Astral Pulse members thoughts on "happiness"

[no_leaf_clover]

At this point in my life I'm spending a great deal of time at school and at school-related activities, so I don't have a lot of time to spend elsewhere. At school I really probably spend more time laughing at stupid excrement with friends than I do doing any serious work, and even then I don't take things so serious that I actually care that much when I make a mistake, just maybe more aware of what I did wrong (and my grades don't suffer; I've actually boosted some grades this year).

Ever since I've gotten into that sort of frame of mind, I've been in something like a continuous state of happiness When you're truly happy, it's pretty easy to realize, or at least for me it is. I don't have anything to worry about so I dont. I do pretty much whatever I feel like and enjoy it, though I do have respect for other people and nature, etc., and I try to get done anything that needs to be. As long as I'm enjoying life and don't have anything to put much stress on me I'm alright.

[lifebreath]

For me, I distinguish between some things that I think many people lump together under "happiness." Happiness is rather fickle and fleeting, since it is an emotion tied directly to circumstances, e.g., I am happy because I got a new car, or I am happy right now because I don't have any worries.

On the other hand, more permenent and abiding "spiritual/emotional assets" (for want of a better term) are a deep sense of purpose, contentment, inner peace, faith (and the hope born of it), joy, love of family and friends, etc. These things remain at the core even in the midst of trials, difficulties, suffering, and even in the absence of immediate "happiness," bring solace to the soul and mind. These "virtues" are cultivated over time by seeking spiritually, connecting to God and extending one's self to others in charity.

So for me, "happiness" is to greet each day with an open heart, filled with faith, hope and love; to penetrate the veil to see the beauty in each day and in the life around me; even to suffer with those who suffer brings a deep sense of fulfillment; to face the challenges of life engenders and renews life; to connect with and give of myself in some way to others around me ... this brings real meaning and happiness.

[Nick]

Greetings everyone,

Happiness is an elusive state for a number of people. Perhaps you'd like to post your thoughts on 'what happiness means' here.

For my part, I seem to be a relatively content person so I thought I'd share a few thoughts on this. Although my 55 years on this earth have witnessed a good deal of human misery, I've tried to keep things in perspective. My career has been as a lawyer in the public defender's office. That is, representing indigent folk accused of every manner of criminal offense you can imagine. What I've seen up close is what a lot of people only see in the news.

With that said, one could infer that happiness should not be experienced too often by me, yet I seem to do ok. The thought I would share is this: try to help others if you can, because there is happiness in that.

Also, recognize that we only have so much control over what happens in life. That is, anything that doesn't appear to go our way could be for a reason not understood or apparent to us. Perhaps its a lesson, who knows, but think about it and if you can, roll with it.

Lastly, experiencing physical life may not be about happiness at all, but rather learning ways to live peacefully and thoughtfully. Be that as it may, and however you define life, my two cents would be to try and give others a helping hand. Think of what you can do for someone in need, pause and be thoughtful, be respectful of the poor. You will be "happy" that you did.

All the best,