The Dow Jones and You

Recent developments in the state of our economy are getting many
people worried. It’s not just the hedge fund managers or treasury
department officials who are on their toes.  Rather, Americans and
people all over the world – the global village are feeling it too.
Whether it’s a vanishing IRA account, a diminished portfolio or even
worse, your boss wishing you well while presenting you with a pink
slip, individuals from across the spectrum are feeling the blunt of
this economic crisis. And to sure it all up; things are not expected
to get better any time soon.

While many approaches can be given to holding your composure in trying
times, I would like to attempt to put things in perspective in regards
to our attitude towards wealth and financial success.

To borrow an example from the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI); a
prudent investor knows that amongst the DJI components, one must find
a company which is logically sound to invest in. Although there are
many companies being traded and the market at times is very volatile
and illogical, nonetheless, a wise investor amidst the chaos finds
reason and chooses a company to profit off.

The same can be said regarding the world we live in, and about our
daily affairs. At times world events seem illogical and fraught with
danger. Life can feel meaningless, volatile and destined for doom like
a plummeting stock. However, like the prudent investor, the teachings
of our sages and mystics guide us to find reason amidst the chaos. The
directives of the Torah provide purpose, meaning and inner happiness
in a world replete with grief.

“Much are the needs of your nation, however, their knowledge is
limited”, this prayer is recited universally on the eve of the Jewish
New Year. The point at hand is, because our knowledge is limited it
therefore causes our needs to be many and when our desires are not met
unhappiness and anguish follow.

A true mystic who has broad knowledge, knows that monetary success
although lauded by many, is not essential to a person’s true
happiness. A human is made of body and soul. The soul part may be
concealed from us but its presence is our very own being. Our psyche
strives for altruistic pursuit. It wants spirituality, GD and to be
humble – the logically sound investment.  Our body desires
materialism. When only the needs of our body are addressed, anxiety,
depression and gloom ensue. Just by following our carnal lusts we fail
to notice the right investment and gets lost in the chaos.

At these financially trying times, let’s take a moment to focus on our
true purpose in life and when the markets hopefully rebound we can use
prosperity to further that cause.