You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.
The fool, in “Intuitions”
(written Oct. 1932; published in Youthful Writings, 1976)
By Albert Camus
I am so delighted to have Michael, aka SamsaricWarrior, guest blogging for us this week. I just recently ran across his blog and began following him on twitter and have loved every calm and mindful minute. I think you will too!
For those unfamiliar with the lovely term: The Pali word metta is a multi-significant term meaning loving-kindness, friendliness, goodwill, benevolence, fellowship, amity, concord, inoffensiveness and non-violence.
Happiness Wanted. Inquire Within.
First and foremost I would like to say thank you for the wonderful invitation to be a guest blogger on this site. I am humbled. Kathy asked me to touch on the topic of 'Inquiry' and I figured what better to talk about than happiness. So many of us search for it and yet so few find it.
I think the problem with happiness is people feel that it is something they can grasp onto. Once they are happy, or at least think they are, they become attached to that feeling and don't want to let go. Then when obstacles arise and their feelings shift they become sad and long for that feeling to return, only to increase their suffering.
Happiness is an effect. It is not the cause and by constantly searching and trying to grasp we are only pushing ourselves further away from it. We think that we can find happiness by reading a book, watching a movie, listening to music, or calling a friend and asking them how to find it. Some go shopping because they feel some material object is going to bring them happiness. This type of happiness isn't 'real' and is only temporary.
Compassion is the cause. What we need to do is inquire within. We need to take the time to look within ourselves and find what is bringing on feelings of discomfort. What is making us suffer. Why do we feel unhappy. We have to question ourselves and face these answers truthfully and with an open and compassionate mind. When we can do this, we will realize that we are suffering. We are all suffering. What we next have to accept is that suffering is not personal. It affects all beings. Once we can come to face these facts then we need to face ourselves. The only changes that can be made, can only be made by us. No one can change you. They can guide you, they can suggest, but they cannot force change upon you. Willingness to change also comes from within.
Happiness feels good and is not only beneficial to ourselves but is also of great benefit to all beings. When we are happy, we radiate this happiness outward. Filling each being we cross paths with, with pure loving kindness and compassion. Fill yourself with love. Fill yourself with compassion. Make changes within that will help you help others. Be of benefit to many by choosing to come to terms with what makes you suffer and taking the steps to change. If Happiness is truly what you seek, then Inquire Within.
May we approach each and every step along our paths with loving kindness for all beings.
Metta to you.
Michael
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Thank you so much Michael, and Metta to you as well! You can visit Michael on his blog and follow his shared wisdom on Twitter here.
Have you shared metta today?
For those unfamiliar with the lovely term: The Pali word metta is a multi-significant term meaning loving-kindness, friendliness, goodwill, benevolence, fellowship, amity, concord, inoffensiveness and non-violence.
Next Post: Inquiring conclusions!