With this comment, I’d like to celebrate a small personal victory. I really enjoyed this article, and it was especially good for my soul because I realized that I can’t even remember the last time I thought, „ will only be happy when…“. I clearly recognize that this is thanks to Daoism and the perspective you share with us. Thank you for your knowledge and contribution!
I hope it’s not just because of Daoism but also because I’m a half-decent husband 😂
But thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them. It means the world to me to know that I could offer some value to the person who’s dearest to my heart and soul :)
Zhenya - I like what you're saying. It's beautiful, really. I agree with your ultimate practice of "presence." I want to save this article, but I also think there is something to be said for pursuing relationships. I believe that having companionship and deep-hearted friendships is essential for people. It's a true need. I think saying to yourself, "I don't need close friends or companionship to be happy" is a myth that a lot of people have bought into today, which is why we are facing this epidemic of loneliness as a culture. For 25-years, I told myself that I didn't need companionship to be happy - that I was self-sufficient, independent, while feeling all alone. Now, I feel like it's worth honoring that need in myself and giving myself permission to pursue and honor the deep sort of relationships that I have always longed for. I do believe (and have proven in my life) that surrounding myself with true friends really does make me happy. Deep friendships are rare and worth pursuing (not chasing), but pursuing.
Christine - thank you for contributing to the discussion and sharing your thoughtful perspective. It's truly insightful. I’m a bit puzzled by your use of "but," as what you’ve shared aligns perfectly with my words and doesn’t seem to contradict them at all :)
I totally agree that having companionship and deep-hearted friendships can be essential for people. After all, from a spiritual perspective, we're all one and interconnected anyway. So, it makes perfect sense that connecting with others and forming meaningful relationships can fulfill a deep human need and bring happiness.
What I mean is that true happiness comes from within, not just from relationships with others.
It’s not so much about the story you tell yourself. It’s more about how and what you feel.
Chasing friendships or avoiding them because you think they'll make (or won't make) you happy won't actually lead to happiness. You might not have friends and feel unhappy. But you could also have friends and still not feel happy.
In the end, it's about finding inner peace and contentment, regardless of external circumstances.
However, I also believe that pursuing deep friendships is worth it. As long as you (like you said) don't chase them :)
I like this perspective. And thank you for the movie recommendations! :)
I wouldn’t necessarily say that happiness doesn’t exist. But it’s certainly a concept that can feel elusive. Everyone has their own unique perspective on what it means. And interestingly, even something as simple as smiling can naturally make you feel happier.
With this comment, I’d like to celebrate a small personal victory. I really enjoyed this article, and it was especially good for my soul because I realized that I can’t even remember the last time I thought, „ will only be happy when…“. I clearly recognize that this is thanks to Daoism and the perspective you share with us. Thank you for your knowledge and contribution!
I hope it’s not just because of Daoism but also because I’m a half-decent husband 😂
But thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them. It means the world to me to know that I could offer some value to the person who’s dearest to my heart and soul :)
Zhenya - I like what you're saying. It's beautiful, really. I agree with your ultimate practice of "presence." I want to save this article, but I also think there is something to be said for pursuing relationships. I believe that having companionship and deep-hearted friendships is essential for people. It's a true need. I think saying to yourself, "I don't need close friends or companionship to be happy" is a myth that a lot of people have bought into today, which is why we are facing this epidemic of loneliness as a culture. For 25-years, I told myself that I didn't need companionship to be happy - that I was self-sufficient, independent, while feeling all alone. Now, I feel like it's worth honoring that need in myself and giving myself permission to pursue and honor the deep sort of relationships that I have always longed for. I do believe (and have proven in my life) that surrounding myself with true friends really does make me happy. Deep friendships are rare and worth pursuing (not chasing), but pursuing.
Christine - thank you for contributing to the discussion and sharing your thoughtful perspective. It's truly insightful. I’m a bit puzzled by your use of "but," as what you’ve shared aligns perfectly with my words and doesn’t seem to contradict them at all :)
I totally agree that having companionship and deep-hearted friendships can be essential for people. After all, from a spiritual perspective, we're all one and interconnected anyway. So, it makes perfect sense that connecting with others and forming meaningful relationships can fulfill a deep human need and bring happiness.
What I mean is that true happiness comes from within, not just from relationships with others.
It’s not so much about the story you tell yourself. It’s more about how and what you feel.
Chasing friendships or avoiding them because you think they'll make (or won't make) you happy won't actually lead to happiness. You might not have friends and feel unhappy. But you could also have friends and still not feel happy.
In the end, it's about finding inner peace and contentment, regardless of external circumstances.
However, I also believe that pursuing deep friendships is worth it. As long as you (like you said) don't chase them :)
Yesterday I saw Lucky 2017, there was something about happiness not existing, therefore the one thing you can do is smile...
One of my new favorites along with Perfect Days
I like this perspective. And thank you for the movie recommendations! :)
I wouldn’t necessarily say that happiness doesn’t exist. But it’s certainly a concept that can feel elusive. Everyone has their own unique perspective on what it means. And interestingly, even something as simple as smiling can naturally make you feel happier.