Suppose you are walking in the desert, dying of thirst. Suddenly you see an oasis and know that once you get there, there will be a cool stream of water to drink so you can survive. You get excited, hopeful, full of joy. But, you aren't there yet. Peace and Happiness will come only when your thirst is actually quenched. The thought of the water is not enough.
Many people have all the conditions for happiness. You can buy the conditions, but you cannot buy happiness. It's like playing tennis. You can buy a ball and racket, but you can't buy the joy of playing. Same with writing calligraphy. You can buy the ink, paper and brush, but you don't cultivate the Art of Calligraphy without practice. Happiness is just like that. You have to cultivate happiness... you can't buy it at a store.
How do we do that -- cultivate happiness? We can't wave a wand and have it. We must look deeply to see what we are lacking and why we are craving. Of course, this only applies after the basic needs of life are met. Those without food, water, shelter or those in physical pain can't be "happy" without basic needs. This is for those with homes, computers and health care that are still unhappy.
Mindfulness Practice, meditation (walking or sitting), knowing we have a path -- the right path -- can provide a great deal of peace which cultivates happiness.
I am on and off the path a lot. But, I know when I'm on the path just being peaceful -- being rather than doing -- cultivating a calm inner landscape, I am truly happy. When I get off the path, act out, and speak harshly I soon become miserable and make myself and those around me unhappy.
Cultivation. It is a practice. Cultivating Peace and Happiness comes from being mindful of our thoughts, actions and what we are manifesting (both within and externally.)
1 comment:
Enjoyed today Jami! Doug
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