~ Dalai Lama ~
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Compassion
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion."
~ Dalai Lama ~
Posted by my friend Nabila on Facebook on the 22-Dec-2011
~ Dalai Lama ~
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
El universo sobre mí de Amaral
Sólo queda una vela
Encendida en medio de la tarta
Y se quiere consumir
Ya se van los invitados
Tú y yo nos miramos
Sin saber bien que decir
Nada que descubra lo que siento
Que este dia fue perfecto y parezco feliz
Nada como que hace nucho tiempo
Que me cuesta sonreir
Quiero vivir, quiero gritar
Quiero sentir el universo sobre mi
Quiero correr en libertad
Quiero encontrar mi sitio
Una broma del destino
Una melodía acelerada
En una cancion que nunca acaba
Ya he tenido suficiente
Necesito a alguien que comprenda
Que estoy sola en medio de un monton de gente
Que puedo hacer...
Quiero vivir, quiero gritar
Quiero sentir el universo sobre mi
Quiero correr en libertad
Quiero llorar de felicidad
Quiero vivir
Quiero sentir el universo sobre mi
Como un naufrago en el mar
Quiero encontrar mi sitio
Sólo encontrar mi sitio
Todos los juguetes rotos
Todos los amantes locos
Todos los zapatos de charol
Todas las casitas de muñecas
Donde celebraba fiestas
Donde solo estaba yo
Quiero vivir, quiero gritar
Quiero sentir el universo sobre mi
Quiero correr en libertad
Quiero llorar de felicidad
...
Sountrack on a video posted on Facebook by Virginia Lanzarote Eco on 21-Dec-2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Here and there
"Happiness is not about getting there, it's about being here" Robert Holden
From www.healyourlife.com, daily affirmations, on Thursday 15th December 2011.
From www.healyourlife.com, daily affirmations, on Thursday 15th December 2011.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Entrevista con Dios (Interview with God)
"Un día comprendí que el silencio vale más que mil palabras!: Un periodista le hizo una entrevista a Dios, al entrar en la habitación le preguntó: ¿qué es lo que más le sorprende de la humanidad? A lo que Dios respondió: que se aburren de ser niños y quieran crecer rápido, para después desear ser niños otra vez. Que desperdicien la salud para hacer dinero y luego pierdan el dinero para recuperar la salud. Que ansían el futuro y olvidan el presente y así no viven ni el presente ni el futuro. Que vivan como si nunca fuesen a morir y mueran como si nunca hubieran vivido....... Quedé en silencio un rato y le dije: Padre, cuáles son las lecciones de vida que quieres que tus hijos aprendamos? Y con una sonrisa respondió: que aprendan que no pueden hacer que nadie los ame sino dejarse amar, que lo mas valioso en la vida no es lo que tenemos sino a quien tenemos, que una persona rica no es quien tiene más sino quien necesita menos y que el dinero puede comprar todo menos la felicidad, QUE EL FISICO ATRAE PERO LA PERSONALIDAD ENAMORA. Que quien NO VALORA lo que tiene, algún día se lamentará por haberlo perdido y que quien hace mal algún día recibirá su merecido. Si quieres ser feliz haz feliz a alguien, si quieres recibir, da un poco de ti, rodéate de buenas personas y se una de ellas. ¡Recuerda, a veces a quien menos esperas es quien te hará vivir buenas experiencias! Nunca arruines tu presente por un pasado que no tiene futuro. Una persona fuerte sabe cómo mantener en orden su vida. Aun con lágrimas en los ojos, se las arregla para decir con una sonrisa, "estoy bien".
Published by my friend Jenny on Facebook on 01-Dec-2011
Published by my friend Jenny on Facebook on 01-Dec-2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The secret of his success
Arnold Schwarzenegger's inspirational speech about his 6 secrets to success:
1. Trust Yourself do whatever makes you happy, what motivates you
2. Break the rules - not the law but the rules, think outside the box
3. Don't be afraid to fail - to make decissions or your never push yourself
4. Don't listen to the nay-sayers - people who say "it can't be done"
5. Work your butt off - no pain no gain
6. Give something back to the community
Posted by my friend Paul on Facebook on the 1st of Dec, 2011
1. Trust Yourself do whatever makes you happy, what motivates you
2. Break the rules - not the law but the rules, think outside the box
3. Don't be afraid to fail - to make decissions or your never push yourself
4. Don't listen to the nay-sayers - people who say "it can't be done"
5. Work your butt off - no pain no gain
6. Give something back to the community
Posted by my friend Paul on Facebook on the 1st of Dec, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Gone in 60 seconds
"Be happy today...For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of HAPPINESS."
Posted by Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook on 29-Nov-2011
Posted by Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook on 29-Nov-2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
5 simple rules
Remember the five simple rules to be happy: Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
Free your mind from worries - Most never happen. Live simply and appreciate what you have. Give more. Expect less.
(email I sent to myself back in 2009, that I found today purely by chance - a message from the past?)
:-)
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Happiness as a profession
Posted by Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook, 10-Nov-2011
Happiness vampires
' "Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth...they drain peace, hope and happiness out of the air around them. Get too near a Dementor and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you. If it can, the Dementor will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself." [from Happy Potter] [amendment 16-Nov-2011: I meant Harry Potter, of course; a happy typo, maybe? ;-) ]
Harry has to fend off these energy vampires. And so do we.
In the land of Hogwarts, Dementors cannot be killed - only chased away and kept at bay with a special charm that is the "magical manifestation of good will and happiness." Same thing in the real world, right? (...) And as I reacquaint myself with joy and gratitude, the Dementors fade into the distance. Good riddance. '
Posted by Liv Lane on her Choosing Beauty blog on the 09-11-2011.
Full text of "Goodbye, Dementors ~ Hello, Happiness" by Liv Lane here.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
El mejor remedio (the best remedy)
"Lo cura todoooo."
(It cures eeeeeverything)
(Smile, it's pays off to be happy)
Posted by my friend Susana R. on Facebook on the 17-Oct-2011
(It cures eeeeeverything)
Posted by my friend Susana R. on Facebook on the 17-Oct-2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Stay smiling and keep running
"The secret to a long and healthy life is to be stress-free. Be grateful for everything you have, stay away from people who are negative, stay smiling and keep running."
17 October 2011 Last updated at 00:31 GMT
Fauja Singh becomes oldest marathon runner
Fauja Singh's translator and coach Harmandar Singh: ''Running has given him a new focus in life''
A 100-year-old Briton has become the world's oldest marathon runner after finishing a race in Canada.
Fauja Singh, from Ilford, east London, ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in eight hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds.The record-holder "hit the wall" at 22 miles but soldiered on for another two hours and finished in 3,850th place, ahead of five other competitors.
Mr Singh, who took up running 11 years ago after his wife and son died, trains every day by running 10 miles.
Curry and tea His coach and translator Harmander Singh said Mr Singh was "overjoyed".
"Earlier, just before we came around the (final) corner, he said, 'achieving this will be like getting married again'.
"He's absolutely overjoyed, he's achieved his lifelong wish."
Born in India in 1911, Mr Singh was a farmer in the Punjab but moved to Britain in the 1960s.
He puts his stamina down to ginger curry, tea and "being happy".
He holds the world record for the over-90 category after running the 2003 Toronto marathon in five hours and 40 minutes. His latest feat earns him another spot in Guinness World Records.
On Thursday he broke another eight records for 100-year-old men by completing all eight distances ranging from 100m to 5,000m.
Mr Singh said: "The secret to a long and healthy life is to be stress-free. Be grateful for everything you have, stay away from people who are negative, stay smiling and keep running."
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15330421
Sent by email by my friend Barbarella
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Happiness is something that you are
"Most people are searching for happiness outside of themselves. That’s a fundamental mistake. Happiness is something that you are, and it comes from the way that you think." Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
On Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's Facebook page, 12-Oct-2011
On Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's Facebook page, 12-Oct-2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
4 reglas para vivir bien, amar con todo tu ser y ser inmesamente feliz (4 rules to life well, love completely and be inmensely happy)
En la India se enseñan las "Cuatro Leyes de la Espiritualidad"
La primera dice:
"La persona que llega es la persona correcta",
es decir que nadie llega a nuestras vidas por casualidad, todas las personas que nos rodean, que interactúan con nosotros, están allí por algo, para hacernos aprender y avanzar en cada situación.
La segunda ley dice:
"Lo que sucede es la única cosa que podía haber sucedido". Nada, pero nada, absolutamente nada de lo que nos sucede en nuestras vidas podría haber sido de otra manera. Ni siquiera el detalle más insignificante. No existe el: "si hubiera hecho tal cosa...hubiera sucedido tal otra...". No. Lo que pasó fue lo único que pudo haber pasado, y tuvo que haber sido así para que aprendamos esa lección y sigamos adelante. Todas y cada una de las situaciones que nos suceden en nuestras vidas son perfectas, aunque nuestra mente y nuestro ego se resistan y no quieran aceptarlo.
La tercera dice:
"En cualquier momento que comience es el momento correcto". Todo comienza en el momento indicado, ni antes, ni después. Cuando estamos preparados para que algo nuevo empiece en nuestras vidas, es allí cuando comenzará.
Y la cuarta y última:
"Cuando algo termina, termina". Simplemente así. Si algo terminó en nuestras vidas, es para nuestra evolución, por lo tanto es mejor dejarlo, seguir adelante y avanzar ya enriquecidos con esa experiencia. Creo que no es casual que estén leyendo esto, si este texto llegue a nuestras vidas hoy ¡es porque estamos preparados para entender que ningún copo de nieve cae alguna vez en el lugar equivocado!
¡Vive Bien, Ama con todo tu Ser y se Inmensamente Feliz!
******************************************************
Shared by my friend Isabel by email on the 23/10/2011
La primera dice:
"La persona que llega es la persona correcta",
es decir que nadie llega a nuestras vidas por casualidad, todas las personas que nos rodean, que interactúan con nosotros, están allí por algo, para hacernos aprender y avanzar en cada situación.
La segunda ley dice:
"Lo que sucede es la única cosa que podía haber sucedido". Nada, pero nada, absolutamente nada de lo que nos sucede en nuestras vidas podría haber sido de otra manera. Ni siquiera el detalle más insignificante. No existe el: "si hubiera hecho tal cosa...hubiera sucedido tal otra...". No. Lo que pasó fue lo único que pudo haber pasado, y tuvo que haber sido así para que aprendamos esa lección y sigamos adelante. Todas y cada una de las situaciones que nos suceden en nuestras vidas son perfectas, aunque nuestra mente y nuestro ego se resistan y no quieran aceptarlo.
La tercera dice:
"En cualquier momento que comience es el momento correcto". Todo comienza en el momento indicado, ni antes, ni después. Cuando estamos preparados para que algo nuevo empiece en nuestras vidas, es allí cuando comenzará.
Y la cuarta y última:
"Cuando algo termina, termina". Simplemente así. Si algo terminó en nuestras vidas, es para nuestra evolución, por lo tanto es mejor dejarlo, seguir adelante y avanzar ya enriquecidos con esa experiencia. Creo que no es casual que estén leyendo esto, si este texto llegue a nuestras vidas hoy ¡es porque estamos preparados para entender que ningún copo de nieve cae alguna vez en el lugar equivocado!
¡Vive Bien, Ama con todo tu Ser y se Inmensamente Feliz!
******************************************************
Shared by my friend Isabel by email on the 23/10/2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Do it your way
"I live my life in my own way
You can't go around being what everyone wants you to be, living your life through other people's rules, and still expect to be happy and have inner peace."
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Posted on Daily afirmations on www.healyourlife.com on the 19-Aug-2011
You can't go around being what everyone wants you to be, living your life through other people's rules, and still expect to be happy and have inner peace."
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Posted on Daily afirmations on www.healyourlife.com on the 19-Aug-2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
No te impidas ser feliz
Muere lentamente,
quien no gira el volante cuando está infeliz
con su trabajo,o su amor,
quien no arriesga lo cierto ni lo incierto
para ir detrás de un sueño
... quien no se permite, ni siquiera una vez en su vida,
huir de los consejos sensatos...
¡Vive hoy!
¡No te dejes morir lentamente!
¡NO TE IMPIDAS SER FELIZ! Pablo Neruda
Posted by my friend Mari on Facebook on the 16-Aug-2011
quien no gira el volante cuando está infeliz
con su trabajo,o su amor,
quien no arriesga lo cierto ni lo incierto
para ir detrás de un sueño
... quien no se permite, ni siquiera una vez en su vida,
huir de los consejos sensatos...
¡Vive hoy!
¡No te dejes morir lentamente!
¡NO TE IMPIDAS SER FELIZ! Pablo Neruda
Posted by my friend Mari on Facebook on the 16-Aug-2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
I choose
"I claim my power now. I have the power to heal my life, and I need to know that. I am not helpless. I have the power of my own mind. My thoughts create the sort of life I live. I no longer choose to think of myself as a victim, for those are powerless thoughts. I have given up complaining and whining. I choose in this present moment to claim the power of my thoughts and use them wisely. I choose thoughts that make me feel happy. I choose thoughts of gratitude and appreciation for life. I am connected with the One Power and Intelligence that created me. I am supported by Life, and I am loved."
By Louise L. Hay.
Source: http://www.healyourlife.com/meditations/louise-l-hay/2011/08/03/louise-hay-meditations
By Louise L. Hay.
Source: http://www.healyourlife.com/meditations/louise-l-hay/2011/08/03/louise-hay-meditations
Easier said than done II
"Quiero que seas feliz aunque no sea conmigo"
Posted by my sister on Facebook on 02-Aug-2011
Line from the song "Aunque No Sea Conmigo" from Celso Piña & Cafe Tacuba featured on the movie "Contracorriente".
Posted by my sister on Facebook on 02-Aug-2011
Line from the song "Aunque No Sea Conmigo" from Celso Piña & Cafe Tacuba featured on the movie "Contracorriente".
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Easier said than done
Happiness: accept it when it appears, and not regret when it's gone
Paulo Coelho on Twitter, 30-July-2011
Paulo Coelho on Twitter, 30-July-2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sin miedo a ser feliz (Not being afraid to be happy)
SIN MIEDO de Rosana (Lunas Rotas)
Sin miedo sientes que la suerte está contigo
Jugando con los duendes abrigándote el camino
Haciendo a cada paso lo mejor de lo vivido
Mejor vivir sin miedo
Sin miedo, lo malo se nos va volviendo bueno
Las calles se confunden con el cielo
Y nos hacemos aves, sobrevolando el suelo, así
Sin miedo, si quieres las estrellas vuelco el cielo
No hay sueños imposibles ni tan lejos
Si somos como niños
Sin miedo a la locura, sin miedo a sonreir
Sin miedo sientes que la suerte está contigo...
Sin miedo, las olas se acarician con el fuego
Si alzamos bien las yemas de los dedos
Podemos de puntillas tocar el universo, así
Sin miedo, las manos se nos llenan de deseos
Que no son imposibles ni están lejos
Si somos como niños
Sin miedo a la ternura, sin miedo a ser feliz
Sin miedo sientes que la suerte está contigo...
Lo malo se nos va volviendo bueno
Si quieres las estrellas vuelco el cielo
Sin miedo a la locura, sin miedo a sonreir.
***
My own English translation available on this link.
Video posted by my sister on my wall on Facebook on the 25-July-2011.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
This day is what you make it
"for you.
from me.
maybe hang it in your bathroom as a daily to-do list.
or stick it on a cabinet in your cubicle.
or slide it into the front of a binder.
put it wherever you need a little reminder that this day is what you make it."
by Liv Lane on http://www.choosingbeauty.com/ , "Free Artwork To Rock Your Day :: Download Here! {07.22.11}"
Posted by Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook on the 23-July-2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Read and learn,and not from me
"Me handsome 5 year old son Charlie says the other day"I know my letters and I know my numbers,and I think I should leave school now,it's getting boreing"Then I go to his 5th birthday party with 15 other 5 year olds,and I observe them all laughing going mad,acting the maggot etc.I think to myself,they have no alcohol or any other chemical in them.My son is right,fuck school,it will only send them all on this fcked up road,to what we adults are sure we call life.He has allready got the basics,1.He can spell and work nubers,and 2.he knows not to look down on others,and help anyway he can,and he is happy in that simple life,and we want to educate him?????He is educating us much more then we could ever hope to educate him. Teacher/parents,leave them kids alone,all and all,it's just another brick in the wall............."
Posted by Charlies Bar Lanzarote on Facebook on 16-July-20111
Posted by Charlies Bar Lanzarote on Facebook on 16-July-20111
Thursday, July 14, 2011
What Makes Us Happy?
By Lisa Farino for MSN Health & Fitness
What Makes Us Happy?
In recent years, researchers have attempted to use a variety of statistics and surveys to answer a question that’s occupied countless generations of philosophers: What makes us truly happy?
While some evidence suggests that happiness may be linked, in part, to relative wealth—how we’re doing compared to those around us—overall the old adage that money doesn't buy happiness seems to hold true.
"We are materially so much better off than we were 50 years ago, but we're not one iota happier," says Chris Peterson, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan.
That's no surprise to happiness expert David Myers, who sees happiness as more closely correlated with people rather than things. "We humans have a deep need to belong—to connect with others in close, supportive, intimate, caring relationships," he says. "People who have such close relationships are more likely to report themselves 'very happy.'"
We've compiled a list of eight factors that influence rates of happiness and depression. Many of these factors vary from city to city and region to region. Here's your chance to see how your city compares.
Happily Married
Is getting married one of the keys to a happy life? A 2006 report from the Pew Research Center suggests so—43 percent of married women and men reported being "very happy," while only 24 percent of unmarried men and women said the same.
Interestingly enough, the happy halo that shines over married couples isn't the result of having kids—those with children were just as likely to be happy as those without.
Rather, there seems to be something about marriage itself that boosts both men’s and women’s feelings of well-being in life.
"Recent research suggests that people become less depressed and less lonely after they get married," says Linda Waite, a sociology professor at the University of Chicago and author of The Case for Marriage.
After all, it's harder to be lonely when you've got a loved one to come home to every night.
According to Waite, men benefit even more than women from having a life-long companion. "Women will talk to everyone," says Waite, "But most men tend to rely on their wives as their main confidant."
In addition, women—typically the social planners in a relationship—ensure that the men stay connected to family and friends, another source of happiness.
And what about all that nagging that wives are so famous for? Turns out it pays off. Men who are married drink less, smoke less, eat better, get more sleep, and engage in less risky behavior than their unmarried peers. The end result: Married men are healthier, and since health is linked to happiness, they're happier too.
(...)
A Reason to Believe
Americans are one of the most religious people in the western world. And with good reason. In the United States, attending religious services at least once a week is a strong predictor of happiness.
A 2006 report by the Pew Research Center found that 43 percent of people who attend church at least once a week reported being "very happy" while only 26 percent of those who attend “seldom or never” said the same.
It doesn’t matter which faith you profess. The key is regular attendance.
Why should being religious bring us so much happiness?
"Religious communities provide people with opportunities to support others in need," says Harold G. Koenig, M.D. professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University. "Contributing to the lives of others provides a deep sense of happiness and joy. If you can relieve someone’s pain or provide for some of their basic needs, it fills you with a feeling that’s hard to replicate."
In addition, just about every major religion encourages us to take good care of our bodies. For instance, religious people are less likely to drink heavily or smoke, say Koenig.
As a result, religious people are healthier, and health is one of the biggest predictors of happiness.
(...)
Let the Sunshine In
The region of the country you live in can impact your risk of suffering from depression—at least from November through April.
That's because those living in the northern part of the country are more at risk of suffering from seasonal affective disorder, a form of clinical depression brought on in the winter months by the shortening of the days and the later sunrise.
"In the United States, SAD is about five times more prevalent in the northern tier of states than in the far south," says Dr. Michael Terman, Director of the Center for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms at the Columbia University Medical Center.
But SAD is just the tip of the iceberg, explains Terman. "Less severe 'winter doldrums' occur at least three times more frequently than winter depression. Even more people experience one or more symptoms of winter depression—such as overeating or oversleeping—even though their mood stays under control."
Whatever the degree of impairment, symptoms tend to resolve in the spring. "Certainly there is no lack of happiness up north for the six months from May to October," Terman says.
(...)
He Works Hard for His Happiness
Does working make you unhappy or happy? The answer: It depends. Toiling away at a job you hate may eat away at your happiness over time. But overall, being unemployed is worse for your state of mind than being employed—at least, that is, if you’re a guy.
The Pew Research Center found that the percentage of men who said they were "very happy" was significantly lower for unemployed men (16 percent) than for employed men (37 percent). Unemployment had little impact on women’s happiness.
The Pew researchers speculate that this is because more women than men are unemployed by choice, although the study didn’t attempt to tease apart that difference.
Chris Peterson, a happiness researcher at the University of Michigan, suspects there are other factors at play as well. "Other studies have found that if a man loses his job, it can have both short-term and long-term psychological effects, even if he finds another job with equal salary," he says. "For women it’s not unemployment that leads to unhappiness, but divorce."
In addition, Peterson stresses that money matters less than you'd think. "The engaged custodian is more likely to be happy than the independently wealthy, unengaged millionaire," he says. "We didn't evolve to be retired and sit on the couch."
(...)
As Long As You Have Your Health
Perhaps it comes as no surprise to find that healthier people are happier than those who aren’t as healthy. In fact, a 2006 report published by the Pew Research Center found that 48 percent of people who rated their health as "excellent" described themselves as "very happy," while only 15 percent of those who rated their health as "poor" said the same.
After all, it's harder to be happy when living with chronic pain or illness or when faced with a potentially life-threatening condition.
While health is strongly tied to happiness, lack of health is even more strongly correlated with lack of happiness. Of those who rated their health as "poor," a whopping 55 percent described themselves as "not too happy," while only 6 percent of those in "excellent" health said the same.
According to the Pew Research Center, health—along with religion and marriage—were among the strongest predictors of happiness, even when adjusting for a variety of other variables.
(...)
Time for Family, Friends, and Community
In the growing field of happiness research, one thing is overwhelmingly clear. People who are socially engaged are more likely to be happy—and less likely to be depressed—than those who aren’t.
In fact, the 2005 Time Magazine poll found that the four most significant sources of happiness— children (77 percent), friendships (76 percent), contributing to the lives of others (75 percent), and spouse/partner (73 percent)—all involved spending meaningful time with other people.
The problem: "We're so caught up with extraordinary work burdens, we don't have time to enjoy the people we love or contribute to the lives of others," says Post.
That time crunch is quite real, says John de Graaf, president of the public policy organization Take Back Your Time. "Compared to 30 years ago, the average family now spends an extra 500 hours per year working outside the home."
We’re also spending more time getting to work and back.
"Traffic is getting worse and we’re not investing in mass transit," says de Graaf. "Most of the data I’ve seen shows that we’ve doubled our average commute times in the past generation."
Obviously, it depends on where you live—and where you work. Those most impacted: affluent families who chose even larger homes over living closer to work, and younger families who are priced out of homes of any size closer to centers of employment.
(...)
Giving for Your Own Good
This may come as a surprise to the "Me Generation," but happiness doesn’t come from living in a big house, buying the latest techno-gadget, and getting stamps from exotic locales in your passport.
In fact, a 2005 poll by Time Magazine found that helping others was a major source of happiness for 75 percent of Americans.
"Volunteering is an opportunity to be socially engaged and contribute to the lives of others," says Stephen Post, a professor at Case Western Reserve University who co-authored the book Why Good Things Happen to Good People with Jill Neimark. "It's not material goods that make us happy—it's having purpose and meaning in our lives."
In fact, some recent research suggests that we're actually hard-wired for helping. Even thinking about helping others is enough to stimulate the part of our brain associated with feel-good chemicals like oxytocin.
Helping others doesn't just make us happier, there’s also evidence it makes us healthier too. "Recent research out of England shows that cities with higher rates of volunteerism had the lower rates of depression and heart disease," says Post.
Don't have a lot of free time? No worries. People who volunteer just two hours per week (100 hours per year) enjoy lower rates of depression and better physical health.
(...)
Good Urban Design
What does urban design have to do with happiness? More than you might think.
"The data strongly suggests that real community and real friendships are important keys to happiness," says Post. "Some cities make that possible in ways that others don't."
Post explains how urban design can facilitate social interaction—or work against it.
"Forty years ago, neighborhoods had sidewalks, front porches, and parks—geographical opportunities for people to be socially engaged," he says. "In many communities today, we are lacking these things. We don't know our neighbors anymore. We just get into our car pods and never see anyone. We no longer have the opportunity to stumble upon happiness by being good neighbors in our communities."
Good urban design and effective mass transportation can also determine how much time we spend commuting to work, and how much time we spend behind the wheel of a car running errands—both of which ultimately impact the amount of time we have for joyfully engaging with friends, family, and community.
For the full original article, click here.
Posted by Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook on 14-July-2011
What Makes Us Happy?
In recent years, researchers have attempted to use a variety of statistics and surveys to answer a question that’s occupied countless generations of philosophers: What makes us truly happy?
While some evidence suggests that happiness may be linked, in part, to relative wealth—how we’re doing compared to those around us—overall the old adage that money doesn't buy happiness seems to hold true.
"We are materially so much better off than we were 50 years ago, but we're not one iota happier," says Chris Peterson, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan.
That's no surprise to happiness expert David Myers, who sees happiness as more closely correlated with people rather than things. "We humans have a deep need to belong—to connect with others in close, supportive, intimate, caring relationships," he says. "People who have such close relationships are more likely to report themselves 'very happy.'"
We've compiled a list of eight factors that influence rates of happiness and depression. Many of these factors vary from city to city and region to region. Here's your chance to see how your city compares.
Happily Married
Is getting married one of the keys to a happy life? A 2006 report from the Pew Research Center suggests so—43 percent of married women and men reported being "very happy," while only 24 percent of unmarried men and women said the same.
Interestingly enough, the happy halo that shines over married couples isn't the result of having kids—those with children were just as likely to be happy as those without.
Rather, there seems to be something about marriage itself that boosts both men’s and women’s feelings of well-being in life.
"Recent research suggests that people become less depressed and less lonely after they get married," says Linda Waite, a sociology professor at the University of Chicago and author of The Case for Marriage.
After all, it's harder to be lonely when you've got a loved one to come home to every night.
According to Waite, men benefit even more than women from having a life-long companion. "Women will talk to everyone," says Waite, "But most men tend to rely on their wives as their main confidant."
In addition, women—typically the social planners in a relationship—ensure that the men stay connected to family and friends, another source of happiness.
And what about all that nagging that wives are so famous for? Turns out it pays off. Men who are married drink less, smoke less, eat better, get more sleep, and engage in less risky behavior than their unmarried peers. The end result: Married men are healthier, and since health is linked to happiness, they're happier too.
(...)
A Reason to Believe
Americans are one of the most religious people in the western world. And with good reason. In the United States, attending religious services at least once a week is a strong predictor of happiness.
A 2006 report by the Pew Research Center found that 43 percent of people who attend church at least once a week reported being "very happy" while only 26 percent of those who attend “seldom or never” said the same.
It doesn’t matter which faith you profess. The key is regular attendance.
Why should being religious bring us so much happiness?
"Religious communities provide people with opportunities to support others in need," says Harold G. Koenig, M.D. professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University. "Contributing to the lives of others provides a deep sense of happiness and joy. If you can relieve someone’s pain or provide for some of their basic needs, it fills you with a feeling that’s hard to replicate."
In addition, just about every major religion encourages us to take good care of our bodies. For instance, religious people are less likely to drink heavily or smoke, say Koenig.
As a result, religious people are healthier, and health is one of the biggest predictors of happiness.
(...)
Let the Sunshine In
The region of the country you live in can impact your risk of suffering from depression—at least from November through April.
That's because those living in the northern part of the country are more at risk of suffering from seasonal affective disorder, a form of clinical depression brought on in the winter months by the shortening of the days and the later sunrise.
"In the United States, SAD is about five times more prevalent in the northern tier of states than in the far south," says Dr. Michael Terman, Director of the Center for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms at the Columbia University Medical Center.
But SAD is just the tip of the iceberg, explains Terman. "Less severe 'winter doldrums' occur at least three times more frequently than winter depression. Even more people experience one or more symptoms of winter depression—such as overeating or oversleeping—even though their mood stays under control."
Whatever the degree of impairment, symptoms tend to resolve in the spring. "Certainly there is no lack of happiness up north for the six months from May to October," Terman says.
(...)
He Works Hard for His Happiness
Does working make you unhappy or happy? The answer: It depends. Toiling away at a job you hate may eat away at your happiness over time. But overall, being unemployed is worse for your state of mind than being employed—at least, that is, if you’re a guy.
The Pew Research Center found that the percentage of men who said they were "very happy" was significantly lower for unemployed men (16 percent) than for employed men (37 percent). Unemployment had little impact on women’s happiness.
The Pew researchers speculate that this is because more women than men are unemployed by choice, although the study didn’t attempt to tease apart that difference.
Chris Peterson, a happiness researcher at the University of Michigan, suspects there are other factors at play as well. "Other studies have found that if a man loses his job, it can have both short-term and long-term psychological effects, even if he finds another job with equal salary," he says. "For women it’s not unemployment that leads to unhappiness, but divorce."
In addition, Peterson stresses that money matters less than you'd think. "The engaged custodian is more likely to be happy than the independently wealthy, unengaged millionaire," he says. "We didn't evolve to be retired and sit on the couch."
(...)
As Long As You Have Your Health
Perhaps it comes as no surprise to find that healthier people are happier than those who aren’t as healthy. In fact, a 2006 report published by the Pew Research Center found that 48 percent of people who rated their health as "excellent" described themselves as "very happy," while only 15 percent of those who rated their health as "poor" said the same.
After all, it's harder to be happy when living with chronic pain or illness or when faced with a potentially life-threatening condition.
While health is strongly tied to happiness, lack of health is even more strongly correlated with lack of happiness. Of those who rated their health as "poor," a whopping 55 percent described themselves as "not too happy," while only 6 percent of those in "excellent" health said the same.
According to the Pew Research Center, health—along with religion and marriage—were among the strongest predictors of happiness, even when adjusting for a variety of other variables.
(...)
Time for Family, Friends, and Community
In the growing field of happiness research, one thing is overwhelmingly clear. People who are socially engaged are more likely to be happy—and less likely to be depressed—than those who aren’t.
In fact, the 2005 Time Magazine poll found that the four most significant sources of happiness— children (77 percent), friendships (76 percent), contributing to the lives of others (75 percent), and spouse/partner (73 percent)—all involved spending meaningful time with other people.
The problem: "We're so caught up with extraordinary work burdens, we don't have time to enjoy the people we love or contribute to the lives of others," says Post.
That time crunch is quite real, says John de Graaf, president of the public policy organization Take Back Your Time. "Compared to 30 years ago, the average family now spends an extra 500 hours per year working outside the home."
We’re also spending more time getting to work and back.
"Traffic is getting worse and we’re not investing in mass transit," says de Graaf. "Most of the data I’ve seen shows that we’ve doubled our average commute times in the past generation."
Obviously, it depends on where you live—and where you work. Those most impacted: affluent families who chose even larger homes over living closer to work, and younger families who are priced out of homes of any size closer to centers of employment.
(...)
Giving for Your Own Good
This may come as a surprise to the "Me Generation," but happiness doesn’t come from living in a big house, buying the latest techno-gadget, and getting stamps from exotic locales in your passport.
In fact, a 2005 poll by Time Magazine found that helping others was a major source of happiness for 75 percent of Americans.
"Volunteering is an opportunity to be socially engaged and contribute to the lives of others," says Stephen Post, a professor at Case Western Reserve University who co-authored the book Why Good Things Happen to Good People with Jill Neimark. "It's not material goods that make us happy—it's having purpose and meaning in our lives."
In fact, some recent research suggests that we're actually hard-wired for helping. Even thinking about helping others is enough to stimulate the part of our brain associated with feel-good chemicals like oxytocin.
Helping others doesn't just make us happier, there’s also evidence it makes us healthier too. "Recent research out of England shows that cities with higher rates of volunteerism had the lower rates of depression and heart disease," says Post.
Don't have a lot of free time? No worries. People who volunteer just two hours per week (100 hours per year) enjoy lower rates of depression and better physical health.
(...)
Good Urban Design
What does urban design have to do with happiness? More than you might think.
"The data strongly suggests that real community and real friendships are important keys to happiness," says Post. "Some cities make that possible in ways that others don't."
Post explains how urban design can facilitate social interaction—or work against it.
"Forty years ago, neighborhoods had sidewalks, front porches, and parks—geographical opportunities for people to be socially engaged," he says. "In many communities today, we are lacking these things. We don't know our neighbors anymore. We just get into our car pods and never see anyone. We no longer have the opportunity to stumble upon happiness by being good neighbors in our communities."
Good urban design and effective mass transportation can also determine how much time we spend commuting to work, and how much time we spend behind the wheel of a car running errands—both of which ultimately impact the amount of time we have for joyfully engaging with friends, family, and community.
For the full original article, click here.
Posted by Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook on 14-July-2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Choose joy everyday
"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." ~Henri Nouwen
Posted by Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook on 06-July-2011
Posted by Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook on 06-July-2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Happiness comes in small packages (Italian text)
E crescendo impari che la felicità non e' quella delle grandi cose.
Non e' quella che si insegue a vent'anni, quando, come gladiatori si combatte il mondo per uscirne vittoriosi...
la felicità non e' quella che affanosamente si insegue credendo che l'amore sia tutto o niente,. ..
non e' quella delle emozioni forti che fanno il "botto" e che esplodono fuori con tuoni spettacolari...
la felicità non e' quella di grattacieli da scalare, di sfide da vincere mettendosi continuamente alla prova.
Crescendo impari che la felicità e' fatta di cose piccole ma preziose...
...e impari che il profumo del caffe' al mattino e' un piccolo rituale di felicità, che bastano le note di una canzone, le sensazioni di un libro dai colori che scaldano il cuore, che bastano gli aromi di una cucina, la poesia dei pittori della felicità, che basta il muso del tuo gatto o del tuo cane per sentire una felicità lieve.
E impari che la felicità e' fatta di emozioni in punta di piedi, di piccole esplosioni che in sordina allargano il cuore, che le stelle ti possono commuovere e il sole far brillare gli occhi,
e impari che un campo di girasoli sa illuminarti il volto, che il profumo della primavera ti sveglia dall'inverno, e che sederti a leggere all'ombra di un albero rilassa e libera i pensieri.
E impari che l'amore e' fatto di sensazioni delicate, di piccole scintille allo stomaco, di presenze vicine anche se lontane, e impari che il tempo si dilata e che quei 5 minuti sono preziosi e lunghi più di tante ore,
e impari che basta chiudere gli occhi, accendere i sensi, sfornellare in cucina, leggere una poesia, scrivere su un libro o guardare una foto per annullare il tempo e le distanze ed essere con chi ami.
E impari che sentire una voce al telefono, ricevere un messaggio inaspettato, sono piccolo attimi felici.
E impari ad avere, nel cassetto e nel cuore, sogni piccoli ma preziosi.
E impari che tenere in braccio un bimbo e' una deliziosa felicità.
E impari che i regali più grandi sono quelli che parlano delle persone che ami...
E impari che c'e' felicità anche in quella urgenza di scrivere su un foglio i tuoi pensieri, che c'e' qualcosa di amaramente felice anche nella malinconia.
E impari che nonostante le tue difese,
nonostante il tuo volere o il tuo destino,
in ogni gabbiano che vola c'e' nel cuore un piccolo-grande
Jonathan Livingston.
E impari quanto sia bella e grandiosa la semplicità.
Non e' quella che si insegue a vent'anni, quando, come gladiatori si combatte il mondo per uscirne vittoriosi...
la felicità non e' quella che affanosamente si insegue credendo che l'amore sia tutto o niente,. ..
non e' quella delle emozioni forti che fanno il "botto" e che esplodono fuori con tuoni spettacolari...
la felicità non e' quella di grattacieli da scalare, di sfide da vincere mettendosi continuamente alla prova.
Crescendo impari che la felicità e' fatta di cose piccole ma preziose...
...e impari che il profumo del caffe' al mattino e' un piccolo rituale di felicità, che bastano le note di una canzone, le sensazioni di un libro dai colori che scaldano il cuore, che bastano gli aromi di una cucina, la poesia dei pittori della felicità, che basta il muso del tuo gatto o del tuo cane per sentire una felicità lieve.
E impari che la felicità e' fatta di emozioni in punta di piedi, di piccole esplosioni che in sordina allargano il cuore, che le stelle ti possono commuovere e il sole far brillare gli occhi,
e impari che un campo di girasoli sa illuminarti il volto, che il profumo della primavera ti sveglia dall'inverno, e che sederti a leggere all'ombra di un albero rilassa e libera i pensieri.
E impari che l'amore e' fatto di sensazioni delicate, di piccole scintille allo stomaco, di presenze vicine anche se lontane, e impari che il tempo si dilata e che quei 5 minuti sono preziosi e lunghi più di tante ore,
e impari che basta chiudere gli occhi, accendere i sensi, sfornellare in cucina, leggere una poesia, scrivere su un libro o guardare una foto per annullare il tempo e le distanze ed essere con chi ami.
E impari che sentire una voce al telefono, ricevere un messaggio inaspettato, sono piccolo attimi felici.
E impari ad avere, nel cassetto e nel cuore, sogni piccoli ma preziosi.
E impari che tenere in braccio un bimbo e' una deliziosa felicità.
E impari che i regali più grandi sono quelli che parlano delle persone che ami...
E impari che c'e' felicità anche in quella urgenza di scrivere su un foglio i tuoi pensieri, che c'e' qualcosa di amaramente felice anche nella malinconia.
E impari che nonostante le tue difese,
nonostante il tuo volere o il tuo destino,
in ogni gabbiano che vola c'e' nel cuore un piccolo-grande
Jonathan Livingston.
E impari quanto sia bella e grandiosa la semplicità.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The universe playing ball
"Just when we think we figure things out, the universe throws us a curved ball (...) so we have to improvise. (...) We find happinesss in unexpected places. (...) We find our way back to the things that matter the most. (...) The universe is funny that way. Sometimes it just has a way of making sure we end that exactly where we belong".
Grey's Anatomy, Series 7, Episode 20
Grey's Anatomy, Series 7, Episode 20
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Deja que la felicidad te atrape (let happiness catch up with you)
"Dicen que todo lo que nosotros estamos buscando, también nos busca a nosotros y que, si nos quedamos quietos nos encontrará. Es algo que lleva mucho tiempo esperándonos. En cuanto llegue, no te muevas. Descansa. Ya verás lo que ocurre a continuación. Tengo que elegir mujeres que hayan dejado algo positivo en mi vida y de las que crea que quieran participar. Creo que si este grupo de mujeres estuviera en una habitación juntas, nada sería imposible. Espero elegir las correctas. Espero que mis abrazos y gestos de gratitud y amor te recuerden lo especial que eres. Deseo que hoy experimentes paz dentro de ti, que confíes que te encuentras exactamente donde debes estar, que no olvides las posibilidades infinitas que nacen de la confianza en ti misma y en otras/os, que utilices los dones que has recibido y que transmitas a otras/os el amor que se te ha dado. Deseo que estés feliz contigo misma por lo que eres. Deja esta sabiduría asentarse en tus huesos y deja a tu alma cantar, bailar y amar libremente. Está ahí para cada una de nosotras" .
Sent by email by my friend Isabel on the 18-June-2011
Sent by email by my friend Isabel on the 18-June-2011
Divide & win
"Happiness is something that multiplies when it is divided."
Posted by Paulo Coelho on Twitter on 18-June-2011
Posted by Paulo Coelho on Twitter on 18-June-2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Being wrong but happy
"I no longer try to be right, I choose to be happy"
Posted on Facebook by my friend Giorgia on 05-June-2011
Posted on Facebook by my friend Giorgia on 05-June-2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Dílo con flores / Say it with flowers
"El destino une y separa a las personas,
pero no existe ninguna fuerza que sea tan grande
que haga olvidar a las personas
que, por algún motivo,
algún día nos hicieron felices"...
Hay un momento en la vida que tú sabes
quien es importante para tí,
quien nunca lo fué,
quien ya no lo es
y quien lo será siempre.
Te voy a proponer un juego. Envía estas flores a todas las personas que tú no quieres perder de vista, incluyéndome a mí, si es el caso y espera a ver si recibes una docena de ramos.
¡VERÁS QUE NO ES FÁCIL!
pero no existe ninguna fuerza que sea tan grande
que haga olvidar a las personas
que, por algún motivo,
algún día nos hicieron felices"...
Hay un momento en la vida que tú sabes
quien es importante para tí,
quien nunca lo fué,
quien ya no lo es
y quien lo será siempre.
Te voy a proponer un juego. Envía estas flores a todas las personas que tú no quieres perder de vista, incluyéndome a mí, si es el caso y espera a ver si recibes una docena de ramos.
¡VERÁS QUE NO ES FÁCIL!
Enviado por email por mi amiga Isabel P. el 03-06-2011
Heaven on Earth
"...by choosing to be happy, rather than trying to be good, we can create our own heaven on earth. :)"
and
"I'm sure we can, yes! :P But I've learned nobody can make anybody else's "truly" happy (or unhappy). I believe we are the only one responsible for our own happiness. ...but of course once we've found it we can only share it with others and that results in giving love, unconditional love... deal?!? :)"
posted by my friend Freddy on Facebook on 03-June-2011
and
"I'm sure we can, yes! :P But I've learned nobody can make anybody else's "truly" happy (or unhappy). I believe we are the only one responsible for our own happiness. ...but of course once we've found it we can only share it with others and that results in giving love, unconditional love... deal?!? :)"
posted by my friend Freddy on Facebook on 03-June-2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
All you need is... 8 words!
“The Eight Words”
I
AM
ALWAYS
TRUTHFUL,
AM
ALWAYS
TRUTHFUL,
POSITIVE,
AND
HELPING
OTHERS
http://www.howtobehappy.org/© 2010 by Michael Anthony
How to be Happy & Have Fun Changing the World
Sunday, May 1, 2011
El dinero no hace la felicidad (Money doesn't buy happiness)
"(...) con nuestra mentalidad nos estamos cargando nuestra felicidad haciéndonos creer que nunca tenemos lo suficiente para ser felices y, de paso, nos estamos cargando el mundo."
Para el texto original completo "Obsolescencia programada" de Dámaris García Puga, haz click aquí :
Friday, April 29, 2011
The best invitation ever!
"You are cordially invited to..."
Posted by Jason Mraz on Facebook on the 28-Apr-2011
Posted by Jason Mraz on Facebook on the 28-Apr-2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Felicidad interna (inner happiness)
"El ser humano busca la felicidad fuera de él, cuando la verdadera y estable felicidad se halla en su interior."
Ana Cecilia Vera - hacialoqquierasserarrobagmail.com
Click here to see the whole article.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
La ignoracia es dicha (Ignorance is bliss)
“Cada vez que hablo con un sabio, tengo la impresión que la felicidad no existe, pero cuando hablo con mi jardinero, me convenzo de todo lo contrario”.
Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Russell
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
You are the boss
"No one is in charge of your happiness but you"
Paulo Coelho on Twitter, 08-Apr-2011
Paulo Coelho on Twitter, 08-Apr-2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
El dinero no hace la felicidad... pero ayuda (Money doesn't bring happiness... but it helps)
"Todo parece indicar que Florence Foster Jenkins murió con el mismo feliz y convencido sentido de plenitud que prevaleció durante toda su vida artística."
From Wikipedia.
Video posted by my friend Oscar on Facebook, 07-Apr-2011
From Wikipedia.
Video posted by my friend Oscar on Facebook, 07-Apr-2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Sex: a happy ending
"A vida é como o sexo: se você quer um final feliz, não se apresse"
Paulo Coelho on Twitter
Paulo Coelho on Twitter
Friday, April 1, 2011
Haz feliz a alguien (Make someone happy)
"Me encantaba hacer feliz a mi hermana, era tan fácil… "
Capítulo 2 de la novela "La escalera de Jacob" de Dámaris García
Capítulo 2 de la novela "La escalera de Jacob" de Dámaris García
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Amabilidad = felicidad (kindness = happiness)
“Hoy, sé amable. Hoy, serás más feliz”
Cartel visto en la oficina de correos de Puerto del Carmen, correspondiente a la 2ª campaña “Hoy, sé amable. Hoy, serás más feliz” para disminuir la violencia y la agresividad y mejorar las relaciones personales representada por 24/7 Media, Madrid octubre de 2000 para seamable.org (no en uso, desafortunadamente).
Artículo entero aquí
Cartel visto en la oficina de correos de Puerto del Carmen, correspondiente a la 2ª campaña “Hoy, sé amable. Hoy, serás más feliz” para disminuir la violencia y la agresividad y mejorar las relaciones personales representada por 24/7 Media, Madrid octubre de 2000 para seamable.org (no en uso, desafortunadamente).
Artículo entero aquí
Monday, March 28, 2011
Happily Ever Now
by Jason Mraz on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 10:33pm
Do not despair. Do not be disappointed if you see that you cannot accomplish all the good which you would like to accomplish. If you fail, try to stand up; try to overcome the obstacle before you. Get to the heart of the matter, to the essence of things.
-Thank You Marcus Aurelius
It is a CONSTANT practice to not make myself WRONG for nearly everything I do. For oversleeping, for not speaking up, for wasting water, for buying gas… which reminds me. My friend Bushwalla bought gas for 1.39 the other day! Whoa really?! Where? …Taco Bell he said.
I miss the days of ignorance, before I’d seen any documentary about fuel, famine, flood, war, or food (farmed, packaged, or of the mystery meat variety.) I miss the blissful touring around before having peered at glimpses of an exhausted planet. I miss the view of life I used to have before making up new possibilities for sustainability. It is due to these new hopeful views that I make myself wrong for anything that isn’t in alignment with… I shant say 'saving the world.' Instead I’ll use, “prolonging our experience on earth.” It is suffice to say, the earth will outlive its inhabitants. So, do we do for each other, or do we do for the whole?
I type this today with hands still smathered in matte medium, a kind of paste/acrylic sealer I use when getting crafty. Below is the collage I made last night during the The Makepeace Brothers with Matt & Avasa Love show. I danced near the side of the stage pulling images from Life and National Geographic magazines and pasted them together to create a cosmic landscape complete with celestial amphitheatre called, Happily Ever Now. We auctioned it off to the sold-out crowd for $800 - all of which went to SuperFoodDrive for the healthy feeding of 4000 people!
My decision to cut back on flushing finds me peeing down the shower drain. If he can't take it outside, invite your man to do the same. ...But where does it stop? Human compostable toilets work great too. Sigh.
I leave you with a Haiku.
We harvest the sunAnd we harvest the rainfallThis makes me happy
I drive a hybridBut prefer to ride my bikeThis too makes me gay
When I wake up lateI guess I'm saving the worldBy not wasting more
I am that I amI am love AND the problemHappily Ever
Now.
P.S. - Go see the documentary - I AM - In select theatres NOW.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Same amount of work
"We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same."
Carlos Castaneda
Quoted by Josh Radnor here
Carlos Castaneda
Quoted by Josh Radnor here
Balance, order, rhythm & harmony
"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony." Thomas Merton
From "50 reasons to believe in you" by Kim Beebe, Jenny Funk, Becky Beissel
The Soul Sisters
www.SoulspringGroups.com
From "50 reasons to believe in you" by Kim Beebe, Jenny Funk, Becky Beissel
The Soul Sisters
www.SoulspringGroups.com
Friday, March 25, 2011
Yo quiero ser un lobo (I want to be a wolf)
"Yo quiero ser un lobo y vivir en una tierra no contaminada, con bisontes pastando en las praderas como aquellos que quedaron pintados en la cueva de Altamira; y cantaría a la luna por la felicidad infinita de vivir en un mundo así".
Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente
Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Grateful for the gardeners
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust
From "50 reasons to believe in you" by Kim Beebe, Jenny Funk, Becky Beissel
The Soul Sisters
www.SoulspringGroups.com
From "50 reasons to believe in you" by Kim Beebe, Jenny Funk, Becky Beissel
The Soul Sisters
www.SoulspringGroups.com
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Be happy by being self(ish)?
"You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy."
From "50 reasons to believe in you" by Kim Beebe, Jenny Funk, Becky Beissel
The Soul Sisters
www.SoulspringGroups.com
From "50 reasons to believe in you" by Kim Beebe, Jenny Funk, Becky Beissel
The Soul Sisters
www.SoulspringGroups.com
Ghosts, happiness and fortune: a Canarian Irish connection
"THE GHOST ISLAND: SAN BORONDON (SAINT BRENDAN)
The Canaries are seven islands... but an eigth isle is still searched! It is the ghost island, the mysterious one, the island of San Borondón. San Borondón is the Canarian name of Saint Brendan or Saint Brandan of Clonfert (480-576 d.C.), an Irish monk who plays the lead in one of the most famous legends of the Celtic culture: the voyage of Saint Brendan or Brandan to the Promised Land of the Saints, the Islands of Happiness and Fortune. "
The Canaries are seven islands... but an eigth isle is still searched! It is the ghost island, the mysterious one, the island of San Borondón. San Borondón is the Canarian name of Saint Brendan or Saint Brandan of Clonfert (480-576 d.C.), an Irish monk who plays the lead in one of the most famous legends of the Celtic culture: the voyage of Saint Brendan or Brandan to the Promised Land of the Saints, the Islands of Happiness and Fortune. "
For the full article click here.
You can also check St Brendan's Island and St Brendan.
Map: Guillaume Delisle, North West Africa 1707
The purpose of life is not to be happy
“The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.” Leo Rosten
From "50 reasons to believe in you" by Kim Beebe, Jenny Funk, Becky Beissel
The Soul Sisters
www.SoulspringGroups.com
From "50 reasons to believe in you" by Kim Beebe, Jenny Funk, Becky Beissel
The Soul Sisters
www.SoulspringGroups.com
Fake it ‘til you make it
Have you ever heard the saying, “Fake it ‘til you make it”? Well, it’s Act Happy Week and while we would never condone stuffing your feelings or squelching your truth, there are times when you can empower your outlook simply by “acting as if”. Don a smile, interject some laughter, and whistle while you work (if it’s not against company policy!). Report back and let us know if acting happy made it so!
Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook, 21-Mar-2011
Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook, 21-Mar-2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Better poor and happy...
"Wisdom from all races and cultures, throughout human history, has found that happiness is more easily attained when leading an ascetic and communal life, yet our modern culture is concerned almost entirely with individualism and the attainment of wealth and material goods. Why?"
Simon Lynge on Facebook on the 21-March-2011
Simon Lynge on Facebook on the 21-March-2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Choices Suck
"It’s great to have a choice, right? I mean, the power of choice is one of our most precious freedoms. It’s what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom after all. That’s what we tell ourselves anyway.
The reality of the situation…Well, I’m going to venture to say that most people actually hate choices, and avoid making them at every opportunity. Ultimately, it’s the choices we make that put the responsibility in our lives, and our own happiness squarely on our shoulders.
Everything in life is a choice left to us; the job we accept, the spouse we marry, the schedules we keep. But what do we tend to do? We make choices that are not right for us. We choose what society thinks is right, what our husband thinks is right, or what our children think is right. And that’s where it begins…Instead of choice being one of our greatest freedoms it becomes one of our strongest captors.
We blame our circumstances and situations for our problems and hardships because it’s easier if we pretend that we don’t have a choice in the matter. Instead of becoming the hero of our own story we become the victim; full of anger, complaints, resentment, and sadness.
We tell ourselves that for one reason or another, we aren’t able to make the choices that others are able to make. They’re lucky or special and we’re the ones that got stuck with what we got. Somehow we confused making “tough” choices with having “no” choices and as a result we do what’s easy, play it safe, try to make (or keep) others happy, and instead of loving choices…we hate them.
It’s time to exercise your freedom to choose and to learn to love every opportunity you have to make a conscious, honest choice, whether it is difficult or otherwise. It’s the only path to fulfilling your wildest dreams!
So you’ve got a decision to make...You can either read this post, applying the message to your own life, and start making conscious and powerful choices, or you can choose to skim this text and quickly decide that your life is different and this lesson doesn’t apply to you. The choice is yours. Which will it be?
Becky,
Sister of Soul"
Posted 20th March, 2011
Source: http://networkedblogs.com/fEwby
The reality of the situation…Well, I’m going to venture to say that most people actually hate choices, and avoid making them at every opportunity. Ultimately, it’s the choices we make that put the responsibility in our lives, and our own happiness squarely on our shoulders.
Everything in life is a choice left to us; the job we accept, the spouse we marry, the schedules we keep. But what do we tend to do? We make choices that are not right for us. We choose what society thinks is right, what our husband thinks is right, or what our children think is right. And that’s where it begins…Instead of choice being one of our greatest freedoms it becomes one of our strongest captors.
We blame our circumstances and situations for our problems and hardships because it’s easier if we pretend that we don’t have a choice in the matter. Instead of becoming the hero of our own story we become the victim; full of anger, complaints, resentment, and sadness.
We tell ourselves that for one reason or another, we aren’t able to make the choices that others are able to make. They’re lucky or special and we’re the ones that got stuck with what we got. Somehow we confused making “tough” choices with having “no” choices and as a result we do what’s easy, play it safe, try to make (or keep) others happy, and instead of loving choices…we hate them.
It’s time to exercise your freedom to choose and to learn to love every opportunity you have to make a conscious, honest choice, whether it is difficult or otherwise. It’s the only path to fulfilling your wildest dreams!
So you’ve got a decision to make...You can either read this post, applying the message to your own life, and start making conscious and powerful choices, or you can choose to skim this text and quickly decide that your life is different and this lesson doesn’t apply to you. The choice is yours. Which will it be?
Becky,
Sister of Soul"
Posted 20th March, 2011
Source: http://networkedblogs.com/fEwby
Souls bigger than sour apples
"If we are so contemptibly selfish that we can't radiate a little happiness and pass on a bit of honest appreciation without trying to get something out of the other person in return - if our souls are no bigger than sour crab apples, we shall meet with the failure we so richly deserve. Oh yes, I did want something out of that chap. I wanted something priceless. And I got it. I got the feeling that I had done something for him without his being able to do anything whatever in return for me. That is a feeling that flows and sings in your memory lung after the incident is past."
"How to win friends and influence people" by Carnegie
"How to win friends and influence people" by Carnegie
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
As unhappy as a junk drawer
"Our lives sometimes become a “junk drawer”. We allow others to stuff us full with their schedules, their needs, and their plans. And just like a junk drawer, we rarely notice there’s a problem until things don’t work anymore. We feel unmotivated, unfulfilled, stressed, and just plain unhappy. You see, when a junk drawer gets too full, it doesn’t work anymore. And so it is with our life; we keep cramming and cramming until we reach a breaking point.
So what do we do when the junk drawer gets too full? We stop and take an assessment. What items are necessary and which are not? What belongs in a different area of the house? We need to do the same assessment with our own lives. What schedule hogs are really necessary? What could we probably say “no” to? Just as we need to prioritize what gets a space in a junk drawer, we need to also prioritize what gets a space in our lives."
Fragment from: Spring Cleaning Your Life Starts with the Junk Drawer - Full article
So what do we do when the junk drawer gets too full? We stop and take an assessment. What items are necessary and which are not? What belongs in a different area of the house? We need to do the same assessment with our own lives. What schedule hogs are really necessary? What could we probably say “no” to? Just as we need to prioritize what gets a space in a junk drawer, we need to also prioritize what gets a space in our lives."
Fragment from: Spring Cleaning Your Life Starts with the Junk Drawer - Full article
Basset Hounds
Whatever today brings you'll be happier if you spend a minute looking at pictures of Basset Hounds running: http://bzfd.it/gGuHOc I promise.
DaveGorman Fri 18 Mar 11:18 via TweetDeck
(This is only one example, click here to see all the photos)
DaveGorman Fri 18 Mar 11:18 via TweetDeck
(This is only one example, click here to see all the photos)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Good, now, here, make others so
"Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so."
~Robert G. Ingersoll~
Source: http://www.motivational-well-being.com/motivational-sayings.html
~Robert G. Ingersoll~
Source: http://www.motivational-well-being.com/motivational-sayings.html
Self Esteem is the Key
Self Esteem is the Key to your Happiness and Well-being
This page contains information about self esteem and:
why it is important
how to increase your esteem and self confidence
books you can read about self esteem
what other information this website contains which you may find interesting
Building esteem is a first step towards your happiness and a better life. If you have low confidence or low self esteem you will find it impossible to be the person you could be and your happiness will be limited.
Self esteem increases your confidence. If you have confidence you will respect yourself and then you can respect others, improve your relationships and become happier....this is not a selfish goal as you will contribute more and share yourself with the world and those around you.
Low esteem causes depression, unhappiness, insecurity and low confidence. Other's desires may take preference over yours. Inner criticism, that nagging voice of disapproval inside you, causes you to stumble at every challenge and challenges seem impossible.
Want to increase your self confidence at work, in your daily life and improve your relationships?
Click now for a free confidence course I found really helpful highly recommendedMore Tips: Get my new CD "A More Confident You" now.
1. Face your fears - challenges seem scary but your fears are usually exagerated. Facing your fears increases your confidence and boosts your esteem.
2. Forget your failures - learn from them. Avoid making the same mistakes again but don't limit yourself by assuming you failed before so you can't succeed this time. Try again, you're wiser and stronger. Don't be trapped in the past!
3. Know what you want and ask for it. Learn about being assertive - you deserve your dreams to come true!
4. Reward yourself when you succeed. No-one else will! Isn't everything easier when you take time to help yourself? Make a list of your successes and focus on the positive.
5. Talk - We often make assumptions about a situation or person which are not true. Your attitude and behaviour can be negatively affected so if you have any doubt or question ask and don't assume you know why or how. There is much more about this point and about many of the others in a wonderful book I have read recently. I personally recommend you to read it too as you're going to get a lot out of it. It's called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, click on the link to order this extraordinary book now.
6. Don't be defeated! Try something else. You are not going to be defeated by one failed attempt are you? Doesn't everyone fail before they succeed? All you need is a different approach. Good luck! I wish you happiness and success! low self esteem - click here for more
7. Try this amazing self hypnosis download - Building your esteem now!
8. Finally, explore this website. I have designed it to help you understand and inform yourself about self esteem and take action so please take a look at the articles section and read past isssues of my newsletter
Source: http://www.more-selfesteem.com/self_esteem.htm
This page contains information about self esteem and:
Building esteem is a first step towards your happiness and a better life. If you have low confidence or low self esteem you will find it impossible to be the person you could be and your happiness will be limited.
Self esteem increases your confidence. If you have confidence you will respect yourself and then you can respect others, improve your relationships and become happier....this is not a selfish goal as you will contribute more and share yourself with the world and those around you.
Low esteem causes depression, unhappiness, insecurity and low confidence. Other's desires may take preference over yours. Inner criticism, that nagging voice of disapproval inside you, causes you to stumble at every challenge and challenges seem impossible.
Want to increase your self confidence at work, in your daily life and improve your relationships?
Click now for a free confidence course I found really helpful highly recommendedMore Tips: Get my new CD "A More Confident You" now.
1. Face your fears - challenges seem scary but your fears are usually exagerated. Facing your fears increases your confidence and boosts your esteem.
2. Forget your failures - learn from them. Avoid making the same mistakes again but don't limit yourself by assuming you failed before so you can't succeed this time. Try again, you're wiser and stronger. Don't be trapped in the past!
3. Know what you want and ask for it. Learn about being assertive - you deserve your dreams to come true!
4. Reward yourself when you succeed. No-one else will! Isn't everything easier when you take time to help yourself? Make a list of your successes and focus on the positive.
5. Talk - We often make assumptions about a situation or person which are not true. Your attitude and behaviour can be negatively affected so if you have any doubt or question ask and don't assume you know why or how. There is much more about this point and about many of the others in a wonderful book I have read recently. I personally recommend you to read it too as you're going to get a lot out of it. It's called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, click on the link to order this extraordinary book now.
6. Don't be defeated! Try something else. You are not going to be defeated by one failed attempt are you? Doesn't everyone fail before they succeed? All you need is a different approach. Good luck! I wish you happiness and success! low self esteem - click here for more
7. Try this amazing self hypnosis download - Building your esteem now!
8. Finally, explore this website. I have designed it to help you understand and inform yourself about self esteem and take action so please take a look at the articles section and read past isssues of my newsletter
Source: http://www.more-selfesteem.com/self_esteem.htm
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
How to love a woman
You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before
she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters?
She's not perfect - you aren't either, and the two of you may never
be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to
think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold
onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about
you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that
she knows you can break - her heart. So don't hurt her, don't change
her, don't analyze and don't expect more than she can give. Smile
when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad,
and miss her when she's not there.
- Bob Marley
she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters?
She's not perfect - you aren't either, and the two of you may never
be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to
think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold
onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about
you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that
she knows you can break - her heart. So don't hurt her, don't change
her, don't analyze and don't expect more than she can give. Smile
when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad,
and miss her when she's not there.
- Bob Marley
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Healthy Happier You!
Healthy Happier You!
@HealthyHappierU United Kingdom
Read recent articles by experts from the UK. Our project is an open minded one, which sees no distinction between ‘mainstream’ and ‘complementary’ medicine.
Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2011 22:49:23 +0000
From: follow-fsbaqba=ubgznvy.pbz-13e63@postmaster.twitter.com
To: sfondon@hotmail.com
Subject: Healthy Happier You! is now following you on Twitter!
Healthy Happier You! (@HealthyHappierU) is now following your tweets (@sfondon) on Twitter.
 | Healthy Happier You! United Kingdom |
Bio Read recent articles by experts from the UK. Our project is an open minded one, which sees no distinction between ‘mainstream’ and ‘complementary’ medicine.
| 112 | 1,738 | 1,692 |
| tweets | following | followers |
|---|
@HealthyHappierU follows a user who follows you:
Ray Allum
You and @HealthyHappierU have a follow in common:
Patrick Holford
What's Next?
- • Find out more about Healthy Happier You! on @HealthyHappierU's profile page.
- • Send Healthy Happier You! http://twitter.com/?status=@HealthyHappierU&utm_campaign=newfollow20100823&utm_content=action&utm_medium=email&utm_source=follow.
- • Send Healthy Happier You! a direct message.
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Accept and Move Through Your Moods to Greater Happiness
Accept and Move Through Your Moods to Greater Happiness: Feel Good Factor Tip Nine
by Patrick Holford on Monday, February 28, 2011 at 7:00pm
The experience of life means that we inevitably accumulate emotional tension and unresolved memories from the past. The more disturbing of these become deep-rooted negative emotional patterns that unconsciously determine how we react to the stresses of life. As healthy adults, our task is to learn from the experiences of life and to let go of the emotional patterns from the past that mess up our lives and no longer serve us. It’s not easy, and the vast majority of people deny the symptoms or anaesthetise themselves through work, TV, food, alcohol or some kind of drug, including prescribed medication.
Source: note on Facebook
Full article on Patric Holford's blog:
Our body expresses feelings we have repressed
If we store away rather than deal with negative emotions, they can manifest as physical tension and health problems, including headaches, ulcers, IBS and more serious illnesses from cancer to cardiovascular disease. Extreme emotions affect your heart function, depress the immune system and inhibit digestion.
To achieve true physical and psychological health, these underlying emotions need to be fully expressed, so that we can then learn from our experiences and move forward.
The most common difficult emotions are shades of anger, fear or sadness. Sadness is usually associated with regrets, losses and the loss of opportunities in the past. Anger is associated with not having our needs met, not being listened to, or not being understood. And fear often comes from not being able to adapt to the circumstances we are in and is associated with the fear of our loss of our sense of self; for example, the fear of going mad or dying.
How can you move on?
The first step – that of recognising and acknowledging how you really feel – isn’t easy, and good counsellors and good friends can help you. As King Lear says in Shakespeare’s play, “Who is it who can see me and tell me who I am?” It’s incredibly helpful to find someone who you trust who sees you for who you are. In my latest book, The Feel Good Factor, I share some tips for how to find a good psychotherapist or counselor.
One way to work through your thoughts on your own is to try free association journaling. To do this, set aside exactly 20 minutes a day, ideally in the morning, when you can just write down whatever comes into your mind non-stop for 20 minutes. You’ll often be surprised by what comes out, which will help you to realise the real issues fuelling any low moods.
Another approach, now widely practiced by psychotherapists in one form or another, is called MBT – mindfulness behavioural therapy. This can be very effective in helping you to find your way back to your true sense of self by allowing you to witness your thoughts, feelings and physical sensations, thereby allowing them to transform. There’s growing evidence not only that this approach is highly effective, but also that developing mindfulness actually changes brainwave patterns towards alpha and theta waves, which are consistent with a more relaxed and creative way of being.
Again, I explain this in more detail in my book, The Feel Good Factor, plus a whole range of other techniques and approaches to helping you accept and move through your moods to achieve greater contentment in your life.
A 10-step approach to feeling good
As well as looking at emotional health, The Feel Good Factor explores biochemical and nutritional solutions to finding happiness and wellbeing. Despite being released only a few weeks ago, it’s already become the number one best-seller in Ireland and is now in its second print run. To order your copy, click here. And if you join my 100% Health Club, you’ll receive a 20% discount on the cover price during the month of March, as well as receiving many other member benefits.
Feel Good Factor on Tour
I’m also traveling around the UK, Ireland and to the Channel Islands this month on my Feel Good Factor Tour, so check out my tour schedule to see if I’m in a location near you – that way you can hear all about the secret to feeling good from me in person.
Happiness 'helps you live longer', review of 160 studies concludes
Friday March 04 2011
People who are happy and positive about life live longer, scientists have concluded after reviewing dozens of studies about longevity.
Researchers found "clear and compelling evidence" that happiness paves the way to better health and longer lifespans.
The review of more than 160 studies found the evidence connecting an upbeat outlook to a healthier life was even stronger than that linking obesity to reduced longevity.
It backed previous studies that found a “glass half full” approach was good for your health.
It also concluded that anxiety, depression, and pessimism were linked to higher rates of disease and a shorter lifespan.
People who felt intense anger or lived in stressful environments were more likely to be sick more often and died earlier.
“I was almost shocked, and certainly surprised, to see the consistency of the data,” said Prof Ed Diener, who lead the study.
“The general conclusion from each type of study is that your subjective wellbeing, that is, feeling positive about your life, not stressed out, not depressed, contributes to both longevity and better health among healthy populations.
“(The) overwhelming majority ... support the conclusion that happiness is associated with health and longevity."
Prof Diener noted that while current health edicts focus on obesity, smoking, eating habits and exercise "it may be time to add 'be happy and avoid chronic anger and depression' to the list."
"Happiness is no magic bullet, but the evidence is clear and compelling that it changes your odds of getting disease or dying young.”
The review looked at eight different types of long-term studies and experimental trials involving both human and animal subjects.
For example, 5,000 university students studied for more than 40 years provided evidence that the most pessimistic students tended to die younger.
In another study, based on 180 catholic nuns, researchers found those who wrote positive autobiographies in their early 20s tended to outlive those who wrote more negative accounts of their young lives.
Animals who lived in stressful conditions, such as crowded cages, had weaker immune systems and a higher susceptibility to heart disease.
They also died at a younger age than those in less crowded conditions.
Researchers found "clear and compelling evidence" that happiness paves the way to better health and longer lifespans.
The review of more than 160 studies found the evidence connecting an upbeat outlook to a healthier life was even stronger than that linking obesity to reduced longevity.
It backed previous studies that found a “glass half full” approach was good for your health.
Scientists from the University of Illinois found positive moods reduced stress-related hormones and increased immune function.
Their study, published in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Wellbeing, found happiness lead to quicker recovery from exercise.It also concluded that anxiety, depression, and pessimism were linked to higher rates of disease and a shorter lifespan.
People who felt intense anger or lived in stressful environments were more likely to be sick more often and died earlier.
“I was almost shocked, and certainly surprised, to see the consistency of the data,” said Prof Ed Diener, who lead the study.
“The general conclusion from each type of study is that your subjective wellbeing, that is, feeling positive about your life, not stressed out, not depressed, contributes to both longevity and better health among healthy populations.
“(The) overwhelming majority ... support the conclusion that happiness is associated with health and longevity."
Prof Diener noted that while current health edicts focus on obesity, smoking, eating habits and exercise "it may be time to add 'be happy and avoid chronic anger and depression' to the list."
"Happiness is no magic bullet, but the evidence is clear and compelling that it changes your odds of getting disease or dying young.”
The review looked at eight different types of long-term studies and experimental trials involving both human and animal subjects.
For example, 5,000 university students studied for more than 40 years provided evidence that the most pessimistic students tended to die younger.
In another study, based on 180 catholic nuns, researchers found those who wrote positive autobiographies in their early 20s tended to outlive those who wrote more negative accounts of their young lives.
Animals who lived in stressful conditions, such as crowded cages, had weaker immune systems and a higher susceptibility to heart disease.
They also died at a younger age than those in less crowded conditions.
- Andrew Hough
© Telegraph.co.uk
Source: Independent.ie article as posted by my friend Catherine on Facebook on the 05-Mar-2011
Scientists found positive moods reduced stress-related hormones and increased immune function. Photo: Thinkstockphotos.com
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