Tag: buddhism

I used to believe I had to earn my happiness. Then I realized that I could be happy in “miserable” conditions (as well as vice versa—I could be miserable in “happy” conditions).  My happiness wasn’t dependent on sacrificing or justifying my way into a predetermined “heaven” or “enlightenment.” Happiness, in my opinion, springs from an…

In my quest to attain more, I have continually realized I have more than enough (sometimes it took time and perspective to see the validity of that within certain circumstances.). That’s not an excuse to stop dreaming, but to dream without the burden of a lack-tainted focus.

Externally, I seek satisfaction from imperfect circumstances, because in my opinion, circumstances are constantly moving towards long-run perfection. Internally, I’m much more strict.  I seek—at a minimum—a state of satisfaction.  And in so doing, I can appreciate the perfection as it unfolds.

Doing everything I can means once I’ve taken every appropriate action, I relax and enjoy the present moment.  Because there will be something else to take care of soon enough, and I’ll take better care of it if I’m optimistic and fresh instead of haggard and worried.

When I focus too hard on the things I want, I lose my ability to be light and easy—to appreciate the moment and delight in unexpected blessings. But when I focus on being happy here and now, regardless of what may or may not be happening (or if that’s too hard to manage, I focus…

One day, I realized the material things I desired—even if I got every single one of them—weren’t guaranteed to bring me happiness, and that I desired these things because I thought they would make me happy. And then I realized my feelings were like muscles.  How even though I couldn’t stretch anger into joy, I…