Happiness research

justam

So these books all have a different way of saying
"Spend more time on what you like to do and less on everything else"
yeah.
optimize your life by spending your life on work you enjoy and people you love,
activities you CHOOSE rather than obligations
all this advice, I know it's good!
but each book is a bit different.
individual authors,
some have more enthusiasm,
some have kinda odd slants,
but, there are bits and pieces of useful info for the seeker on a mission.
yes?
Life is short, so make your loved ones happy!
Make yourself happy!
(don't waste time on anything you don't like or can get out of)
all practical and useful
all unique but looking at the same subject
oh, I know how to do research (!)
and I'm enjoying this study

tremors

Sometimes reading about happiness is a good step to finding it

justam

tremors wrote:

Sometimes reading about happiness is a good step to finding it

I feel that the intention to focus on it helps too.

tremors

justam wrote:

tremors wrote:

Sometimes reading about happiness is a good step to finding it

I feel that the intention to focus on it helps too.

Yes, sounds pretty much right

zarocat

Also, one has to understand that we can't be happy all the time. It is just one of the many states we experience.

tremors

Very true. Although 'peace of mind' can be found within many states, with practice

zarocat

I would apply 'piece of mind' to something that I would have to solve or come to terms with, bringing about the state of satisfaction which I believe could be addressed as a form of happiness. They share similar emotions, don't they ?

tremors

I am referring primarily to the many Eastern disciplines, philosophies and martial arts practices which train a calmness of mind and outlook, a 'non attachment' to extreme emotional states; which allows one to be at peace whilst experiencing sadness, happiness, discomfort, in combat etc. For instance the disciplines of Daoist, Buddhist, and Zen practices. Here principles such as non attachment, wu-wei, calmness and peace of mind are cultivated even and especially amidst other turbulent emotional states, thus allowing the mind to settle and relax into a state of equilibrium, which is seen as preferable to the 'monkey mind' of diverse emotional states which one can experience.

zarocat

Ya, I understood you were referring to such. Personally, I'm drawn to the teachings of the Stoics.

tremors

Just looked at them - some of their beliefs appear quite similar to many Daoist beliefs - although the emphasis on logic less so. My favourite Western philosopher is undoubtedly Hegel, although I know he is seen as a bit of a joke in some circles. One of the problems with the philosophies I favour is they do not generally try and prove their position with logic, but rather describe and evoke the sense of 'completion' they aspire to. The problem I find with analysing philosophies which point to the 'oneness' of things is that the analytic method only serves to break down the sense of completion to which they aspire, so it is quite an unsatisfactory method for me. For example Zen poetry or koans are a better way of communicating the essence of Zen I think, because they evoke paradox, and are more resilient to analysis than an argument one way or another.

zarocat

Speaking of paradox. I was in the emergency room once with my cousin who was there waiting to be treated. As we waited, one of the doctors came out from behind a curtain from seeing a patient and said to the students who were shadowing him, that one of life's great paradox's is people with tattoo's. He told those 3 students that everyone he has ever treated that had tattoo's, displayed a low tolerance to pain.

tremors

zarocat wrote:

Speaking of paradox. I was in the emergency room once with my cousin who was there waiting to be treated. As we waited, one of the doctors came out from behind a curtain from seeing a patient and said to the students who were shadowing him, that one of life's great paradox's is people with tattoo's. He told those 3 students that everyone he has ever treated that had tattoo's, displayed a low tolerance to pain.

Good story. I have no tattoos - I thought about getting one when I was in my early twenties, then I realised that you could never just stop at one, so I decided to stay clear of the whole thing forever. Plus as one of my friends points out - when you are on the run from the authorities, it's good not to have too many distinguishing features