tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317544861409913113.post3445468413189914756..comments2024-02-13T12:59:07.353-08:00Comments on psychobabble for normal people: The Pursuit of HappinessSERhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00936363908460237171noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317544861409913113.post-3466422693521791062010-12-17T12:58:22.668-08:002010-12-17T12:58:22.668-08:00Great post Mark144, thank you!
Happiness does oft...Great post Mark144, thank you!<br /><br />Happiness does often come from within as well as without, and it's a very empowering and deep experience to realize that happiness can come from a choice to interpret external circumstances in a positive way. However, I also believe that reality is not only internal but also external, and everyone's "real" happiness is based on their own mix from both sources. <br /><br />The happiness with oneself that is created by oneself provides the resilience and strength to deal with whatever unpleasant external circumstances that arise. It allows you to find the silver lining to the clouds, to accept people for their faults, to sing in the rain, so to speak. For sure, this is a source of happiness that's very personal and is something that can be seen as more constant. <br /><br />As valuable as inner happiness can be, humans are social creatures. The affirmation and connection that people experience in the context of a fulfilling relationships with other people is also very important to being happy. I think that the happiness experienced through external means is definitely more volatile than what you find inside yourself, but it is very important as well for a sense of well-being.<br /><br />At the root of what I am trying to say is that I believe that the concept of 'real happiness' comes down to a balance of things: internal-external sources of happiness, experiencing both happiness and sadness, making things happen-letting things happen, etc. <br /><br />Thanks to you both for making me think this morning...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2317544861409913113.post-71079755749432625002010-12-16T10:58:34.610-08:002010-12-16T10:58:34.610-08:00Congratulations on your blog, Sarah.
You ask &qu...Congratulations on your blog, Sarah. <br /><br />You ask "So what makes people happy?" and then answer with one example: "Strong interpersonal relationships make us happy." Although this is probably very accurate to today's world, consider the immense benefits that would become possible if we didn't rely on things to "make us happy", but rather if we focused our energies on simply creating happiness - from nothing. <br /><br />In your example, "strong interpersonal relationships make us happy", happiness is said to be conditional on strong interpersonal relationships. Therefore, if the bottom falls out of these relationships, that person would no longer be happy. <br /><br />The key to real happiness is when it is not based on the existence of some other factor that can be removed or disappear at any time. If happiness is created by the person themselves, it will exist as long as that happiness is nurtured. When it is born from inside sources, it can last as long as the holder wants it to, irrespective of outside influences. <br /><br />I don't know if you've seen my blog, but I cordially invite you to one particular post that may be of interest. http://markunleashed.wordpress.com - The post is called "What is real?"<br /><br />I look forward to your comments. Continued success with your blogging and your studies and have a wonderful new year!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com