| |
| |
|
Happiness Information |
|
|
|
5 Keys to Understanding Why Your Life (probably) Sucks # 4
We are in constant competition If we take evolution seriously, then the reason why we lasted this long (individually and as a race) stems from the fact we have adopted a survivor mentality. Either consciously or unconsciously we subscribe to the "survival of the fittest" mentality. That means we see everyone and everything else as potential competitors. Whether the competition is about which political or religious system offers the best lifestyle or who has right of way in merging traffic, the competitive mind set thrives on proving my way of doing things is better, or my wants are more important, than yours. As a result we become driven to prove we are bigger, stronger, faster, smarter, richer, more important than everyone else. Even once we achieve that goal, we need to maintain constant vigilance just in case someone else sneaks past our guard and proves themselves to be bigger, stronger etc. This competitive nature happens on all levels, international, community or individual. It happens between human beings. It happens between the human race and nature. The first European settlers in my own country (Australia) had the policy: 'If it moves, shoot it; if it doesn't move, chop it down.' Any person who works on the land knows what it's like to compete with the elements. On a community and international level, our competitive mindset leads to doubts and suspicions, fear and hatred. The only possible way that sort of thinking can lead is into open conflict with the inevitable outcome of devastated lives. The same can be said of our relationship with the environment.If we only see ourselves in competition with it, having to subdue it, then 'it' will suffer and so will we. The 'shoot it/chop it down' mentality of my forebears meansthere are vast tracts of land in this fragile country that are barren, desolate wastelands. The consequences are that we take on an attitude that "it is better to be safe than to be sorry" That means we stop trying new things, and develop our lives as a safe fortress into which we can retreat from the hostile environment called life. We become suspicious of anything that is different from us. So people of different ethnic origins from us, people who have different beliefs; people who have a different sexual orientation all challenge us by their very existence poses pose a very real threat to our own existence. So, how do we deal with the mindset of competition? Whether it's with nature, or your fellow human beings, the answer can best be summed up in one word; Co-operation. I'm talking about a mindset of co-operation as the first step towards making your life less frustrating and more enjoyable. Such a mindset begins with the realisation that everything in your possession at this point in time came into being only as the result of many people's contribution. Think about it for a while and you will see that is true. The upshot of that is I need you to make your contribution, just as you need me to make my contribution so that together we might live more complete lives. We all need each other. That came home to me very strongly one time when the local garbage collectors went on strike for better conditions. As a result stinking, rotten garbage piled up in yards and in the street. It was a mess and made life very unpleasant for a while. A job as a garbage collector is probably not one that many people aspire to, but those people provide an invaluable service, particularly in the throw-away society most of us live in. But a change of mindset, from competition to co-operation can only start with one person. You. In fact you are the only person whose mind you can change. Trying to change someone else's mind only leads to trouble. You may find you need some help, but the first step, is to realise it IS possible and if you choose, you CAN do it. Hey, that's two steps! Because the first step in anything is always the hardest, you're already a significant way along the path to a better life. Graham Hunt is the founder of Prentis Carpenter Center, an organisation established to resource an environment where those people who chose to do so could discover and work towards their potential. One way in which Graham is doing that is through his website http://www.higher-self-esteem-site.com/ Drop by anytime.
MORE RESOURCES:
Happiness - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Inevitable Changes and Changeless Connections Sometimes change is pleasant. A child is born. Have Fun, Make Friends, Be Happy I always marvel at the way people shine when they break through a roadblock in their lives. It's brilliant and it's also incredibly attracting. Simplify - and Be Happy People's lives today are jam-packed with great projects, ideas, to-do lists, errands, things we should do, things we could do, duties and obligations. No surprise then, that many of us feel we barely have time to do the things we have to do (or think we have to do), let alone spare time for fitting in anything extra. Hanging Out Right off the top: What is the difference between dating and hanging out?My teens try to differentiate the two by saying that dating is what you do with someone you want to be serious with. Hanging Out is what you do with good friends. SOLD! Again! Contrast Can Work FOR You Have you ever had an experience where everything you wanted had come to you and THEN you discovered something that seemed to spoil the entire event?That's what happened to me last week when everything I asked for regarding the sale of my house was granted--only the sale did not go through.I had been flying so high in the joy of selling my house to the perfect buyer, that I really 'hit the wall' at high speed, when the buyer failed to meet the closing deadline (even though we extended it a few days!). Health and Medical Advice on the Internet: Use it Wisely to Overcome Illness and Find More Happiness I've got a bit of a problem with depression and anxiety. I've been tackling these problems for several years without the use of modern medicine. Stop Sickies and Make People Happy At Work If you're an employer or a manager then work place absence is costing you money, inconvenience, and upsetting your customers. And as we all know, not all days taken off work are due to genuine sickness. Happiness Is Truly M.A.G.I.C.A.L. (TM) The year is almost half over. Many of us are taking the time to reflect, to imagine new dreams and to revise our goals. Common Scents For Emotional Well Being Aromatics which include essential oils, perfume, centred candles and incense, have been used for centuries to affect the mind (and also, ultimately, the body) in a positive way. This practice finds its origins in religion and primitive beliefs. Life or Lifestyle? "When you live the life you were meant to live, doing the work you were meant to do, enjoying what pleases you, instead of collecting meaningless lifestyles trophies, you will be full of joy and energy. " Thomas Leonard, Coach UniversityLife or Lifestyle?What is a lifestyle and how is that different from a life? A lifestyle is about brand names and buying identity or prestige. Joy Is Sexy Joy is sexy because in embracing our joy, we embrace our positive energy and power. Joy is always there, waiting to be reclaimed. Sunny Days Are Here To Stay Yes, this is correct. Sunny Days are here to stay, that is, if you want them to be. The Personal Cost of Shyness Has someone nearby been sending you emails rather than calling or meeting you face-to-face? When you do get together, does she or he stand back, avoid holding eye contact, or speaking up?While there are many possible reasons for their behavior, that person may, in fact, be a victim of what has become "the third most prevalent psychiatric disorder" according to Dr. Lynne Henderson, a director of The Shyness Clinic. Gratefulness Gratefulness brings a great fullness to life. The choice to adopt and hold a moment-by-moment attitude of gratitude is the choice that differentiates those who suffer the slings and arrows of misfortune and those who are blessed with a joyous and abundant life. About Happiness and Fulfillment During a FULFILLMENT seminar, at the University of Arizona for the Affiliated Women's Clubs, a charming and successful woman unintentionally made our point about success, satisfaction and happiness. Catherine Hendricks spoke about several major problems that are caused by living too secular a life-style in this period of swift, destabilizing and often disconcerting change. Boosting Your Success with Six Easy Happiness Tips In what areas of your life would you like to achieve greater success? State-of-mind (attitude towards life and work) absolutely affects your performance and your outcomes. People who stay in jobs they hate, or relationships and situations in which they are chronically unhappy are not only missing out on the joy life has to offer, but are literally putting their health at risk at the same time. How To Dance With Life Fortunate, indeed, is the man who takes exactly the right measure of himself,and holds a just balance between what he can acquire and what he can use.~Peter Latham (1789-1875) In the Chinese philosophy of Taoism, right action and right living create a life of harmony and delight. Relationships and the Law of Attraction This question and answer article was done by Gizelle River, Virtual Administrator and Writer. Visit her website. You Can't See Your Own Eyes My friend called me this morning from her favorite coffee shop. She was taking a break from work. Things To Do To Beat The Blues As moms we all tend to get the blues, we are always running here and running there. It is very important to take time for you!Being a mom there is so much pressure not just from the outside but from what we put on ourselves also we all need to learn to take a break once in awhile and be able to revive our body and soul in order to be all we can be.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
