Excellent. Awareness is indeed the key, as through it our internal struggles can be dissolved once they're understood to be fruitless. Trying to "battle" against negative thoughts only produces another layer of negative thoughts, and most or all of us have had the experience of being stuck in a cycle where every strategy to combat them only only makes them worse. Understanding that everything in our brains was generated by our brains, no matter that something in the outside world may have brought a particular focus to the forefront, is the first step to healing. It's also vital to let go of unrealistic expectation of other people: they were not placed on earth to be in tune with our wishes, and most of the time what we would like from them and what they actually owe us are radically different. This perspective makes it much easier to say, and mean, "Thank you!" to others around us, when they are nice without having to be.
Wonderfully written essay on happiness as a process, of a result of engaging with our discomfort. Thank you for writing it and for your valuable citations
Another Gem Barry. Your pearls are cast not in vane but for those who thirst and want to see 🙏
Thank you, Vincent. Your kind words are a tonic for a writer! Glad to be thirsty with you.
Excellent. Awareness is indeed the key, as through it our internal struggles can be dissolved once they're understood to be fruitless. Trying to "battle" against negative thoughts only produces another layer of negative thoughts, and most or all of us have had the experience of being stuck in a cycle where every strategy to combat them only only makes them worse. Understanding that everything in our brains was generated by our brains, no matter that something in the outside world may have brought a particular focus to the forefront, is the first step to healing. It's also vital to let go of unrealistic expectation of other people: they were not placed on earth to be in tune with our wishes, and most of the time what we would like from them and what they actually owe us are radically different. This perspective makes it much easier to say, and mean, "Thank you!" to others around us, when they are nice without having to be.
JdL, Thank you. Your wisdom is an excellent addition to my essay!
Wonderfully written essay on happiness as a process, of a result of engaging with our discomfort. Thank you for writing it and for your valuable citations
Thank you, Steven. Indeed; engaging our discomfort, rather than stuffing or wallowing in it is a vital process.
Thanks, Prof B. Essential words for my journey.
Much respect, Mike
Thanks for the kind note, Mike!
Lovely essay. It seems that Barry and I have a common affinity for Leonard Read.
Thank you, Μίτσιγκαν! Read was not afraid to dive into the spiritual side and his writings always inspire.
I like this. It comes at a good time for me.
I wish our politicians heeded this superb essay. We would not be so polarized as a nation
Thanks, Mike. When we do better heeding this advice, they will have no choice but to follow.
my key to happiness is to don't give a fuck
somebody done me wrong...don't give a fuck...the wrong will eventually dissipate
my car broke down....don't give a fuck...just fix the car
business is slower than usual....don't give a fuck...just find a way to increase more paid work
some fool lied about me....don't give a fuck....truth will out, eventually
I play guitar poorly during a gig...don't give a fuck....practice more and play better next time
whatever transpires....don't give a fuck...
Doc, Sounds to me like you do care but you don't let your transitory thinking derail you from improving. Great way to live.
Diane, Thank you. I'm grateful to have such kind and wise readers.