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Coaxing the Statue from the Stone February 4, 2012

Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness.
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Wikipedia ~ Aristotle (in Public Domain)

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence” ~ Aristotle

I agree with Aristotle . . . and with the Dalai Lama.

“I believe that every human being has an innate desire for happiness and does not want to suffer.  I also believe that the very purpose of life is to experience this happiness.” ~ The Dalai Lama

We are here to be happy and to make others happy.  What we attain in life is largely irrelevant to this quest for happiness.  Instead, how we view the world determines our happiness.

“Through training our minds, with constant effort, we can change our mental perceptions or mental attitudes.  This can make a real difference in our lives.” ~ The Dalai Lama

Like learning to play the piano or speak a foreign language, training the mind takes time and effort.

Wikipedia ~ David (in Public Domain)

But it’s worth it . . .

“If we have a positive mental attitude, then even when surrounded by hostility, we shall not lack inner peace.  If our mental attitude is more negative, influenced by fear, suspicion, helplessness, or self-loathing, then even when surrounded by our best friends, in a nice atmosphere and comfortable surroundings, we shall not be happy.”  ~ The Dalai Lama

With patience and perseverance, we learn to coax the statue from the stone.

Barn’s burnt down ~ now I can see the moon. ~ Masahide (1657-1723)

To read more:  An Open Heart ~ Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life