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.
Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this short 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!
I’ve been surfing online greater than three hours today, but I by
no means found any fascinating article like yours.
It is beautiful price sufficient for me. Personally, if all site
owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the internet can be
much more helpful than ever before.
Hello would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a honest price?
Many thanks, I appreciate it!
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s articles or reviews
all the time along with a mug of coffee.
These are genuinely wonderful ideas in on the topic of blogging.
You have touched some fastidious points here.
Any way keep up wrinting.
Excellent blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any message boards that cover the
same topics talked about here? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get
advice from other experienced individuals that share the same
interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
Thanks!
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from.
Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess
I will just book mark this page.
I read this post fully on the topic of the resemblance of latest
and earlier technologies, it’s amazing article.
Amazing! Its truly awesome article, I have got much clear idea concerning from this piece of writing.
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that
helped me. Appreciate it!
I am really loving the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues?
A few of my blog visitors have complained about my blog not working correctly in Explorer but looks great
in Opera. Do you have any ideas to help fix this problem?
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is
a very well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful
info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.
Hello! I just wish to give you a big thumbs up for the excellent info you have right here on this post.
I will be coming back to your web site for more soon.
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through many
of the articles I realized it’s new to me.
Regardless, I’m certainly happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and
I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we are looking to swap
solutions with others, why not shoot me an email if interested.
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.
Because the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be famous,
due to its quality contents.
I’ll immediately clutch your rss feed as I can not find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter
service. Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me recognise in order that I could
subscribe. Thanks.
Hello my loved one! I wish to say that this article is amazing, great written and include
almost all important infos. I’d like to see more posts like this .
critical review. Also visit the site which is often gamed slot deposit
pulsa. This great site has received level of popularity out of slot deposit pulsa on line casino cricket fans in Indonesia.
Generally there will be lots of fascinating promos should you join at this
time.
Hey there, You have done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to
my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this website.
Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your article. I like to
write a little comment to support you.
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this
blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s
the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve have
in mind your stuff prior to and you’re just
too magnificent. I actually like what you have bought here, really
like what you’re saying and the way during which you assert it.
You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep
it smart. I cant wait to learn much more from you. This is really a terrific site.
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been doing a
little homework on this. And he actually ordered me breakfast simply because I discovered it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this issue here on your web
site.
Thanks very interesting blog!
When some one searches for his vital thing, so he/she needs to
be available that in detail, thus that thing is maintained over here.
Hi, every time i used to check weblog posts here in the early hours
in the dawn, since i enjoy to gain knowledge of more and more.
Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing
a blog post or vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I
believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!
Useful info. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I’m surprised why this accident didn’t happened in advance!
I bookmarked it.
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly
the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.
Hey very nice blog!
Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your web site in internet explorer, may check this?
IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a big part of people will leave out your great writing due to this problem.
Ahaa, its good conversation regarding this article at this
place at this webpage, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting at this place.
It’s enormous that you are getting ideas from this post as well as from our dialogue made at
this place.
Good day very nice website!! Guy .. Beautiful ..
Superb .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally?
I’m glad to find so many useful information here in the publish, we want develop more strategies on this
regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my
blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your
design. Many thanks
Thank you for any other excellent article. Where else could anybody get that type of info in such a perfect manner of writing?
I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m at the search for such
information.
Hi, all the time i used to check web site posts here in the
early hours in the break of day, as i enjoy to gain knowledge
of more and more.
Wonderful article! This is the type of information that
should be shared around the web. Shame on Google for no longer positioning this put up upper!
Come on over and discuss with my website . Thank you =)
I have read a few good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how so much attempt you set to make any such wonderful informative
web site.
Wonderful, what a web site it is! This web site presents helpful data to us, keep it up.
Very nice article, exactly what I was looking for.
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
Very helpful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info much.
I was looking for this certain info for a long time.
Thank you and good luck.
I’m really loving the theme/design of your web site.
Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues?
A couple of my blog audience have complained about my site not working correctly
in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any ideas to help
fix this issue?
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article.
Thank you for supplying this information.
I’m more than happy to discover this website.
I need to to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!!
I definitely enjoyed every part of it and I have you book-marked to look at
new things in your site.
A fascinating discussion is worth comment.
I believe that you need to write more on this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but typically
people do not discuss these topics. To the next! All the best!!
Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Finding the time
and actual effort to create a very good article… but what can I
say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly
anything done.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage?
My blog site is in the very same niche as yours and my users would
really benefit from some of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this alright with you.
Many thanks!