Comments on: Staying in Tune http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/ Happiness As a Spiritual Practice Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:45:55 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: cheerfulmonk.com » Holy Curiosity http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/comment-page-1/#comment-313 cheerfulmonk.com » Holy Curiosity Mon, 03 Dec 2007 06:24:06 +0000 http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/#comment-313 [...] Staying In Tune we talked about how we know when we’re on the right path. I wrote then, “During my adult [...] [...] Staying In Tune we talked about how we know when we’re on the right path. I wrote then, “During my adult [...]

]]> By: Jean http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/comment-page-1/#comment-264 Jean Thu, 22 Nov 2007 05:47:38 +0000 http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/#comment-264 <strong>Albert</strong>, I like your idea of listening to both. My view is our "gut"/intuition is based on experience, so it won't always make the right prediction. But you'll get the chance to learn more and will have a better chance of making more accurate predictions the next time. Just think of the current mess in the financial system because of subprime loans. A lot of people were over their heads (both lenders and borrowers) and made bad decisions. Hopefully they'll learn something from it. To me that kind of intuition is different from the feeling of resonance when I'm on the right spiritual path. I wouldn't trust my gut to always make good financial decisions. But as Shirley commented in a previous post, even when things don't turn out the way you hoped, it doesn't mean it was a bad thing to try. You need to try things to learn about yourself and the world. When I'm on the right spiritual path I trust that no matter what the worldly result, I'll learn and grow from it. I think that's what <strong>Tracey</strong>, <strong>Ellen</strong>, and <strong>Larissa</strong> are saying in their conversation. My two-bits there is that when I'm upset it's my job to understand why. Sometimes it does take a while. But there's a big difference between processing the experience...using it as a path to greater self-knowledge... and simply rehashing stories and wallowing in the bad feelings. <strong>Al</strong>, What a powerful story. It's hard to believe that was mere coincidence when you went so far out of the way (from your original intention) to encounter just the right person to help. <strong>Deb</strong>, <strong>Adebola</strong> and <strong>Joanna</strong>, Thanks for sharing about when you experience that resonance/feeling of connection. <strong>bikehikebabe</strong>, Thanks for pointing out that some people are happy with a completely different approach to life. I'm not sure all religious people are happy...but clearly your daughter and Adebola are. And the conversation here shows that one doesn't have to believe in a conventional God to find spiritual happiness. :) Again, thank you all for joining in and sharing. Albert,
I like your idea of listening to both. My view is our “gut”/intuition is based on experience, so it won’t always make the right prediction. But you’ll get the chance to learn more and will have a better chance of making more accurate predictions the next time. Just think of the current mess in the financial system because of subprime loans. A lot of people were over their heads (both lenders and borrowers) and made bad decisions. Hopefully they’ll learn something from it.

To me that kind of intuition is different from the feeling of resonance when I’m on the right spiritual path. I wouldn’t trust my gut to always make good financial decisions. But as Shirley commented in a previous post, even when things don’t turn out the way you hoped, it doesn’t mean it was a bad thing to try. You need to try things to learn about yourself and the world. When I’m on the right spiritual path I trust that no matter what the worldly result, I’ll learn and grow from it.

I think that’s what Tracey, Ellen, and Larissa are saying in their conversation. My two-bits there is that when I’m upset it’s my job to understand why. Sometimes it does take a while. But there’s a big difference between processing the experience…using it as a path to greater self-knowledge… and simply rehashing stories and wallowing in the bad feelings.

Al,
What a powerful story. It’s hard to believe that was mere coincidence when you went so far out of the way (from your original intention) to encounter just the right person to help.

Deb, Adebola and Joanna,
Thanks for sharing about when you experience that resonance/feeling of connection.

bikehikebabe,
Thanks for pointing out that some people are happy with a completely different approach to life. I’m not sure all religious people are happy…but clearly your daughter and Adebola are. And the conversation here shows that one doesn’t have to believe in a conventional God to find spiritual happiness.

:) Again, thank you all for joining in and sharing.

]]> By: Albert | UrbanMonk.Net http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/comment-page-1/#comment-263 Albert | UrbanMonk.Net Thu, 22 Nov 2007 03:51:01 +0000 http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/#comment-263 Hey Jean, I don't know much about this, but I believe that we should all just turn our focus inwards. What feels good, not to the senses, or the mind, but to the gut? With practice, you can develop lots of sensitivity to the gut. And that is a good indicator. Problem is, we always get a lot of interference from our senses or our mind. Like - my senses want a beer, but my gut says no. Or my mind says that I should save my money and not make that investment but my gut is saying something is good. Well, a big investment, I don't know about listening to the gut all the time - but maybe it is a good thing to listen to both. Hey Jean, I don’t know much about this, but I believe that we should all just turn our focus inwards. What feels good, not to the senses, or the mind, but to the gut?

With practice, you can develop lots of sensitivity to the gut. And that is a good indicator. Problem is, we always get a lot of interference from our senses or our mind. Like – my senses want a beer, but my gut says no. Or my mind says that I should save my money and not make that investment but my gut is saying something is good.

Well, a big investment, I don’t know about listening to the gut all the time – but maybe it is a good thing to listen to both.

]]> By: Ellen | Positive Communication http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/comment-page-1/#comment-261 Ellen | Positive Communication Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:53:38 +0000 http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/#comment-261 Hi Larissa and Tracey, thank you! I really enjoy reading your thoughts on this! I totally agree that you shouldn't dwell on negative thoughts, or negative events. They happen for a reason, and I'm for myself sure that even these negative events are part of my 'journey'. That they happen for a reason (one of the 'dots' to be connected afterwards ;-)). The only thing is, that it does take me a while to figure why something or someone has that effect on me. And figuring out why, helps me understanding my own strength, my own dislikes, and my own values. And understanding that, helps me along the way of determining where my own 'path' is, what kind of people have a positive effect on me... For example, I had a job interview last week. The energy I got from was incredible. Understanding why exactly helps me determining what the 'perfect job' entails for me... Hi Larissa and Tracey,

thank you! I really enjoy reading your thoughts on this!
I totally agree that you shouldn’t dwell on negative thoughts, or negative events. They happen for a reason, and I’m for myself sure that even these negative events are part of my ‘journey’. That they happen for a reason (one of the ‘dots’ to be connected afterwards ;-) ).
The only thing is, that it does take me a while to figure why something or someone has that effect on me. And figuring out why, helps me understanding my own strength, my own dislikes, and my own values. And understanding that, helps me along the way of determining where my own ‘path’ is, what kind of people have a positive effect on me…

For example, I had a job interview last week. The energy I got from was incredible. Understanding why exactly helps me determining what the ‘perfect job’ entails for me…

]]> By: bikehikebabe http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/comment-page-1/#comment-260 bikehikebabe Wed, 21 Nov 2007 03:35:49 +0000 http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/#comment-260 I'm agnostic. I was raised Presbyterian & I have two Presbyterian ministers in the family. My daughter turned into a Jehovah Witness. She doesn't like mysteries & everything is spelled out for them. She's extremely happy. Religious people are happy. I can't get my happiness from religion. I’m agnostic. I was raised Presbyterian & I have two Presbyterian ministers in the family. My daughter turned into a Jehovah Witness. She doesn’t like mysteries & everything is spelled out for them. She’s extremely happy. Religious people are happy. I can’t get my happiness from religion.

]]> By: Jean http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/comment-page-1/#comment-258 Jean Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:26:25 +0000 http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/#comment-258 :) Thank you all for commenting! I was gone yesterday and am pondering what people said. I'll answer in more detail later. This is the deep conversation that this site is about. We all see life differently and sharing not only connects us to one another, it also helps us become more aware of our own assumptions and perceptions. :) Thank you all for commenting! I was gone yesterday and am pondering what people said. I’ll answer in more detail later. This is the deep conversation that this site is about. We all see life differently and sharing not only connects us to one another, it also helps us become more aware of our own assumptions and perceptions.

]]> By: Tracey Farrell http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/comment-page-1/#comment-257 Tracey Farrell Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:54:33 +0000 http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/#comment-257 @Larissa and Ellen! Hi girls, great comments! I thought I'd chime in with a thought about why negative thoughts or feelings are often pondered in greater depths. I think it's because our natural desire as humans is to be happy, and when that's happy we just enjoy it. When we are experiencing negative thoughts I think we examine it and wonder about it because it's not what we want or desire. We are trying to figure out in our own internal fight-or-flight battle what is it that we can do about the situation? I agree it's not a great idea to dwell on these feelings - which can lead to stinkin thinking - but it is important that we acknowledge these feelings and examine our options. We can only move forward by recognising our own signals about the world, and taking action towards a more happy fulfilled live where negative emotions/feelings/vibes come less frequent. xx tracey @Larissa and Ellen! Hi girls, great comments! I thought I’d chime in with a thought about why negative thoughts or feelings are often pondered in greater depths. I think it’s because our natural desire as humans is to be happy, and when that’s happy we just enjoy it. When we are experiencing negative thoughts I think we examine it and wonder about it because it’s not what we want or desire. We are trying to figure out in our own internal fight-or-flight battle what is it that we can do about the situation? I agree it’s not a great idea to dwell on these feelings – which can lead to stinkin thinking – but it is important that we acknowledge these feelings and examine our options. We can only move forward by recognising our own signals about the world, and taking action towards a more happy fulfilled live where negative emotions/feelings/vibes come less frequent.
xx tracey

]]> By: Larissa http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/comment-page-1/#comment-256 Larissa Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:10:21 +0000 http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/#comment-256 Ellen, I definitely agree. Why do the most perplexing things stick with us in such a way? I'm sure it's not the best idea to dwell on them. I feel like I am a mostly positive person and have been told by others that my positivity has inspired them. So maybe because I try to look at the world in such a positive light and give everyone the benefit of the doubt that when something doesn't meet these expectations it affects me in a very intense way. I tend to be very sensitive, am a first-born child, and a Virgo....so you understand :) I think God is the opportunity that is found within these difficulties. All the best to everyone, Larissa Ellen, I definitely agree. Why do the most perplexing things stick with us in such a way? I’m sure it’s not the best idea to dwell on them. I feel like I am a mostly positive person and have been told by others that my positivity has inspired them. So maybe because I try to look at the world in such a positive light and give everyone the benefit of the doubt that when something doesn’t meet these expectations it affects me in a very intense way. I tend to be very sensitive, am a first-born child, and a Virgo….so you understand :)

I think God is the opportunity that is found within these difficulties.

All the best to everyone,
Larissa

]]> By: Joanna Young http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/comment-page-1/#comment-254 Joanna Young Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:59:05 +0000 http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/#comment-254 Jean, it's when I get a sense of connection with the natural world - to the extent that birds, rivers, trees seem to 'speak' to me - although it's more like singing :-) That's when I know I'm in tune with myself, my purpose, the world that I'm living in. Thanks for a thought provoking post Joanna Jean, it’s when I get a sense of connection with the natural world – to the extent that birds, rivers, trees seem to ’speak’ to me – although it’s more like singing :-) That’s when I know I’m in tune with myself, my purpose, the world that I’m living in.

Thanks for a thought provoking post

Joanna

]]> By: Ellen | Positive Communication http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/comment-page-1/#comment-253 Ellen | Positive Communication Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:45:40 +0000 http://cheerfulmonk.com/2007/11/19/staying-in-tune/#comment-253 @Larissa, I know exactly what you mean.. Sometimes it might even take me days to figure out why I feel that tense about something or someone. Why I'm feeling those 'bad vibes' with a certain person. And I also tend to wonder more about these 'negative' feelings too than about the positive stuff. I'm not sure if that is wise though.. it does help me too to figure out what it exactly is about a situation or person that makes me feel that great.. Again Jean, thanks for this post! I really enjoy reading other people's view on this! @Larissa, I know exactly what you mean.. Sometimes it might even take me days to figure out why I feel that tense about something or someone. Why I’m feeling those ‘bad vibes’ with a certain person.

And I also tend to wonder more about these ‘negative’ feelings too than about the positive stuff. I’m not sure if that is wise though.. it does help me too to figure out what it exactly is about a situation or person that makes me feel that great..

Again Jean, thanks for this post! I really enjoy reading other people’s view on this!

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