Happy and contented at all Times, Places

Contentment
@Shiva49 (26164)
Singapore
April 27, 2018 8:59am CST
We think of the past and wonder how people could have been happy and contented with much less. Some in developed countries could well ponder how people can live with not even the basics that they take for granted. I have lived with the “filthy” rich and the “dirt” poor. I felt more comfortable with the latter and have been touched with the largeness of their heart. They share what they have wholeheartedly. They make us feel at home and can feel their welcome. The modern gadgets we are used to are necessary for our present lifestyle. Our forefathers were blissfully unaware of them but they found other ways and means to spend their time. They could spend hours on the face-to-face interaction that looks quite tough now. Likewise, when I spend time away from busy city life I enjoy the company of others more. I come to the conclusion we can be happy at all times and places. When we have that attitude, we can be truly free to enjoy the immense spread of creation. The generations before had their own meaning in their lives and those to come could well wonder how we managed to live without the inventions that they get used to which we are not even aware of. The real fulfillment is in the journey and we should never feel limited by material things. There is life everywhere and it is up to us to live to our heart’s content. Do you ponder about such issues often? Image: Contentment from Wikimedia Images
11 people like this
12 responses
@JudyEv (323748)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Apr 18
I sometimes wonder why those who aren't really rich are continually harassed by charities for donations.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (323748)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Apr 18
@Shiva49 I think that could well be the case. Sometimes a high-profile person is very generous but keeps his gifts anonymous.
3 people like this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
28 Apr 18
Though I do not like to generalize, I have seen the rich are motivated more by publicity when they donate to charity while the common folks are ready to help even if it hurts their pockets.This may be because they can empathize more with the plight of those more in need than them - siva
2 people like this
@redurnet (1800)
• United Kingdom
30 Jul 18
I think the same thing. I was watching one of those charity fundraising events recently and I really liked the sweater that the presenter was wearing. I looked it up and it cost £1000. I was quite astonished about it, her standing there asking for cash from people on ordinary wages and she is wearing a top that cost that much. How many meals is that? How much medical aid?
2 people like this
@Icydoll (36725)
• India
27 Apr 18
Completely agree with your views my dear friend.
3 people like this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
27 Apr 18
Thank you for your encouragement and support, appreciated - siva
3 people like this
@allknowing (130088)
• India
29 Apr 18
It is not not how much we have but what we make of what we have is the route to happiness and that is my mantra. Even the mediocre have a right to happiness.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
29 Apr 18
“The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed.” that is what Gandhi said. We are all blessed in many ways. I accept others for who they are. The oneness of humanity and the uniqueness in each of us has made our world so enriching and bewitching - siva
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64363)
• United Kingdom
30 Apr 18
I think happiness is greatly enhanced by attitude. If a person's inclination is to find fault with everything then they won't be happy whatever their circumstances. Whereas someone who looks for the good things will often find them.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
30 Apr 18
Yes, life is always worth living whatever the circumstances - is my attitude. If we can adapt to the reality of life, then half the battle is won. When I look around and see people, who do not even know where their next meal is coming from, going about their lives, my spirits get uplifted and I get a spring in my step - siva
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246452)
• United States
28 Apr 18
I don't ponder these issues. I live them, and totally agree..
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
28 Apr 18
Thanks, I sit back and think over such issues. My life is also full of flashbacks! siva
1 person likes this
@mlgen1037 (29901)
• Manila, Philippines
27 Apr 18
Yes, a lot of times. As I was growing up, my father had taught us to be simple. We did not have a big house and we were taught to strive hard if we want to achieve something. We basically have a normal childhood. That is the reason I Iearned to appreciate the small things in life. It was because my father was a great example.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
28 Apr 18
My thinking is also influenced by how my parents lived their lives. My father made it clear nothing comes easy and it is best that we work for them and enjoy the fruits of our labor. I have found truth in "easy come, easy go" - siva
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
29 Apr 18
@mlgen1037 We all know at least few who take the easy way out and wait for the manna from heaven. It cannot meet our daily needs. For some, it is spending first and paying later, for the earlier generations it was earning before spending. We know what is the wise choice for our survival - siva
2 people like this
@mlgen1037 (29901)
• Manila, Philippines
28 Apr 18
@Shiva49 That, my friend, is true. No wonder why people nowadays do not strive hard for what they want. They feel so entitled.
2 people like this
@vandana7 (98527)
• India
27 Apr 18
I agree so much with this. Material things never make you happy.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
27 Apr 18
Yes, material things are a means to end; our goal should be happiness and contentment. I cherish what I have rather than think about those I don't and feel miserable - siva
2 people like this
@id_peace (14010)
• Singapore
22 May 18
This remind me of the peasant and the 99 coins.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
22 May 18
Yes, I know how easy it is for the simple life to become complicated. I strive and accept the result therefrom than bemoaning not meeting targets - siva
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (203765)
• Walnut Creek, California
17 May 18
I do, and I agree with your conclusion.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
17 May 18
Thank you for your response - siva
@innertalks (20909)
• Australia
29 Apr 18
You are only ever happy when you are being your real self!
We can be happy at all times and places, but we can only be truly happy, at all times and places, when we are truly being our real selves. Happiness does not come into you from anywhere. It's in you all along. Love lives in every part of creation, and when you allow it to be itself within you, that's the only time that you can be truly happy in life, while you are living it. Photo Credit: This photo was freely sourced from the free media site: pixabay.com. You are only ever happy when you are being your real self! You can never be happy, being someone other than your real self.
@innertalks (20909)
• Australia
29 Apr 18
@Shiva49 Actually, I was trying to say something a bit different than that. Happiness to me is not a state of our mind at all. It is an inbuilt state of our heart, a property, or attribute of the love in there. But, yes, we do have the choice, usually made with our minds, but sometimes, by our egos, or emotions too, whether we decide to follow our hearts, or not first, or whether we put our mind, our ego, or our other emotions first instead. Happiness is the rarefaction of love living optimally in you so that you then feel a sort of blissful innocence of real connection to God in all that you do from this state of being. It is like that you float on clouds with God, so happy are you, and full of his love, to live for him in this life.
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
30 Apr 18
@innertalks Thanks Steve, I was reflecting my approach to life. Basically, I believe everything happens for a purpose and should be taken positively. I take even supposed negative turns in my life as needed for adding meaning to our lives. So my heart is set and guides my mind. My mind can get influenced by the outside world but heart prevails. My inner voice says "you are tested for your resolve, prove your mettle". So that way it is the heart and inner voice that matter and they guide my mind. My resolve to take life in the right spirit is inspired by my heart. I love everything about life and creation - siva
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
29 Apr 18
Yes, happiness is a state of the mind and a choice we have to make. We should not allow another to make us unhappy. Thankfully, it does not depend on our material possessions too. Being grateful for the blessings that life gives us sets on a sure footing. Yes, we should be our real selves, as others are already taken! siva
1 person likes this
• India
30 Apr 18
Riches can provide comfort but not happiness. Every Rich man may not be happy. It comes from within. And most of the time it is in our hands or I would rather say in our minds.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
1 May 18
Yes, that is the beauty of life. Happiness does not increase with wealth acquisition - siva
@redurnet (1800)
• United Kingdom
30 Jul 18
I have never really been materialistic but two of my siblings are the total opposite and their behaviours make me feel sick. One proclaims to be a Buddhist but spends and wastes her money on frivolous things and never thinks of charity. The other looks down on me because I refuse to buy designer brand clothing. I don't think they can reach a spiritual happiness unless they break free of their greed.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26164)
• Singapore
30 Jul 18
When we go after wealth it entraps us and holds us in a tight bear hug. Though just an employee I had moved with the super rich and I could sense the amount of ego and one-upmanship among them. They size up who to talk to and who to give the short shrift! It was nauseating at times in their company - siva