Happiness and Gratitude

For this post to go out on Christmas Day, a time for gratitude, I am reflecting simply and concisely on Happiness and Gratitude, starting with this image, then the thoughts of the Dalai Lama on “Compassion as the source of happiness”, and finally to share with you a quite beautiful TED talk where the speaker explains: “Want to be happy? Be grateful”

Happiness is a Choice

So, the image above is from Hugh McLeod of Gaping Void, an artist who often inspires me. This image was featured in a recent daily email from Gaping Void, with these thoughts:

“Buddha once said that “Life is suffering”. He didn’t say that most of our suffering is self-inflicted. Or if he did, that part was mostly lost on us mere mortals. Happiness is not just the result of good fortune and good brain chemicals. Happiness is also part of being responsible for your own experience. Indeed.”

Hmm, I thought. This catalysed a lot of linked thoughts for me.

First, linked to a powerful phrase for me:

“We create the whole of our own reality”

Next, I thought of the Dalai Lama, truly someone who exudes happiness.

Compassion as the Source for Happiness

A lovely page on his thoughts on this at “Compassion as the Source of Happiness”, and a few…