The search for happiness

[RSK]

So, this poem ends positive. It's about our common quest for happiness... it's all we'll ever need!

All I ever wanted
Is happiness in my soul
A simple life to lead
It's all I'll ever need

Happiness comes from somewhere
From deep within the mind
I search and pray to find it
As it's all I'll ever need

Mistakes I've made
Along the way
this train is off the rails
to return to
the happy days
I'll set my sail
Another way

It's not easy
To be alone
to have no one
guide me home

But it's my life
I'll take the lead
the search for happiness
it's all i'll need

[misombra]

everything will get better rk.

hard road to the easy life.

[IndiReloaded]

I like this one b/c it alludes to sailing.

You have soooo much, RK. Perspective.

[Off2College]

I don't understand this. If you want a simple life, why is it so hard? People who lead simple lives don't have to worry about anything, and are typically happy.

[IndiReloaded]

As LW would say, happiness is the ability to say 'I have enough'. Its all about the letting go.

Mushin no shin.

[Mish]

As LW would say, happiness is the ability to say 'I have enough'. Its all about the letting go.

Mushin no shin.

Aha

Happiness is also the knowledge that most things are in your circle of influence. Most things are within your reach. You just have to be motivated to get them.

[IndiReloaded]

Aha

Yep. And a lot of Japanese art & stories (and poems, Mish!) are based on another concept 'mono no aware' (look it up). Its a kind of reminder about the impermanence of things. But its not exactly a sad thing, more an awareness of the poignancy that comes w/ the passing of all things, which can be beautiful in the right frame of mind. The classic example is cherry blossoms (which they have a big festival for in Japan).

[Mish]

Yep. And a lot of Japanese art & stories (and poems, Mish!) are based on another concept 'mono no aware' (look it up). Its a kind of reminder about the impermanence of things. But its not exactly a sad thing, more an awareness of the poignancy that comes w/ the passing of all things, which can be beautiful in the right frame of mind. The classic example is cherry blossoms (which they have a big festival for in Japan).

Interesting. I think this type of perception is especially useful at guarding against obsession and impatience (especially in relationships). It can encourage happiness by motivating the person to rejoice and celebrate what is already there instead of yearn for what is lacking.

But I think ultimately people need to search for and find what they lack. The failure to feel gaps can cause individuals to stagnate. And licence to that is knowledge that in order to recieve one has to acknowledge the want and in order to acknowledge the want one has to acknowledge the lack. Our surroundings are influenced by us, how we use that influence is what guides our achievements and that contributes to our happiness.