In Light on Life, B.K.S. Iyengar writes "The French philosopher Descartes said happiness does not consist in acquiring the things that we think will make us happy, but in learning to like doing the things we have to do anyway."
I've touched upon this idea in my previous entry called On Happiness, but I think it's such an important concept that I wanted to a elaborate just a little. We all have desires, it's just that when we cling on to those desires do we neglect to appreciate what we have. It can be heartwrenching to want something with all your being, but have no means of attaining it. Yet, when we pay attention to the seemingly unimportant everyday things that we do and do them mindfully, consciously, and thoughtfully, giving them meaning and importance, we realize how pleasurable and fulfilling they are. Most of us (who don't have the luxury of having a dishwasher) don't enjoy washing the dishes, but we have to do it. Rather than approaching that task with indifference, make it a meditation, maybe even play music in the background (and shake it a little? Or is that just me). It becomes fun all of a sudden. Or if you're having dinner alone, rather than flopping down in front of the television completely forgetting about your food, light a candle, set your table beautifully and spend that moment taking in the flavors, chewing longer, and savoring the peacefulness of the meal. It can feel like such a blessing.
It's one tihng to set attainable meaningful goals, but another to consume oneself with desire and want and stay in that place of disconnect with the rest of the world because we're not present. If we want to do this, most of us need to constantly thoughtfully remind ourselves to be present especially when we're performing mundane tasks. But, once we start being present as we go about our everyday lives, we can feel a little more complete. From there a feeling of contentment begins to radiate.
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