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Realize that there are no "good" or "bad" situations, our reactions determine whether we label them such. Everything in life is about your mindset and attitude. With the right mindset and attitude you can be happy and fulfilled no matter your situation in life. We choose our own happiness or unhappiness. Happy people are happy because they choose to be happy. Unhappy misers choose their emotional and mental states as well.
A lot of people don't have that choice. It comes down to luck of the draw physiology for many.
Realize that there are no "good" or "bad" situations, our reactions determine whether we label them such. Everything in life is about your mindset and attitude. With the right mindset and attitude you can be happy and fulfilled no matter your situation in life. We choose our own happiness or unhappiness. Happy people are happy because they choose to be happy. Unhappy misers choose their emotional and mental states as well.
OP here. You've taken a lot of criticism for your remarks but I think you're right. Most of us are tossed about by our emotions without realizing how much choice we have if we develop some disciplined self-reflection. Not an easy habit, to monitor one's internal reactions, however. See writings about Buddhist monks (for example).
OP here. You've taken a lot of criticism for your remarks but I think you're right. Most of us are tossed about by our emotions without realizing how much choice we have if we develop some disciplined self-reflection. Not an easy habit, to monitor one's internal reactions, however.
It's a correct line of thinking if you are ignorant human neurochemistry, but all the ignorance in the world doesn't change physiology. That's not to say that people cannot master their minds, but their is a reality for a good many people who are challenged out of the gate.
For example,
Quote:
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found mothers' wombs and babies' brains contain a chemical protecting them from a mother's stress
But some women lack this chemical exposing their unborn babies to stress
Those exposed appear to be more susceptible to anxiety and depression
Don't lie. See: Sam Harris, Lying (Available on Amazon)
Forgive (maybe not forget), but forgive See: anything about the life of Nelson Mandela
Find work to do which will contribute to, and connect you with, your community
Be kind and patient; try to see the other person without the screen of your own ego needs
Add whatever you wish....
The Sam Harris (a neuroscientist and prominent a-theist) book (easy read, and not long), caused me to see how everyone lies, all the time. And Harris studied with someone who offered alternatives to that. Very, very interesting thing. When you stop lying, even about the smaller things, it causes you to see deeper into your own behavior and objectives.
Both books are based on scientific research about what actions and attitudes make people happy. The first takes a more holistic approach and the second advises readers to pick 3 or 4 actions form a menu of 12 and do them consistently.
OP here. You've taken a lot of criticism for your remarks but I think you're right. Most of us are tossed about by our emotions without realizing how much choice we have if we develop some disciplined self-reflection. Not an easy habit, to monitor one's internal reactions, however. See writings about Buddhist monks (for example).
I agree here. And by the way, much of the happiness research has found that most of the stuff taught by the Buddhist religion for the past 2500 years is actually correct. It also turns out that people who practice a religion regularly tend to be happier than those who don't.
-Never rely on anyone else for your happiness. Once I figured that out, I felt unstoppable.
-Realize that we can't change certain situations, just our reaction to them. Because of this, I also really agree with NorthGAbound12.
Hm. I've only found happiness in the past few years. A few things have occurred to me during that time:
I'd say knowing what matters or what is important to you is key. I've prioritized things in life like my personal freedom, my loved ones and my health. From a global perspective, there are things that are much more important, but in terms of day-to-day life, those are my priorities.
Being able to let go of the things that you personally cannot change is another big one.
Acting with good intentions and sincerity.
Awareness. It may not seem like understanding how people suffer around the world or how we're destroying our world is a path to happiness, but I think it's a happier thing that sticking your head in the sand. And awareness as often as not leads to action and positive impacts.
Gratitude. I am an atheist, so I don't thank any gods for what I have, but I appreciate the good things in my life on a daily basis and am determined to never take them for granted.
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