tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post3662940766491234571..comments2024-03-23T13:25:40.836-05:00Comments on Simple - Green - Frugal: The Art of Happiness - Book reviewUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-2400262976704518482008-07-31T14:18:00.000-05:002008-07-31T14:18:00.000-05:00CindyW - glad it helped. It's just a difference be...CindyW - glad it helped. It's just a difference between physical pleasure vs. psychological happiness. It's the psychological we have control over (thank heavens). :)hmdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13424022504830645523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-28188188615074582242008-07-31T12:51:00.000-05:002008-07-31T12:51:00.000-05:00Hey thanks for the comments back Heather and There...Hey thanks for the comments back Heather and Theresa. I think it makes a whole lot of sense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-42466355148072703872008-07-30T12:08:00.000-05:002008-07-30T12:08:00.000-05:00Glenda - great point. My favorite Buddhist speaker...Glenda - great point. My favorite Buddhist speaker (Robina Courtin) speaks often about how we are all junkies waiting for our next fix. I really like that analogy. If anyone is interested to listening to some of her lectures. You can find her on iTunes under "Buddhist teachings" podcast.<BR/><BR/>Theresa - You're right, I think it's made a real difference in my life too. Although I find I have to stick with it. It's not something I can read once and practice forever. I have to study and reinforce this day after day. Good recommendation. I l really enjoyed "Peace is every step." I don't own that one, but I have his book called "Anger." Another good one!<BR/><BR/>Oh, and you very eloquently put what I was trying to explain above. Thanks for adding that!hmdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13424022504830645523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-31519398696193265692008-07-29T22:15:00.000-05:002008-07-29T22:15:00.000-05:00After reading the other comments I want to add jus...After reading the other comments I want to add just a little bit more. As I understand it, Buddhists believe that all things are interconnected and that each thing actually co-creates each other thing - this is referred to as 'interbeing'. Because of this, attaining personal happiness becomes a way to help increase happiness in the world for all sentient beings. This takes the pursuit of happiness out of the realm of narcissism and into the realm of an actively compassionate act.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03908227916944431265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-56511387864642404972008-07-29T22:09:00.000-05:002008-07-29T22:09:00.000-05:00Thanks for this review! I get a lot out of books ...Thanks for this review! I get a lot out of books written by and/or about the Dalai Lama. I think if we could all practice the 'active compassion' you mention, we would all be much happier. The distinction between pain and suffering is a good one to keep in mind as well - I fall into this trap a lot, thinking that because something has happened that I don't like, I am hard done by or something. If I can catch myself and just accept that something has happened and will pass eventually, I don't suffer nearly as much (or make others suffer along with me!)<BR/><BR/>You might like Thich Nhat Hanh's 'Peace is Every Step' as well - but maybe you've already read that one?Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03908227916944431265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-64478289732432259072008-07-29T21:01:00.000-05:002008-07-29T21:01:00.000-05:00Something that stuck out for me re: pleasure vs. h...Something that stuck out for me re: pleasure vs. happiness is that things that bring pleasure don't always bring happiness. <BR/><BR/>What I immediately thought of is how addicts get momentary pleasure from drugs / alcoholics get momentary pleasure from booze / smokers get momentary pleasure from nicotine / I get momentary pleasure from certain foods . . . yet once that immediate pleasure is gone, there is not necessarily a feeling of happiness. This was a big "a-ha" moment for DH and I, and understanding the difference between the two feelings was important.Glendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11304081149041159520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-37137661509755343322008-07-29T20:42:00.000-05:002008-07-29T20:42:00.000-05:00CindyW - The book makes a distinction between plea...CindyW - The book makes a distinction between pleasure and happiness. Pleasure is what gives us those short-term fuzzy feelings; because pleasure isn't sustainable, we get caught in an endless pursuit that is never completely fulfilled. <BR/><BR/>Happiness, on the other hand, is a state of mind. It's seeing the world for the way it is; that we are all the same. The idea is that when we acknowledge that, at the core, we humans are all the same (we all want to increase happiness and reduce suffering), we become more compassionate, we become more giving. Rather than the pursuit of happiness being a selfish thing, it is actually a very selfless thing - when achieved it seeks the happiness of all.<BR/><BR/>Does that make sense? Would you still say your sister is pursuing happiness or pleasure?<BR/><BR/>I'm sure I'm not explaining this well...hmdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13424022504830645523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-50596515698360565422008-07-29T17:15:00.000-05:002008-07-29T17:15:00.000-05:00Is the pursuit of happiness our reason to be here?...Is the pursuit of happiness our reason to be here? I have very messy thoughts around that. <BR/><BR/>On the one hand, it does seem like life isn't much worth living if one isn't happy at least some of the time. <BR/><BR/>On the other hand, is that it? Attaining happiness is the end goal of our life? Sometimes it doesn't seem enough.<BR/><BR/>But if a person isn't happy, he/she doesn't have the capacity of helping other people. <BR/><BR/>If a person is happy and he/she reaches out to help alleviate of the suffering of people, land, river, animals, etc., in the process his/her happy balance may be not easily maintained.<BR/><BR/>I agree with the central thesis of the art of happiness - it's a state of mind. It's especially relevant in our society where single-minded pursuit of material wealth has somehow replaced happiness. I just worry that we reach inward so much that personal happiness becomes the sole objective in life. <BR/><BR/>I see that in my sister. I have a hard time talking to her about any positive social changes, because to her all the social changes don't amount to much. The only thing matters is the pursuit of personal happiness (not the material happiness I'll give her that). <BR/><BR/>Anyway enough confusing rant from me. Maybe I should read the book first before opening my big mouth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-49521202221272325692008-07-29T15:02:00.000-05:002008-07-29T15:02:00.000-05:00burbanmom - You're right. We seem to have it all, ...burbanmom - You're right. We seem to have it all, but it doesn't make us happy. We hear about people in third world countries who love life, enjoy lots of family time and are always smiling. What do they have that we don't have? The right perspective. Hope you enjoy the book!<BR/><BR/>simply authentic - definitely worth checking out. And it was an easy read. Hope you like it!<BR/><BR/>jennifer - write as much as you like. I love comments and am happy to hear a psychologist reiterate how powerful this can be. Glad you enjoyed the book! I tried to read some others from the Dalai Lama, but this, I felt, was the most powerful one (for me anyway).<BR/><BR/>Glenda - How wonderful that you are reading it together! That's great! I have so many "duh" moments when I'm reading it. Everything just seems so clear. "Well, of course, that's what we need to do to be happy." It's amazing how easily we get off course. Best wishes in your pursuit of happiness!hmdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13424022504830645523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-46694651060279426052008-07-29T11:05:00.000-05:002008-07-29T11:05:00.000-05:00Hubby and I are both reading thru this book, a bit...Hubby and I are both reading thru this book, a bit at a time. We went thru a very rough patch in our marriage earlier this year and this book has been one of the tools we've found useful in helping us work thru that patch. I, too, had checked it out from the library -- after the first chapter, I bought a copy to keep at home.Glendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11304081149041159520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-87910306138881554362008-07-29T09:28:00.000-05:002008-07-29T09:28:00.000-05:00Great review Heather, and I'm with you, I actually...Great review Heather, and I'm with you, I actually don't own very many books at all, that's what the library is for.<BR/><BR/>This book has a lot of great advice. Altering expectations and perceptions can do wonders for one's happiness or experience during a time of stress.<BR/><BR/>And positive visualization has applications far beyond everyday stress. Psychologists (can you tell yet what my degree is in?) used positive visualization therapy with terminal cancer patients, and those who successfully completed the therapy all lived beyond the estimated time of survival for their cancers. The mind is a very powerful thing, as is stress, being able to stay positive and keep a healthy handle of stress level is key in living a long, healthy, and most importantly HAPPY life.<BR/><BR/>I would agree with the Dalai Lama, happiness IS why we are here, it means something different to everyone, but happiness - it's as simple as that. And to think of those people working 80 hours a week to be able to afford a McMansion full of stuff. It really is sad, it's just sad. People like you, I, and others who read this blog might live a much humbler life, but I think I could safely say we are likely happier.<BR/><BR/>Sorry for the long comment!Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01760009169211682230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-35005596574902361422008-07-29T09:20:00.000-05:002008-07-29T09:20:00.000-05:00Sounds great! It can definitely be challenging to...Sounds great! It can definitely be challenging to get to that point, but in the moments when I remember the things that you have written, life is so much more peaceful. What a great reminder!Simply Authentichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10149087342124493037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-65245833142881295592008-07-29T05:51:00.000-05:002008-07-29T05:51:00.000-05:00Thanks for the recommendation, Heather. I'll chec...Thanks for the recommendation, Heather. I'll check it out. I could definitely use more happiness at times.<BR/><BR/>You'd think living in the most affluent country in the world with a loving husband and two great kids would automatically make me the happiest person on the earth. But sometimes we forget that most things worth having need to be cultivated. And that includes a happy state of mind.<BR/><BR/>Will put it on my library list :-)Burbanmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03482218254218777985noreply@blogger.com