Happiness is a choice that requires effort from "summary" of The Art of Happiness - 20th Anniversary Edition by The Dalai Lama,Howard C. Cutler
The idea that happiness is a choice that requires effort is a central theme in the teachings of the Dalai Lama. According to him, true happiness is not something that can be achieved passively or by simply wishing for it. Instead, it is something that must be actively pursued and cultivated through conscious effort and practice. One of the key aspects of this concept is the recognition that external circumstances do not determine our happiness. While it is true that certain life events or situations may influence our mood or emotions, ultimately, our sense of well-being comes from within. This means that we have the power to choose how we respond to the challenges and obstacles that life presents us with. In order to cultivate happiness, the Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of training the mind. This involves developing qualities such as gratitude, compassion, and resilience through practices like meditation and mindfulness. By training our minds in this way, we can learn to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment that is not dependent on external factors. Another key aspect of this concept is the idea that happiness is a skill that can be developed over time. Just as we can improve our physical health through exercise and proper nutrition, we can also improve our mental and emotional well-being through intentional effort and practice. This requires a commitment to self-improvement and a willingness to engage in practices that promote personal growth and well-being.- The Dalai Lama teaches that happiness is a choice that we make each day through the thoughts we think, the actions we take, and the attitudes we cultivate. By making a conscious effort to prioritize our own well-being and to cultivate positive qualities like compassion and gratitude, we can create a life that is rich in meaning and fulfillment. Happiness, then, is not something that is simply bestowed upon us by external circumstances, but rather something that we actively choose to cultivate through our thoughts, words, and actions.
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