It can be cultivated and sustained through mental training from "summary" of Happiness by Matthieu Ricard
The idea that happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a skill that can be developed and maintained through mental training is both empowering and exciting. It implies that our well-being is not solely dependent on external circumstances, but rather on our internal state of mind and how we choose to perceive and respond to the world around us. This concept suggests that happiness is not a passive state that we either have or don't have, but rather an active process that we can actively cultivate and nurture. It is like a muscle that can be strengthened through practice and dedication. Just as a musician must practice their instrument regularly to improve their skills, so too must we train our minds to foster a sense of well-being and contentment. By understanding that happiness is a skill that can be developed, we can take ownership of our emotional well-being and work towards creating a more fulfilling and satisfying life. Instead of being at the mercy of our moods and circumstances, we can learn to navigate life's ups and downs with greater resilience and grace. This concept also highlights the importance of mental training in achieving lasting happiness. Just as physical exercise is necessary to keep our bodies healthy and strong, so too is mental exercise essential for cultivating a positive and peaceful state of mind. Through practices such as mindfulness meditation, compassion training, and cognitive reframing, we can gradually rewire our brains to focus on the positive aspects of life and let go of negative thought patterns.- The idea that happiness is a skill that can be cultivated and sustained through mental training offers us hope and agency in our quest for a more fulfilling and meaningful life. It reminds us that we have the power to shape our own happiness and that with dedication and practice, we can create a more joyful and contented existence.
