet. Ask your heart for guidance on how you can create happiness in any situation, according to your own best nature.

...more of this chapter is available in the book, "Secrets of Spiritual Happiness," by Sharon Janis.

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