The mainstream media has dropped the ball on this one, but the big story is this: Gas prices are going higher because we are running out of oil. That's it. There's no conspiracy among the oil companies to gouge you - oil is more expensive because the demand is high but the supply is dwindling. Basic Econ 101.

Please read this Peak Oil Primer to understand what is going on.

There is no easy solution to this issue. We can try to drill for new sources of oil, but those types of drilling are expensive, not just cost-wise, but environmentally. America has already hit its oil peak; this is why we are so concerned with securing the Middle East because we are indeed dependent on them to secure our lifestyles. No alternative exists (yet) that can be mass-produced and cheap enough to replace oil.

You'll find that the mainstream media paints rosy pictures of new drilling technologies as if that will solve the long-term problem. But better drilling won't create new oil where there is none. Someday, not today, and maybe not for another 100 years, we will use up the oil on the planet. And when that happens, if we're not prepared, things could get nasty.

Do I believe that Life As We Know It could possibly end within my lifetime? I don't think so, but many Peak Oil folks believe that a massive, abrupt decline is ahead of us, one of Biblical proportions. They are preparing for Peak Oil as if it were Armageddon.

I don't mean to write this as doom and gloom, but to discuss materialism, affluenza, and sustainability, and how we as spiritual people can approach these issues.

Many in the self-development field propose an overly optimistic view of the world, where economic expansion is an eternal given and technology will ultimately save us from any and all perils.

Yet, if you look at the history of past civilizations that have crumbled before us, you will see that a mis-use of resources is often behind their decline and extinction.

It is thus downright irresponsible to be preaching a message of "focus on your personal wealth to the exclusion of all other issues, because the universe is infinitely abundant."

It is in this way that much of the self-help and spiritual teachings out there are becoming part of the problem. As spiritual people, we should not be using our powers of intention and positive thinking to simply "attract" more money and wealth to ourselves. This spiritual narcissism overlooks our personal and collective impact on others and the world around us.

The fact is, the universe is not infinitely abundant. We do not have an infinite supply of oil. We do not have an infinite supply of clean water on the planet. We do not have an infinite supply of food for everyone on the planet - that's why tens of thousands of people die of hunger every single day!

So let's stop this spiritual lie that the universe is infinitely abundant once and for all.

By focusing on "infinite abundance," people conveniently ignore our real problems and issues. We do need to look critically at our planet and its resources. We need to conserve oil while we find alternatives. We need to change our culture to one that is more sustainable.

I am ultimately an optimist and believe that we will (collectively) survive whatever calamities arise from Peak Oil. However, it would behoove us in the meantime to take a serious look at our lifestyles and look for ways to try to live more sustainable lifestyles.

Here are some places to start:

1. Encourage telecommuting and work from home.
Many companies are still wary of this option, I believe because bosses often want that control of seeing a worker in front of them. Webcams and other technology could mitigate this need. Government incentives could encourage more companies to offer telecommuting jobs.

Since I work for myself, I work from home. I also try to encourage clients to work with me via telephone and Internet instead of in person as much as possible, because then people don't have to waste gas driving to see me.

2. Move out of the suburbs. Live closer to work.
The suburbs are the most poorly designed living communities ever created. If you live where you can't walk to a store to pick up groceries, then you are by default adding useless driving to the planet. I am within walking distance of my gym, a grocery store, a slew of restaurants, and even Best Buy. The general orbit of my driving is approximately 3-4 miles.

3. Walk, bike, or take public transportation when possible.
Walking and biking is healthier and will get you in shape while you save on gas. I walk to my gym and also a local yoga studio where I take classes.

4. Carpool when possible.
Carpooling is the smart way to go to work. There's no good reason why we need to have one single person per one large car taking up all that space on the highway.

5. Upgrade your SUV to a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
If you are now paying $100 or more at the pump because you bought a gas-guzzling SUV, I'm sorry, but that's your karma for buying such an inefficient vehicle. Get rid of it and buy a regular car, or, if you still want an SUV, an SUV hybrid.

Together, we can make a difference and find a solution to our very real energy problems. But denying these issues with the mistaken "spiritual" meme of "infinite abundance" does nothing to solve our problems.

Personally, I think sustainability is not just better for the planet, but better for our souls. Suburbs encourage a disengagement with community. Driving solo creates a disconnect with other people. Walking, biking, and living in better planned communities will be good for our bodies, minds, and spirits. And then we won't care so much about high gas prices.

Stephanie writes on subjects such as these at www.feelgoodgirl.com.