This past summer a good friend of mine bought me a copy of “The Book of Joy.” In the last year I’d been getting into meditation/spirituality, and his wife had loved it.
While the book isn’t very long, it did take me a long time to read it for the simple reason that there is SO MUCH wisdom sprinkled throughout. For those that don’t know, this book is basically a summary of a week of conversation between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. It outlines many of their core philosophies.
There are a ton of great tidbits in this book for anyone with an open mind, and I highly suggest you go buy it if you’re at all curious.
I knew it’d be a worthwhile exercise for my own self to codify some (I can’t stress ‘some’ enough – this book is full of interesting and useful wisdom) of the key lessons that I took away, and thought “why not write them up on that blog I never post to!”
So, here are a few of the lessons I took away:
- “The purpose of life is to find happiness” – The Dalai Lama says this in the opening part of the week, and I completely agree. Of course, finding and pursuing happiness are quite different and will lead to divergent outcomes. As is mentioned later in the book, happiness is a byproduct of generosity, compassion, self love, and a host of other worthy pursuits. Pursuing it directly usually ends in distraction and a focus on things like fast cars or big boats.
- Compassion = Happiness – Do you ever have one of those days where you strike up a genuine conversation with a stranger, or get to help out someone in need? As the book says “If you develop a strong sense of concern for the well-being of others, this will make you happy in the morning, even before coffee.” This is very true, and you can lean test it by smiling and saying hello to each person you meet with today – I guarantee you’ll notice the change in yourself. Of course, you can supercharge your effort through generosity.
- A grateful mind breeds happiness – Having a bad day? Think of something you’re truly grateful for and focus on it. Maybe it’s as trivial as how warm your coffee is, or maybe it’s something as important as your health. Focusing on things we’re grateful for is transformative, and a worthwhile daily practice.
- We’re all people – This is very related to the compassion point, but I wanted to write down a key consideration made throughout the book around the negative side of personal interactions. Ever have a boss that is horrible, or have a run in with a bully? Realistically, these people are critical because they see the world as critical, or aggressive because they are fragile. Forgiveness and empathy, even to people who “don’t deserve it” leads to happiness. Side note: I’ll admit it, I can hold grudges…but letting them go feels so much better than ruminating (with the exception of when I’m trying to beat a 3 mile time and need some extra adrenaline for that final push).
- Stress and hardship are just a part of life – According to the book, stress is actually key to our development in utero (disclaimer: I’m no doctor). We can all agree that it’d be crazy not to recognize the amazing role that hardship and failure play in the evolution of us as individuals. So, try to see the bright side of your next challenge, and realize that every human on earth has to go through something similar in their lives (easier said that done!). Apparently, the first noble truth of Buddhism is that life is full of suffering. If you need some extra inspiration here, I highly recommend Viktor Frankel’s Man’s Search for Meaning.
- It ain’t all fluff – A lot of the above sounds like something a non analytical thinker would believe in, or what you may simply learn at Kindergarten (and what’s wrong with that???). However, nothing could be further from the truth. Following the teachings laid out in this book will actually make you happier, allow you to think clearer, and live a more “productive” life. Beyond my own experience, you can see that these teachings align with how humans came to be through the evolution of our species. For example, building meaningful relationships with others is a sure fire way to be happy, which makes sense as that’s how we used to (and still do) get stuff done in society. In fact, the book is sprinkled with actual scientific studies that detail things like lowered hypertension in people who gave away money…just in case you’re a skeptic and need some data along with the wise words 🙂
One fun thought experiment is to think about the various things future generations will know as truth that we can’t see right now. For example, we now look back at history and think “how could they not know smoking was bad for them?” or “how could anyone not see the CDO market was a house of cards that posed a major systemic risk to the economy?” Meditation is a great way to think more clearly about the question of what we just aren’t understanding now…and, perhaps its future adoption will be another answer to this thought experiment.
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure of your blog?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 images.
Maybe you could space it out better?
Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your web site,
how can i subscribe for a weblog website? The account aided me
a appropriate deal. I have been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright
transparent idea
Great delivery. Sound arguments. Keep up the great spirit.
Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort
to put this article together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments.
But so what, it was still worth it!
Главные преимущества онлайн-клуба:
широкий диапазон развлечений азартной тематики (симуляторы, настольные и
карточные игры в режиме live, ставки на спортивные события, денежные турниры и лотерейные билеты);
периодическое пополнение коллекции игр;
бонусная программа для игроков с разным уровнем опыта;
бесплатная игра в тренировочном формате;
доступность скачиваемого приложения.
I’ve learn a few good stuff here. Certainly value
bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you set to make any such magnificent informative website.
I am sure this article has touched all the internet users, its really really pleasant piece of writing on building
up new website.
I do consider all of the ideas you have presented
in your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work.
Nonetheless, the posts are very short for beginners. May you please extend them
a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
It’s wonderful that you are getting ideas from this piece
of writing as well as from our argument made at
this time.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any
widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest
twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for
quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something
like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Piece of writing writing is also a excitement,
if you be acquainted with after that you can write if not it is complicated to write.
I got this site from my buddy who told me about this site and now this time I am
visiting this website and reading very informative articles at this time.
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to
see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views.
I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Breakfast Burrito Casserole
SmallOrders G020129 Christmas Gift set Wrapping paper Made in China
For the reason that the admin of this web page is working, no
question very rapidly it will be famous, due to its quality contents.
Thanks for finally talking about > My Learnings from The Book of Joy
– Phil Strazzulla's Blog < Liked it!
Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your
efforts and I am waiting for your next post thank
you once again.
Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout
out and say I really enjoy reading through your articles.
Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the
same topics? Thanks for your time!
After looking at a few of the blog posts on your web page, I honestly like your way of writing a blog.
I book marked it to my bookmark website list and
will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and tell me what you think.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this
topic to be really something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for
your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed surfing
around your weblog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing on your rss feed and I am
hoping you write again very soon!
always i used to read smaller posts that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with
this post which I am reading at this time.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite
some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience
with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Having read this I thought it was really informative.
I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this information together.
I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading
and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one today.
Greetings I am so happy I found your blog, I really found you by error, while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would
just like to say thanks for a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.
Hi there i am kavin, its my first time to commenting
anywhere, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also make comment due to this good piece
of writing.
Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know
a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a
linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.
It’s amazing in favor of me to have a web site, which is useful for my know-how.
thanks admin
Spot on with this write-up, I actually think this site needs far
more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for
the advice!
I’m really impressed with your writing skills and
also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today.
When some one searches for his vital thing, thus he/she wants to be available that in detail, thus that thing is maintained over here.
This design is wicked! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved
to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this blog’s content every day along with a cup of coffee.
4R Water Glycol Oil Mobile Oil Filter Machine In Stock
Cast Iron And Iron
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This article posted at this web
page is really fastidious.
Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult
time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs
and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Many thanks
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
Very useful info particularly the final section 🙂
I care for such info much. I used to be looking for this certain information for a long time.
Thanks and good luck.
Hey there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this
site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues
with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Can I simply just say what a relief to discover someone
who really knows what they are talking about on the net.
You definitely realize how to bring an issue to
light and make it important. A lot more people must check this
out and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular since you surely have the gift.
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for pubglife.ru
Howdy I am so delighted I found your weblog, I really found you
by mistake, while I was browsing on Bing for something else, Nonetheless
I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have
time to browse it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also
included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome jo.
Pesticide Filling Machine
Durable SmallOrders G01131 Office thermostat cup+coaster Gift Set
SmallOrders G020105 Window props electronic candles Price List
澳门博狗
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I
have truly loved surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing on your
feed and I am hoping you write again very soon!
LOOK 4: Khaki windbreaker + red bandana + red trim double G yarn-dyed pattern 1955
Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up very fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your
host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
60w Laser Cutter
Momentary Push Button Switch Price List