24 Feb 22
Phrases like "Don't worry, be happy" imply that happiness can just be switched on with a thought. "Turn that frown upside down", and all such sayings are pretty pervasive.
So maybe the quote in the OP is a needed reminder that we can't really control happiness. Clinical depression is one prime example.
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24 Feb 22
@vivify saidWe can't control happiness, but I think we can actively improve factors in our lives that increase the chances of us finding happiness. (Even if we have a mental health diagnosis).
Phrases like "Don't worry, be happy" imply that happiness can just be switched on with a thought. "Turn that frown upside down", and all such sayings are pretty pervasive.
So maybe the quote in the OP is a needed reminder that we can't really control happiness. Clinical depression is one prime example.
24 Feb 22
@ghost-of-a-duke saidAgreed.
We can't control happiness, but I think we can actively improve factors in our lives that increase the chances of us finding happiness. (Even if we have a mental health diagnosis).
24 Feb 22
@fmf saidPretty much obvious that happiness is experienced.
"Happiness is not received or achieved, but simply experienced." ~ Rumi
Is this profound and insightful or is it just stating the obvious?
Thoughts?
I think happiness is something to be pursued. As like the idea that no one can make you feel something unless you allow it.
24 Feb 22
@fmf saidUs humans still don't agree on many words. Like " happiness" . To some it is relief from suffering. It can also be reaching a sound understanding and fulfilment of living righteously.
"Happiness is not received or achieved, but simply experienced." ~ Rumi
Is this profound and insightful or is it just stating the obvious?
Thoughts?
Arising from a jokes punchline (often illuminating a truth ) .
Often I find myself melancholy only to be instantly changed to laughter when running into another.
Perhaps that Rumi is referring to that sudden joy that seemingly has no cause.
25 Feb 22
@vivify saidI think...
Phrases like "Don't worry, be happy" imply that happiness can just be switched on with a thought. "Turn that frown upside down", and all such sayings are pretty pervasive.
So maybe the quote in the OP is a needed reminder that we can't really control happiness. Clinical depression is one prime example.
"Happiness is experienced" is obviously true.
"Happiness is not achieved" doesn't ring true for me.
"Happiness is not received" seems true.
"Happiness is not experienced", or any variant of that, would clearly not be true.