Philosophy Discussion Forums

Be happy now because the now (i.e. subjective conscious presence) is eternal. You're only ever now because, in a way, you are the now; you are hereness and nowness (i.e. presence) itself. The future is an illusion. Your so-called future self is just as much of another (an other) as any other human is, from any time or place.

Don't seek happiness. Be happy seeking.

The seeking never ends. The journey never ends. The now never ends.

Be happy now.

It's true, happiness always accompanies you, you don't have to look for it because it's always there.

Every day, I see and hear people who mentally condition themselves to such insignificant things, without knowing that they are creating mental barriers, and for which they never have true relief. For example: If I get X thing I will be happy, if I get such a thing I will be happy, when I get Issues that should not be a barrier, nor something important to be conditioned in such a way.

I have learned that happiness is within us, we just have to open the door to our inward happiness and flow with it.

"Don't seek happiness. Be happy seeking."

This was one of the dichotomies I thought about reading your book. Accepting reality for how it is can also be used as a reason not to seek to change the world around us for the better. But I actually really enjoy the feeling of seeking to achieve change. The trick is not expecting it all to end and then be happy once it is finished but to enjoy the journey instead.

I remember having read that the only time to be happy is always in the present. So to the question, When can you be happy? The answer is now.

The sentiment underscores the importance of finding joy in the process rather than fixating on a destination. By embracing the ongoing journey, individuals can cultivate a sustained sense of happiness. It advocates for mindfulness, encouraging appreciation of the present moment rather than postponing contentment to a future achievement. The idea of perpetual seeking aligns with continuous growth and self-discovery, acknowledging that fulfillment evolves over time. It promotes a dynamic and proactive approach to happiness, rooted in the awareness that the pursuit itself is a source of joy. Ultimately, it's a reminder to find happiness in the journey, not just the destination.

I find truth in the idea that happiness resides in the present moment because, in a profound sense, I am the now—I am the hereness and nowness, the very essence of presence. The future, it suggests, is illusory, and my so-called future self is as much another being as any person from any time or place.

Rather than chasing happiness in the future, I'm encouraged to be happy in the process of seeking, recognizing that the journey never truly ends. It's a perpetual exploration, and my joy is not dependent on future outcomes but is a state to be embraced in the ever-present now.

Some people spend a lot of time looking for happiness elsewhere when true happiness has eluded them. You must be happy seeking in order to pick out happiness from others.

By embracing the 'nowness,' we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of future happiness, which can be elusive. There's a liberating quality in realizing that happiness doesn't have to be a destination but a manner of traveling. As you so eloquently put it, 'Be happy seeking,' which resonates deeply with the concept of mindfulness—finding contentment in the present moment without attachment to outcomes. It's a reminder that every moment is an opportunity to cultivate happiness from within, and that perhaps the journey itself is where true joy lies.

The concept resonates with the idea of finding eternal happiness in the present moment, embracing the now as a perpetual state of being. The call to be happy while seeking implies that joy is found in the journey itself, emphasizing the continuous nature of exploration and self-discovery. It aligns with the philosophy that the present moment holds the key to lasting happiness. What are your thoughts on this perspective?

I don't disagree that we ought to be happy now. However, I also believe that there's happiness and fulfillment that comes with knowing that you're on a right path to achieving something in the future, even if you aren't there yet.

Wow, that's a profound way of looking at life, you're right, the present moment is all we truly have. And finding joy in the journey, in the seeking, that's the real secret to happiness. The journey, the now, is indeed endless.

Yes! I love this. So many people think they will be happy when they get something or reach a milestone (i.e. when they get the job, when they buy the house, when they find a relationship). Once they reach this milestone, they realize that they are still not happy. Happiness is not a feeling that comes from something outside of ourselves. It has to be within us and appreciated now. When we are on our journey to these milestones above, we need to find happiness in those moments of seeking and not just hoping for happiness to appear when we get there. I really liked this idea!

Eckhart Aurelius Hughes wrote: ↑September 28th, 2023, 12:59 am Be happy now because the now (i.e. subjective conscious presence) is eternal. You're only ever now because, in a way, you are the now; you are hereness and nowness (i.e. presence) itself. The future is an illusion. Your so-called future self is just as much of another (an other) as any other human is, from any time or place.

Don't seek happiness. Be happy seeking.

The seeking never ends. The journey never ends. The now never ends.

Be happy now.





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That's a positive perspective on finding happiness. Focusing on the journey and appreciating the present moment can indeed contribute to a more fulfilling life.

I 100% agree with this thought. Life is all about enjoying the journey. The destination is not the important part. Find contentment every day.