Disempowerment

When you tie your happiness to external factors, you effectively allow those factors to dictate your well-being.

In doing so, you place yourself in a vulnerable position where your happiness hinges on something beyond your control.

This state of dependence breeds a sense of desperation.

When people feel they lack control over their circumstances, they may resort to unwise, even humiliating actions.

It's crucial to avoid such desperation, as it reflects poorly on oneself.

The Loss of Present Joy

At the heart of happiness lies contentment, which is defined as a sense of happiness and satisfaction.

Eckhart Tolle asserts that true happiness can only be found in the present moment.

Why is this so?

According to him, the present is the only reality we possess.

The past is irretrievable, and the future is uncertain—often an illusion.

Focusing on past mistakes or future worries only detracts from our ability to appreciate the now.

Think about it: is dwelling on past grievances truly beneficial?

Conversely, fixating on the future can lead to anxiety and fear about what may come.

Tolle argues that many of our fears stem from our minds and are not based in the present moment.

Ultimately, contentment is about recognizing that the present is sufficient.

That realization is all you need for happiness.

This concept makes perfect sense.

If your happiness relies solely on external circumstances, achieving happiness would be nearly impossible.

Consider this: people once thrived without the luxuries we have today.

Historically, individuals lived fulfilling lives despite lacking material wealth.

Take the Middle Ages, for instance. Were those individuals perpetually unhappy?

Certainly not.

In fact, many argue that today's society faces more mental health challenges, despite abundant resources.

If happiness were truly contingent upon external factors, most people would be incapable of feeling it.

However, that’s not my reality.

I observe wealthy individuals who are unhappy, alongside those with far less who radiate joy.

The Struggle for Control

Believing that your happiness relies on external factors compels you to exert control over situations and people.

What does this entail?

It means striving to manipulate circumstances to fit your desires.

Unless one possesses psychopathic tendencies, this is an arduous task.

For most, attempting to dictate outcomes is not only emotionally taxing but often futile.

It's akin to swimming against a strong current; possible only for the exceptionally gifted.

Moreover, attempts to control perceptions can lead to an addiction to external validation.

People frequently seek happiness through the approval and recognition of others, a pursuit that ultimately falls short.

When was the last time someone else's praise truly made you happy?

Sure, it may provide a fleeting dopamine rush, but that feeling quickly fades.

Thus, the relentless pursuit of material possessions becomes a hollow endeavor.

If your sole motivation for acquiring a luxury car is to impress others, discontent will inevitably follow.

The antidote to this mindset is straightforward:

Return to the present moment.

You don’t need to engage in these futile games.

You can find happiness right now.

Recall a time when you were a child, content and carefree. Did you long for a mansion back then?

Were you unhappy because someone didn’t acknowledge your worth?

Not at all.

You experienced happiness simply by being present.

I hope this insight resonates with you.

Thank you for taking the time to read,

Godfrey

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