Living a happier life and building a more peaceful world
21 Jun 2017 | David Lambourne
Action for Happiness supporter David Lambourne shares his
reflections on living a happier life and building a more peaceful
world:
1. Much as we would prefer to know all the
answers, we have to accept that life is ultimately a mystery.
2. If we are to live in harmony with ourselves,
with others and with our environment we have to embark on an
intellectual and spiritual quest to find out who we are.
3. If we are to benefit fully from life we have
to attend to all aspects of our wellbeing - physical, mental,
social, emotional and spiritual.
4. Although we should value the past and plan
for the future we should endeavour to always be mindful of the
present. Every moment is precious.
5. If we accept that what we are is of greater
importance than what we have, we can learn to enjoy the advantages
of living simply and, in so doing, benefit too our environment.
6. Whatever our views about both religious
institutions and their dogmas, we are wise to acknowledge the
contributions of the great spiritual teachers and to recognise the
value of stilling our minds in meditation.
7. If we are to enjoy the love and respect of
others, we have to be prepared to extend the same to them whoever
they are, irrespective of race, colour, creed, gender, age or
sexual orientation. They, too, are distinctive centres of
consciousness.
8. We have to accept that we are all products of
our environment, of our cultural, religious, racial and family
background and we are all, without exception, flawed and prone to
failures and weaknesses. We need, therefore, to forgive rather than
stand in judgement of the errors and shortcomings of our
fellows.
9. By recognising the futility of trying to live
our lives in isolation, we recognise that our lives are given
meaning through co-operation with, and service for, others.
10. In accepting that life is a gift - whether a
gift of God or simply of genes passed from our parents - and that
we did nothing to bring it into being, we can learn to accept the
restrictions that life imposes on us and to value what we have.
11. In coming to a sense of oneness with the
world we accept that all life is deserving of reverence.
12. In following this approach to living we
understand that it is entirely consistent with a peaceful,
politically stable, and environmentally sustainable world.
Summary points taken from 'Living with Meaning and
Value' by David Lambourne.