The Art of Happiness

I learned that a part of joy is the apparent infinity of it. When you are HAPPY, happiness stretches out ahead of you, its end forever receding even as you suspect that something this good can't last.
But it does.
It goes on, and you're confounded, you ought to be expecting it to finish, and it doesn't.
The something quite giddy gets into you, and then you start to think you need it to go on.
And it does, it does.
It's one of the things about it.
Suddenly, because I was happy...
Happiness surrounded me like trees so I couldn't see...
-Morag Joss
"Half Broken Things"

While in Santa Fe, New Mexico in December 2008 during the procession of the Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Pojoaque Pueblo I saw a young 'twentysomething' woman reading "The Art of Happiness" by Dalai Lama.
"Oh, that's an inspiring book," I said to her.
"Yeah, I'm just getting into it!"
I had read it in 2001 and wrote the following review on Amazon.com back on June 15, 2001:

This book was useful for me. I was happy to read that I already practice a lot of the advice in the book. The last thing I want to do is get angry and harm my inner self (and/or my internal organs).

The book reminded me of the importance of spirituality. It is a great handbook for living. I strongly recommend this book for anyone trying to move on from any sort of suffering (death, divorce, argument, career blues, etc.) which means we would ALL find this book useful.

It's true that we all have one unique goal as human beings: happiness. This book is a great starting point for MORE happiness in our lives.

I highlighted so many significant lines in the book.
As an example: As products of an imperfect world, all of us are imperfect. Every one of us has done something wrong.
OR
It would not be helpful...if I let that feeling of regret weigh me down, be simply a source of discouragement and depression with no purpose, or interfere with going on with my life to the best of my ability.
OR
The first step in seeking happiness is learning.

I urge everyone to LEARN from this informative book. In a nutshell the book reminds us that by Being Happy one must use protective techniques of love & compassion.


Twenty-five years ago today:

October 26, 1984
Friday

My last day, then "ONE" whole week off! Hurrah!

I had an excellent sales production day. I sold ten custom calling features, one Remote Call Forwarding Service and two Premiere Business lines. I was proud of myself. I am so glad that I am doing so well. My rapport with my customers feels good. I am beginning to enjoy the job better. It will be nice when I can easily handle every call/task that is presented.

Bobbie Renbarger wished me a pleasant vacation. Barbara Reynolds had the day off. Dolores accompanied me at lunch time as we sat on the Market Street steps and washed the passers-by. Dolores is a sweet black lady who has been with Pacific Bell since March 1977.

I arrived home late by missing my BART train. By 7PM or so I decided to call Karyn Kossoff.
"Why don't you just come by. I mean, Elizabeth Center is coming over...but it'll be fun," Karyn said.
"Okay, maybe I will."
I went over to visit my Dad and pick up the bit of mail I had delivered there. I decided not to go to Karyn's apartment in North Oakland after all. I just wanted to lounge at home. Upon returning to my place I warmed Helen's leftovers. I 'turned in' early.

Happiness is NOT a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind.
-Daphne du Maurier
"Rebecca"