Posted inHenry's Messages, Mindfulness

Message from Henry: Happiness

November 25, 2020

If the problem is how to be happy, then most of us assume that we need to pacify the irritations, soothe the fears, and satisfy the desires of the self in its interactions with the world. But then we might get wind of “wisdom,” as it manifests in ancient philosophy.

That means to be skeptical of our desires and aversions, to question the project of getting what we want, and getting rid of what we don’t. In fact, if we more or less reverse the script, and are pleased to have undesired things, and happy to find desires thwarted, then we start to discover a deeper joy, and a reclaiming of control over our happiness.

This is in part the way of mindfulness, as well as philosophy. And we might be drawn further.

We might start to investigate who it is that makes our common demands on the world. Is it really me? Who really am I? And on this level, there is a deeper discovery to be made. I am not at all who I thought I was.

And strangely this can lead to new territories of happiness and wellbeing.


Message from Henry is from our November 23, 2020 Newsletter
Image: Jizo by yambon, from Pixabay.com
footer support banner image

Support Mountain Cloud

You can show your gratitude for Mountain Cloud events, retreats, podcasts and other teachings by making a one-time gift, or by becoming a supporting member.

Donate to Mountain Cloud Become a Member