Happiness, Compassion and Contentment

My Mom called me this morning at 7 a.m.-something.  Bridgette and I were at Central Park, getting our before-9:00-a.m.-off-leash-walk in.  I suspect it will soon be too hot for her to take the trip up to the park, so I am eager to get her out while it's still in the 50's early in the morning.  She sends everyone a big kiss.

My Mom called to tell me the Dalai Lama was going to be on NBC to talk about happiness.  I admit, I know nothing about the Dalai Lama, but would like to know more.  Especially during this time after quitting my job.  This is clearly becoming a time of not only forming my next career, but of personal development and growth.

Happiness, Compassion and Contentment are concepts too large for one little post.  I raise them really only for awareness purposes.  They are large and almost overwhelming ideas.  Yet simple.  While all intertwined, I must say, compassion (along with tolerance), seem to yield happiness and contentment.  Getting out of my own head and focusing on others seems to make me feel more settled.  More able to accept people for who they are.  Smile at people rather than scowl.

Focusing on others is something I have wanted to do since I quit.  Volunteering has been on my list of things to do.  Either in an animal shelter or with people who need the help.  I will let you know which it is.

I am also learning to stop for five minutes and take a breath.  Not even necessarily meditation, but if there is a five minute window to do so, stop.  I was meeting someone for coffee yesterday.  I was a few minutes early and she texted me that she was going to be a few minutes late.  I took a walk around the block looking for a place to sit down (I did not want to be in the coffee shop early as I knew our meeting would last a while).  I could not imagine where I would find a place to sit in Midtown East, but around the corner, I find this great little concrete jungle park!  Tables, wire chairs and marble benches.  Hardly any people.  And a waterfall!!

This is New York City!  What a find.  I dragged one of those wire chairs as close as I could, sat down, closed my eyes and listened to the roar (it was loud and it drowned out all other sounds).  I sat there for five minutes.  Then went for my coffee.  I was happy!

So back to the Dalai Lama.  The good news is:  Aside from natural disasters, he said the major problems of the world are of our own creation, therefore we can overcome them.  Also, he said, human kind is becoming more compassionate.  No question.  That is a good thought for the day.