Waiting to be happy

05-02-2019 02:09PM

Vela wrote: »

Happiness is found in moments. I don't think it's a constant state of being and anyone who says it is, is lying to themselves or everyone else IMO. The journey is in finding and creating enough of those moments to get you through the tougher times.

Only this week there was a conversation released with Sam Harris and Stephen Fry discussing that very thing for much or most of it. Is it possible to be happy all the time or to find it even in moments when we are not happy.

Harris was coming from the perspective that it is quite possible indeed. Fry was coming from the position of accepting that - with some level of scepticism - but also questioning whether we would want it even if we could - because he thinks the Apollonian and Dionysian dichotomy inside us gives us much of our identity.

I think they both have points and make them beautifully - as they are both wont to do with their mutual mastery of the English Language - but I certainly know from my own Harris like training that it is possible to get outside that human dynamic of always wanting to keep hold of the pleasure or always wanting the next happy moment to come along - and to simply be happy and content in the moment for very long stretches of time.

I certainly do not remember at this time any moment in the last 5 or 10 years that I would describe as unhappy or upset or angry or even all that annoyed really. I am strangely abundently happy pretty much nearly all of the time at present and mildly content the rest of it.

But I do find some doubt creeping in of late that this can continue forever. So the best I can do is prepare for the worst and enjoy the best.

Greengrant · 05-02-2019 02:13PM

I think the most important thing is to be present and enjoy the moment, you'll experience a range of emotions, but presence makes all of the emotions easiet to handle.

The Tetrarch · 05-02-2019 02:19PM

Kevin Finnerty wrote: »

Until they dump on the path and you've got to get down there with a bag in one hand and holding your nose with the other because you can actually see the smell rising up to meet you.

And why do they dogs do a slimy poo in long wet grass?
I am happy enough. When very happy I know it is temporary.

Outlaw Pete · 05-02-2019 02:25PM

Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

PARlance · 05-02-2019 02:27PM

Sees thread title
Remembers this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJDFZCY14Ug

Happier

klm1 · 05-02-2019 02:36PM

I'd say I'm happy, for the first time in my life. Which at mid 40's feels like a long wait.

The Tetrarch · 05-02-2019 02:51PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BK5PvIYEMA

Princess of Wales Stakes (Group 2), Newmarket, July 5, 1988 (my birthday).
The mare is Percy's Lass, who had a baby named Sir Percy, who won the English Derby in 2006 (and I backed it at 16/1 for 7k).
Was I happy? Was I ****.

mzungu · 05-02-2019 04:12PM

Like most things, it's a work in progress.

05-02-2019 04:17PM

Just get out of that jam OP!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df1z0XyJtGc

Waiting to be happy

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