Mindfulness Check-In June 28, 2023

Image by S. Sagar Unsplash
Do you believe happiness always comes naturally or do you think we need to create events that bring joy into our life? What are you doing to bring joy into your life?
@amiablePeace77
Oooh that's a very thought provoking question!
Personally, I don't like "forcing" happiness, so more of a believer in all things natural and progressive!
But oof, if you 'plan' to do something that naturally brings you happiness/ comfort always, then does that count lol?! I feel it's best of both worlds, so cannot make a pick between the two! 🥰
How about you?
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou
Planning something that naturally brings you joy is a great way to bring more happiness into your life. I believe the more we do this intentionally with simple things, like enjoying outselves in nature, the happier the world becomes. 😃
@amiablePeace77 rightly said!😃
@amiablePeace77 Great question! I think it's about creating the things that we want and need so we can achieve the amount of happiness that we yearn for. If we don't do anything to be happy, we'll always be in the same spot and that in itself creates stagnation and also puts us in a negative mood. 😜
I definitely don't think happiness occurs naturally, meaning I don't think it's something that just spontaneously happens to others. It's something that we have to actively nurture.
It's got me thinking about a few things though. If we take away all of our modern day amenities and technology, all of the things that make life easier for us, would we still be able to be happy? I think it depends entirely on the person and if they are willing to see a different perspective and foster joy and happiness in their lives. The world is a hard place to live in and it's very easy to be down about that. In fact, if we're not careful, we can end up spiraling into a never-ending cycle of negativity. That's why I think happiness is something that we have to focus on and be grateful for. We can provide a place inside us to be happy if we are willing.
I hope that made sense!
@amiablePeace77
Happiness comes from gratitude what we have is a blessing. The more we are thankful for what we have the more we will be thankful and it will unconsciously be satisfying our inner self leading to a state of happiness. Without satisfaction, we can never be happy. However external events are one of the sources of happiness no doubt.
@amiablePeace77
I think the answer depends partially on your genes and environmental factors. Some people seem to be naturally happy without doing anything to cause it. I believe I have genes for depression. I have to work for my happiness.
@amiablePeace77
What a great question this is. And so many good thought provoking responses worth reflecting on.
I try to not have happiness be the goal because that can easily become too much pressure but I think about doing things that will make me feel good, or feel better. Sometimes I just need a walk to clear my head and get un-stuck, to shift my perspective. Along the way I get reminded about beauty and gratitude by seeing butterflies flying around the flowers.