The True Source of Happiness

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This was posted yesterday on the Dalai Lama's Facebook page:

"There are two kinds of happiness - the temporary pleasure derived primarily from material comfort alone and another more enduring comfort that results from the thorough transformation and development of the mind. We can see in our own lives that the latter form of happiness is superior because when our mental state is calm and happy, we can easily put up with minor pains and physical discomforts. On the other hand, when our mind is restless and upset, the most comfortable physical facilities do not make us happy."

This is helpful to reflect on, living as I do in New Jersey as the region has been rocked by the effects of Hurricane Sandy. It is difficult right now to find respite from the focus on loss. Loss surrounds us, from the loss if a place of cherished memories, to the loss of power, to losing work, homes, livelihoods, and even, (thankfully, rarely), family members or friends. With the focus on loss comes feelings of being upset, unsettled, fearful, stressed, grief and sadness.

As we are dealing with the realities of recovery, we need to be attentive to the emotional stress that creates an additional burden. If we can remind ourselves of the true source of happiness, it can actually help bring the calmness and comfort we seek. 

What is the true source of your happiness?

Comments

  1. LauraNovember 3, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    Yeah, it sure can be hard to keep calm and rooted in the more permanent source of happiness. I sure had a hard time this week feeling calm, even though my circumstances were really not bad; I had a generator at home, full power at work. But I still felt out of sorts most of the week.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Judy MinotNovember 3, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    Me, too.

    ReplyDelete

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