Triumphrat

Casper · 12-03-2012, 11:10 AM

The Swedish thing is interesting because if Swedes are seriously unhappy (due to weather and darkness etc.), then why would Denmark be so much happier?

I seem to be going towards the view that happiness is a by product of your normal life, that is, you can't pursue it, but you live your life as fully as possible and happiness/contentment/serenity may follow.

The God thing is also interesting. Many folk who have had near death experiences seem to say that the being they meet (often Jesus) radiates love, joy and peace etc. One guy got stung 5 times by a box jelly fish and his name is Ian McCormack and he made a dvd about the experience as he actually died and had this amazing experience of the after life.

The weather in the UK is usually grey, drab, bleak and raining and that's in July

Seriously, the winter months can be tough and as we're all bikers riding is not so pleasurable. I commute a few miles each day on my do it all bike (the V Strom 650cc) and this takes a shine off riding for pleasure.

God bless you as you seek to find your fulfillment and happiness.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Casper

MAR · 12-03-2012, 02:25 PM

I have found that often people will dewll on the parts of thier lives they are not happy with. Then they complain they are depressed.
I find when you dwell on the parts of your life that bring you joy you are not depressed.
Simple? Perhaps.
It is much like riding and destination fixaction. When you are staring right at a pole you don't want to hit, you head right to it.

jonkster · 12-03-2012, 03:22 PM

Happiness for me comes more when I don't seek it directly.

Riding a bike when I am really focused and not thinking beyond the moment, playing sport, reading a book, making something, fixing things, taking photographs, talking to people etc.

These times I am most happy as I am not thinking if I am enjoying myself or annoyed or bored or if I am happy or whatever, I am just doing what I am doing and I probably wouldn't be even aware I was happy unless you asked me.

My recipe for happiness is do things that are absorbing and don't keep asking myself "am I happy yet?".

Being happy all the time is not something I'd want. Aiming for that would mean I'd miss out on other things that give life depth and value. Doesn't mean I actually want to be sad or miserable but a life that was purely happy would in my mind be rather shallow. So long as I get a good mix I would be happy

Serenity? Nah, not into serenity. Yeah might be nice for short periods of time now and then but I wouldn't want to be living a mostly serene life. If I was I wouldn't be happy!

FabMumSuze · 12-03-2012, 08:03 PM

Exactly Jonk, gotta have the downs in order to truly appreciate the ups. Serenity is a fleeting sensation, to be enjoyed for the quick minute it presents itself.

hanna c · 12-03-2012, 08:17 PM

The son of my employer handed this out a couple years ago. Most of my co workers threw it in the garbage without even reading it. I read it every morning and it has changed my life. It made me aware of my many faults and allowed me to deal with some pretty tough situations. If your looking for serenity this is a good place to start.

Casper · 12-04-2012, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanna c

The son of my employer handed this out a couple years ago. Most of my co workers threw it in the garbage without even reading it. I read it every morning and it has changed my life. It made me aware of my many faults and allowed me to deal with some pretty tough situations. If your looking for serenity this is a good place to start.

Hanna

there is a lot of sense in those points!

Generally, it seems that happiness is a by product of life not a destination in itself.

Here in the UK we are in a recession and our politicians seem completely out of touch. Well IMHO they do. I haven't had a solid regular job since 2009 but I have taken work where I can and I have a loving wife and family, plus my faith in a God who loves me. I can't complain but sometimes I do!

Plus I am now deciding which Bonneville to purchase next - I'm happy

Casper

hlmiskelly · 12-04-2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casper

Generally, it seems that happiness is a by product of life not a destination in itself.

Aristotle could not have said it better.