Appreciating Life!

Journal, Positive Life

When we stop striving for a better life, we are living a better life.

It signifies that we are satisfied with our lives and our circumstances. Self-defeating thoughts such as wishing for more or envious of someone else’s life or assets are detrimental. There is a perpetual state of frustration, and we wait and hope for more happiness.

So, what’s the big deal? Not too much, not too little.

“You should focus on what you have rather than what you need. Choose the nicest things you have and think about how enthusiastically you would have sought them out if you didn’t.” In the words of Marcus Aurelius: (121-180)

There is a lot to be thankful for right now. In addition to our loved ones and the natural world around us, there is also our own existence. It’s all around us; we simply have to take it in. Make a list of all the nice things you’re thankful for and share it with your friends and family.

What persons would you miss if they weren’t in your life? Isn’t there a lot to enjoy and feel happy about when you take a walk? Flowers, trees, birds, and clouds in the sky are all examples of nature’s beauty. Whether it’s a caterpillar on the pavement or a wave from your neighbor. It’s hard not to smile when you see a lovely puppy or toddler having a good time.

“Be unfazed, no matter how good or bad things are going for you. Take your time and enjoy the changing colors of the flowers in your courtyard. Don’t worry about quitting or staying in your job. Allow your thoughts to follow the ebb and flow of the clouds as they move over the horizon.” – Hung Tzu-ch’eng (1593-1665)

It’s only common sense to be happy and at peace with yourself and others, and to appreciate life while it’s still here.

Finding Your Happiness In Nature

Journal, Learning, Positive Life, Self Discovery

Nature is one of the greatest sources of happiness.  Humans have lived in the lap of nature since our early beginnings, and when compared to the time spent living in modern cities it is comparably very short.  The human race is dependent upon nature for its very survival (plants recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen; our food is a product of nature; and we can survive under a very limited range of variables of nature like temperature, etc.)

Nature is all free!  It is there for everyone to stand, stare and derive happiness and solace from.  It doesn’t differentiate between rich or poor, strong or weak, man or woman.  The warmth of the sun’s rays on your skin is free. To sit under the stars at night and stare at the moon, you guessed it, free. A walk on the beach, feeling the sand between your toes and water soothing your feet, all free.

How much would it cost to make an artificial island with rivers, forests, mountains, and surrounding ocean?

Billions just ask the folks of the Arab Emirates.

When we see the moon, we see it in its entirety, no matter how many millions of people are seeing it at the same time.  Similarly, the sky, forests, oceans, rain fall, mountains all are there for us to fully enjoy.

If you are sad, feeling anxious, struggling with a problem, spending some time in nature will do you good. Nature has an uncanny ability to sit beside you like your mom, spouse, brother or sister, or good friend and embrace you. Slowly it lifts your spirits, makes you see your worries, and problems in the right perspective of infinite time and space.  You smile; you laugh; and you are happy again!

More and more in today’s society, we are conditioned to medicate or find solace in buying things to cope. We get a temporary fix from our medications and purchases. However, it doesn’t end our suffering.

Yet how many of us realize that infinite beauty and happiness is lying around us in the form of nature?

Do you appreciate this fact and draw happiness out of it?

The next time you’re feeling like crap, go walk among the trees in a local park, or if you’re lucky enough the woods or country side. Peace!