Craig Wilson knows the key to happiness in life. And it may not be what you would expect.
In his recent article, Wilson talks about the Dalai Lama and his book, “The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.” Although the book was written ten years ago, it is being reissued this month, though that’s not surprising considering it sold millions, was on the best-seller list for two years, and was translated into 50 languages.
The Dalai Lama has also written a sequel, “The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World.” This is surely a book I should put on my buy list. His message is simple, something anyone can achieve; happiness is something that can be achieved by daily practice and discipline. Happiness is determined more by one’s state of mind than external events.
Although I have not yet mastered the art of being happy, or really come close for that matter, I have certainly learned that happiness IS a state of mind. Surely what goes on around you will have an effect on you, but you must find a way to not let your state of mind reflect whatever craziness is surrounding you.
Wilson, and the Dalai Lama, says that the whole purpose of life is to achieve happiness. According to the Dalai Lama, our money, our mates (or lack thereof), our physical appearance, none of this has anything to do with our ability to be happy. We are born with everything we need to be happy. Wilson goes on to say that most of us don’t buy this, otherwise we wouldn’t be at the gym, mall, or local bar looking to attain happiness in superficial things. This couldn’t be more true, but that’s our society, and I have a difficult time imagining a drastic change anytime soon.
As much as I want to be happy, I don’t think I will be if I don’t run at least 4 times a week.
Though this article wasn’t the best to stimulate an argument, it was very interesting and entertaining. Maybe I enjoyed it so much because it really hit home, especially the title, “The final word: Cookies and milk make a happy combination.” Wilson says Oreo cookies make him very happy; he can eat an entire sleeve in record time. I too am a strong believer that Oreos ARE milk’s favorite cookie. I eat cookies and milk pretty much every night before I go to bed. I guess that’s why I feel the need to go to the gym every day of the week. It’s a vicious cycle.
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I enjoyed this post very much! What the Dalai Lama said is true, that happiness is a state of mind. This is something that I grew up with my parents telling me over and over. Now that I'm older I understand it compared to when I was younger. I've tried to tell some of my friends about this, but not all of them understand. I've not read the Dalai Lama's first book, but I think I'll look it up and his second one.
ReplyDeleteEven if I was brought up Catholic I can understand and agree with how Buddahism views life. You don't need so much stuff in your life to make you truely happy. In fact, too much unnecessary things could probably turn your life into a landfil.
ReplyDeleteAll I have got to say is stick with the things that put a smile on your face and keep it at a good moderate pace. Trust me, having a cookie and milk at night does not constitute anything negative as long as you have balance in your life, so keep running!
I enjoyed reading this! It was a sort of self-esteem booster. It's very true that happiness is a state of mind. Before I take math tests I always eat chocolate. I eat chocolate because it makes me happy, and I therefore focus better and do well on my tests. The funny hing about that is chocolate medically does not help you focus, and it's really just all in my head.
ReplyDeleteI liked this this post! It is a postive self-esteem booster. I agree that being happy is up to you and the people you have in your life. For me being happy is being with my family and my dog. That is what makes me happy. Also listening to music always makes me be in a good mood, so i agree that it is in your head and up to you.
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