Saturday 3 January 2009

to be happy


I posted a couple of days ago about my decision to be happy.

Its not like i am miserable all the time or anything... only sometimes..... hmm

But more like - I consciously want to create happy spaces for myself. I thought about this a lot over the last couple of days and realised that I actually do spend quite a bit of my time doing things that I enjoy. Its just that often my awareness is not there. I am either 'escaping', or 'avoiding' or just being downright mindless. The first thing I intend to do this year - in my quest to 'turn the frown upside down' - is to recognise and appreciate the moments (even if it is only a moment) that I am engaged in an enjoyable activity. I will try not to waste these moments by thinking serious or worrying thoughts. I will not waste this time being 'absent'.

Even now, I am using my computer which makes me happy, enjoying the cool air, listening to some beautiful music and loving the scent of my favourite incense.... yet I find I have to consciously seek these sensory gifts as my mind is furiously trying to find the right words for this pist. hmmmmm

I am trying to 'rein' in my scatterdness. I will begin (now) to pay attention to what my head is thinking and where it is taking my thoughts. It often operates without my permission - so I will try to regain control of this. I will allocate times (brief ones) in which I will allow myself to sit and think and worry for a very short period of time - so this is then done and need not bother my leisure time.... 


The Dalai Lama said that the meaning of life was 'to be happy and useful'. I figure I am indeed useful - to a number of people - so all that remains is to be happy.

My quest.....  i have chosen to accept it...

7 comments:

Michelle said...

Its called mindfulness

Its actually one of the technigues used to treat anxiety

Being aware of the moment and in it, letting go of crappy thoughts and also setting aside a 'worry' time

Interesting Jen that your 'scatteredness' echoes generalised anxiety disorder so closely hmmmm...

:0) xxxxxx

Jen said...

aaaaaaaggggghhhhhhhh - A BOX A BOX A BOX... NOOOOOOOOOOOOO I wont go in!! I wont i wont i wont...


am just following my instincts/inspiration. What FEELS right.

mindfulness - yes

anxiety - probably

a box - no thank you

;}
xoxo

Natalie said...

Some of the nicest people I know have been a purple box on at least five occasions.....

Good girl though! I am cheering you on.

A major breakthrough for you darling, did good, done foine! xxoo

Natalie said...

Oh! and , I just realised that in our legs 11 year, we will both be 44. Masters of the universe Yes?

Well no, probably not.

Cool though, methinks.xx

Jen said...

hmmm - 44... scary stuff....


and

an hour or so ago i allocated my first five minutes of worry. an am still upset.

I think that is a really really really bad idea and wont be doing it again.

given my tendency to 'obsess' which is the wrong word but in the right direction - methinks a small worry now and again, not allowed to get out of hand is the way to go... phew....

aaaggghhhh

Michelle said...

Ummmm, write them down....that way you get them out and it can help to put em in perspective. I think the trick is to worry about it then LET IT GO.

Easier said than done

You are not a box

frik

Michelle said...

The Happiness Trap is a book I am recommended by Shells counsellor. Supposed to be good. I am getting it when next I venture into the shops