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Reflect

August 20, 2007

susan_preston_balloonriver.jpg

Are you happy?

Let me pose the question another way. Are you forgiving? Are you grateful?

Reflect on the level of happiness in your life right now, and then read the excerpt below.

... isn't life based upon seeking personal happiness self-centered ~ even self-indulgent?


Not necessarily.

Many surveys have shown that it is unhappy people who tend to be the most self-focused, and are often socially withdrawn, brooding and even antagonistic. Happy people, in contrast, are generally found to be more sociable, flexible, creative and able to tolerate life's daily frustrations more easily. And most important, they are found to be more loving and forgiving than unhappy people. So scientific evidence as well as our own personal experience tells us that there is an intimate connection between happiness and kindness towards others. Our happiness needn't come at another's expense as if there were somehow there were a finite quantity of happiness in the world. And the connection between personal happiness and kindness is reciprocal. Not only are happy people found to be more caring, but unhappy individuals who begin to cultivate genuine compassion will find this to be a powerful antidote to their own problems.

From The Art of Happiness, by the Dalai Lama

We all experience pain and loss, and we all wish for good things for ourselves. The hidden key that opens the secret latch to freedom and happiness is a wish for goodness for all beings, including ourselves.

May we learn to calm the raging river of the mind to see the heavens reflected upon the soul's still surface. May our spirits soar, untethered by the fear of disconnection. May we remember our beauty. May we see how wonderful we truly are. May our creativity be awakened. May we truly understand we really do belong.

Namaste.



Another beautiful scene from the Rivanna River in Charlottesville.

Posted by vincent at August 20, 2007 04:40 PM

Comments

"May we learn to calm the raging river of the mind to see the heavens reflected upon the soul's still surface."

I love that line Susan. We all DO belong and can choose to see the good if we try. Thanks for a beautiful photo and post to start my day. You, my dear, are beautiful.

Posted by: jayne at August 21, 2007 06:25 AM

Hi Susan:
The clouds photograph remind of one of the last huge painting Georgia O'Keeffe sowed in Chicago in 1972(?)
You are quite the visualist!!! I really like it
carole

Posted by: carole at August 21, 2007 10:40 AM

Stunning. Oh, make cards from all of these.

Posted by: janet at August 26, 2007 08:25 PM

this is too beautiful - words and image in perfect harmony...
right now i'm participating in a blog project called my sacred life, and i can honestly say at this moment i'm deeply grateful - not necessarily 'happy' - i suffered a stroke 3 months ago, aged 43, and i'm grieving the loss of so much - but i'm truly blessed to see, feel, taste each day...
my soul is touched by so much beauty - such as your images and words - thank you!!

Posted by: claire at August 28, 2007 02:08 PM

Beautiful photo!

Posted by: Felicity at September 5, 2007 10:13 AM