Poster source: Positive Outlooks
*
I noticed yesterday that I was happy for no reason; my mind was still while I was cooking. Then when I went into my mind, even if my thoughts were positive, I was pulled out of that space of pure contentment. This confirmed to me that Eckhart Tolle and other sages are right when they teach that we need to stay present. When we get into our heads, we miss the NOW.
*
Yes! The minute we catch ourselves in the natural state of happiness, we start wondering why, and then that’s it..gone! Happiness lies in between the thoughts. Lots of love to you Marie.
Yaz, Yes, happiness is our natural state covered up by thoughts. Love and hugs. 🙂
hear, hear! I need that ! Thank you very much, Marie. 🙂
Subhan Zein
Subhan, I need reminders to stay present myself too, as it’s so easy to get into the past or future.:)
That is true. Well, thank you for your reminder, and by the way, I shared some of the posts in your Facebook Page on my Page, I hope that is fine with you. Thank you and many blessings to you. 🙂
Subhan Zein
Oh, sure! Thank you for sharing! And feel free to continue sharing. 🙂
In fact, I shared two of them on my Facebook Page, because they are awesome. 🙂
Subhan Zein
Everything outside the NOW can be very seductive. Because it is usually all we know; out thoughts, desires, dreams etc are mistakenly attractive. Even if we understand the pricinple of staying in the NOW, we can find ourselves willingly embracing the distractions. To our own blissful dismay. But it is our collective reminders, like this post, that helps centers our journey to being ever present.
Walter, Yes, you are right, we know the principles but get easily seduced to get outside of the NOW. What caught my attention, is that even if I was thinking positive thoughts, it took me out of the purity of the contentment I was experiencing when my mind was still. I had not paid attention to this before; thought it was only the negatives that would have an affect on my NOW.
Wonderful post, Marie.
Happiness for external reasons (especially hedonistic pleasures) can always be taken away. It is happiness for “no reason” that we want to cultivate.
Nancy, Thank you. And yes, that internal peace/happiness for no reason which is our true nature is the one I want to cultivate.
I love the saying on the poster…just be happy! I like that. I have had similar experiences where I’ve almost stopped myself from just a pleasant moment to get back INTO my head…and of course, that can really throw me off! 🙂 Wonderful perspective and I always feel encouraged after stopping by, Marie.
Debra, At least we are aware of what we are doing, and with practice we will learn to stay in the now with a big smile. 🙂
Isn’t it amazing that when one can get out of one’s mind, there is that resting/inner state of contentment and happiness in there, just waiting to be noticed! What a remarkable discovery and how easy it is for me to forget that it’s there, happily waiting for me to rest in it. That poster is just wonderful…Marie, thank you for this post, I benefit from this reminder. : )
Kathy, We had a surprise visit from Phil’s brother and his girlfriend from out of town, and we were all discussing the happiness topic. Phil’s brother says he prefers contentment over happiness, because contentment is a state that doesn’t change much, it’s a constant in his life/being, while happiness is a movement. One day we are happy because of something, the next day we are not… this had me pondering a little more. 🙂
I’ve learned that the steadiness of “contentment” is such a wonderful state…as Phil’s brother says, it’s more of a constant, rather than fluctuating due to reacting to the ups and downs of circumstances. Several years ago, I didn’t have this perspective, but I’ve come to have deeper appreciation for it…..ahhhhh, contentment. : )
I wonder why it is so difficult for humans to enjoy the tension-free present moment as if unhappiness is the state of mind we prefer, and we keep on disturbing ourselves with worries. Thanks for that reminder.
Bindu, Isn’t it amazing how we humans pull ourselves out of peace and contentment? And we have within our inner power to be in this state of happiness. It takes teachers and sages to keep reminding us to not do this. Thanks for your comments!
You were right, this is a very beautiful read dear!!!
Thanks, Veeh! Got your email by the way. 🙂
Hello Marie, thank you for your comments. I appreciate you sharing your story about Omar. I remember you talking about him before. I think that the more we share and publish these stories, the less mystery death will have. And I do think our lives interweave throughout different incarnations. I would love to hear more about your sister’s journey with Omar. I wonder if she’d give permission for you to write about it?We learn a lot through loss, though I must say I wouldn’t consciously choose this kind of pain. But… whatever it takes to get us to the end of this human journey….
Lots of love to you Marie. Nice to chat with you.
Yaz, She doesn’t mind if I share about her. I have written articles here and there about her strength in dealing with the loss, but have never written about her journey with Omar. It’s a story that really should be a book. She and her son were threatened with separation by her Syrian husband from the time he was an infant, and when they were finally free as Omar had come of age and could not legally be sent abroad, he passed away. There is definitely spiritual dynamics going on as there were similarities in a past life.
I write for Hubpages. I wrote this artile four years ago and shared sis touching email about her son. I also shared her art.
http://violetsun.hubpages.com/hub/Life-after-The-Death-of-a-Loved-One—My-Thoughts
Love to you, thanks for the visit! . 🙂
I went over to your site, Marie and was very touched by the article about your sister. She is wonderful, a real inspiration. Her story would grip others, I’m sure. Thank you so much for the referral, Marie. Lots of love to you.
Pingback: Everlasting Happiness « Spirit Lights The Way