 Why are some people happier than others?
When a person states, "I want to be happy", they are viewing their current situation as unhappy. This implies that they are devoid of happiness, which in most cases is simply not true. THE MISTAKES: Hedonism A person whose life is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure & self-gratification at all costs will hold the belief that instant gratification will bring happiness. Instant gratification may create pleasure, however it is only satisfying half of the necessary equation to becoming happier. Futurist The same applies for the person whose life is devoted to the delay of pleasure in the belief that gratification will become a reality at 'some point in the future', however it will impede this opportunity to manifest if we enjoy any of the pleasure now. For example, work hard and save hard now, no matter what, & you will have a nest egg to enjoy in "the future." This action of constant delayed-gratification is once again only satisfying half of the necessary equation to becoming happier. THE ANSWER TO BECOMING HAPPIER: As a species we are designed to survive above all other purposes. Therefore by default, we are designed to feel emotions of pleasant and unpleasant in equal proportions. Unpleasant emotions are experienced in order to change a pattern of behavior (in order to survive); whereas pleasant are the emotions of reward for making the change. The simple answer to happiness (or in fact becoming happier) is found through the ability to gratify both the will for pleasure, & the will for meaning. There is a synergistic relationship between the present tense 'pleasure' & the future tense 'meaning'. The actions taken in each present moment, in pursuit of future reward, gives the whole scenario a 'meaning', thus creates a positive emotional reward now, and carries this forward (on-going) as we head toward the goal. DOING WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY Experiencing positive emotions in the present moment by doing what brings you joy, coupled with the actions holding a meaning toward future benefits, creates ongoing emotional rewards. Importantly, understanding the necessity for struggles to arise along the journey, because these create stimulus to succeed, is where the pursuer learns to view unpleasant emotions as equally & as necessary as pleasant. Awareness of the necessity for unpleasant & pleasant moments to exist equally, in order to maintain a steady course toward the goal, is where we find the pathway to Happiness. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Born in Sydney Australia in 1963. Paul is a practitioner of *naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices. * Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions. For more information on Paul Pettit - http://www.paulpettit.com
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 This Blog is dedicated to all of those wonderful people who have colored my life over these past five years, by sharing water from the wells from which they themselves drink.
To the Baptists, Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Jewish, Muslims, LDS (Mormons), Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses’, Hare-Krishna’s, Taoists, Buddhists, & Hindu’s. Since 2015 I have been welcomed into a plethora of Faiths, all of which have shared their religious beliefs both openly & honestly. I too have now drunk from the wells of information from which they drink. With this experiential knowledge, I choose to believe that there is indeed an essence greater than mankind, call it as you may; it exists. However I also now understand the importance to heed caution when mankind rules in the name of God; for mankind is not God, he is mankind. PATRIARCHY IS NOT CHRISTLIKE, IT IS SIMPLY PATRIARCHY. Patriarchy is not simply Male leadership; it is a system of society or government in which the Male is issued the dominant position by default. When a society is under (leadership) in a patriarchal society, the thematic relationships of decisions are worked out according to the conventional archetypes of the patriarchy. In other words, what HE (the Male leader) says overrules all other input.
I believe it is time religious groups hold open debate regarding the systemic dysfunctions patriarchy causes to the ‘word of God.’ I am not referring to the scriptures – the word of God, (past tense), these cannot be reversed. I am referring to the current day experiences - we are all open to receive ‘the word of God.’ God said “ I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here I am, here I am’” (Isaiah 65:1). God did not say I revealed myself to males only. The Bible (& its equivalent in each religion) contains the accounts of hundreds of experiences with God. Again and again, God came to individuals & spoke to them; through messages, experiences, word-of-mouth, nature; the list of ways he ‘speaks’ to individuals was, and most importantly still is, inexhaustible. CHRISTLIKE One of the greatest teachings I have been gifted is that of the manner in which Jesus lived. From his actions came the term ‘to be Christlike.’ Christlike is the gift that the prophet Jesus shared. He did not tell us how to do; he showed us how to be. He was sharing his life as the example of how to be Christ-like. Jesus did not morph into the person others told him to be. He did not seek guidance from 'out-there'. He shared pure Love - outwardly, by living the guidance he felt from within, regardless of the external pressures. He literally shook the status quo of the society in which he lived, by being that which he knew to be his purpose. First he was ignored, then ridiculed, and then ordered to cease being himself, before ultimately crucified for not conforming. Jesus knew what was coming, yet did not falter in his belief of God. Even in the 11th hour (on the cross), he asked, "God, why have you forsaken me?" And he was answered. He also said 2 critically important things "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."& [Before leaving the Form] "Thy will be done." He accepted God unconditionally. Being Christ-like is fulfilling that which you feel within you, it is not relinquishing control to others by conforming to Patriarchy. How can patriarchal leaders determine your purpose? For that matter how can any person determine your purpose? People are not God; they are human beings. If you want to experience Christlike nature, simply close your eyes & breathe. Pure Love is found within you. Close your eyes and be silent. Remove the constant noise of thinking; You will feel love's presence, and likewise, you will feel when you are moving away from it (by choosing to conform to the desires of others in order to be safe). Patriarchy will tell you that to be Christlike is to serve all others, and that this equates to the necessity to relinquish your own needs in order to do so. But how is this Christlike? Jesus served others by being himself, not by relinquishing himself to meet the viewpoint of the self-imposed heads of society. He served others by showing them how to be, not how to do. I too have now drunk from the wells of information regarding God, and I say to be Christlike is not achieved by worshipping the words of God (the Bible or its equivalent) as translated, & dictated by, patriarchy; it is achieved by worshipping That which the words reveal – God. To simplify my message, I share to be Christlike is by taking actions based upon that which resonates within you. As Gandhi offered: "Be the change you want to see." As Paul offers: " Your job is to be You." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Born in Sydney Australia in 1963. Paul is a practitioner of *naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices. * Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions. For more information on Paul Pettit - http://www.paulpettit.com  मोमेन्त्स उन्प्लेअसन्त् एक्षिस्त् ओन्ल्य् इन थे मिन्द् ओफ़् थोसे व्हो च्रेअते सु। Fओर् थेसे मोमेन्त्स होल्द नो मोरे त्रुतः थन प्लेअसन्त। एवेर्य्थिन्ग इस नोथिन्ग, नोथिन्ग इस एवेर्य्थिन्। तो उन्देर्स्तन्द् & लिवे विथ् थिस् क्नोव्लेद्गे, इस तो चेअसे सुफ़्फ़ेरिङ्ग। Moments unpleasant Exist only in the Minds Of those who create such. For these moments Hold no more truth Than pleasant. Everything is nothing, Nothing is everything. To understand, & Live with this knowledge, Is to cease suffering Paul J. Pettit I openly share that one's perception creates one's reality. When you understand how the Body, Mind & Soul function, & the connection these 3 aggregates hold with the universe as a whole, you are freed from emotional (and to a degree) physical suffering. This knowledge has been available for many thousands of years, therefore nothing I share is new - apart from the manner in which I share. "Self effort, to gain self knowledge, results in Emotional Freedom." ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in Sydney Australia in 1963. Paul is a practitioner of *naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices. * Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions. For more information on Paul Pettit - http://www.paulpettit.com  WHO AM I?
And so on this day, it came to pass that I received yet a deeper gift of experiential knowledge of who I am, as opposed to who I think I am? No drugs, no meditative state, no deep-diving into the realms of unbounded possibilities - just a gift of pure awareness arose in the moment. I had completed my afternoon exercises (a Practice I embrace with enthusiasm on most days), & while sitting quietly for a moment to enjoy the physical and emotional calm, an unexpected information download occurred. CLARITY AROSE (Paul) is on that narrow strip dividing clarity & insanity, the precipice upon which one stands & views the existence of both, simultaneously. A deep understanding that both exist on this earthly plane, yet neither exists at all. For (Paul) realizes I am not the puppet known as Self, but rather the essence within it. And even then, this essence is but a thread of ‘That’ which is greater than this essence. For this smaller essence within the puppet of Self is in itself just a portal, a conduit, being guided by the greater essence of all that is, ever was, and forever shall be. THE 'WHAT-IS' There is an all-encompassing essence, of ‘What Is’; of which the essence of Self is but a small thread; a representative, being a part of & within (the observer) called Self, The Self (Paul) observes & acts on a grounded plane, through which the essence observes. Yet (Self –Paul) I am not, as this form is ever-changing, ever growing, & ever decaying, The (Soul), the observer within the ‘Form’, I am also not. For this Soul is but a thread of the entire Universe & beyond; and is the observer of observation, conducted through the observed Self (Paul). THE 'TRUE - I' The true 'I", as they say, is consciousness itself. I am all things, and no-thing. I am smaller than the smallest particle known to mankind, and greater than the Universe in its’ entirety. I am the Form, the Formless, & also the notion of either and both. I am present, past & future (experiencing each at this very moment) through all things, both Form & Formless. I am aware of the Self, & its’ ever-changing persona’s; influenced by circumstance & time. I am the observer of this Form who is experiencing knowledge, and yet ignorant to the reality of its own non-existence. The Form cannot exist; for it is changing continuously from what it was milliseconds beforehand, to what it is in the next millisecond. Therefore how can it exist? The Form is but a conduit through which I observe all things past, present & future. And I am ‘That ‘which has the ability to guide the Form, through the essence within it (the Soul). When Self (the Form) listens, and gets out of its own way, my conduit (the Soul) communicates all that is necessary; however the Form has been gifted the option to heed or ignore - this is the option of choice to which all Form are granted. To understand who I am, simply connect to that essence within the Self (the Soul), which is my representative at this level of consciousness. THE 'ANSWER' The answer to the question: I am the omniscience (the state of knowledge), creating the omnipotent, omnipresent omniscient. I am ‘That’ which I am, in this moment. As are You. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul is a practitioner of naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices. * Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE  Nature constantly provides me with the opportunity to use Whyspiration, the practice of asking the self why?
I found freedom through Whyspiration; my purpose found me through Whyspiration; and Whyspiration gifted me for my efforts, with love. Whyspiration:
A Chameleon adapts to its environment in order to survive; an Eagle soars because it is its environment. Which are you in this moment? "Let go, and practice Whyspiration, the sky has no boundaries." ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul is a studying practitioner of naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices. * Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE  When one practices stepping away from the doing, and embraces the being, the breath moves to the forefront; senses become heightened; the heart rate lowers; the mind opens; and the awareness of oneness enters the soul.
Practicing to ‘be’ complete - the observer, observation & observed, offers the gift of experiencing a noetic revelation, through forming a sense of clarity which can only be described as ineffable. Pausing this very moment, gazing from my home office window, I witness the coming of a storm. The open window by my desk becomes a portal; there is no barrier between the self & the elements. Thunderclouds gather Flight of bird ceases Anticipation, pools within. Leaves dance to light notes of a breeze Mellow tones of nature kiss the air Humid beads glisten on the skin. The breath is smooth, the mind is clear, the body calm Oneness. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul is a studying practitioner of naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices. * Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE  As a species, we are inherently driven by survival. We tend to divide things into categories of assets & liabilities toward safeguarding our own survival, and that of our gene pool
This becomes especially obvious when we consider the manner in which we regard ‘other’ people & events, or more precisely, the manner in which we perceive them. Let’s review the rationale behind our perception of ‘other people’ first, which will then offer an explanation for the individual perception we hold for all things, including ‘events’ that transpire in life. “Others” are divided into friend or foe. A ‘friend’ is perceived as an asset to our own survival, & the longevity of our gene pool, whereas an enemy is perceived as a threat to these. This makes perfect sense from the theory of evolution, and concept of natural selection. In fact from that standpoint, this is integral to human survival. Psychology offers an explanation for this behavior. We consider our self (ego) to be separate from others. Therefore laws associated with natural selection drive us to divide ‘others’ into groups: those, which will benefit us, and those, which will harm us. Can we be certain that we are categorizing groups accurately, and for the benefit of the human race? Interestingly the practice of division becomes somewhat questionable when we breakdown these separated groups. Our friend may be conversely considered an enemy to someone else; and our enemy may be considered their friend. Perceptions (ours & others) may conflict; therefore it stands to reason they cannot both be correct? So why is a friend considered as such, as opposed to an enemy? Ultimately it is all relative to self (ego). We see our self as the center point, or being of more importance than anyone else (friend or foe). Therefore those who benefit our survival & that of our gene pool are considered to be beneficial to the survival of mankind. This is the Ego. Pause for a moment & consider this question: Do your actions predominately take place for your own survival above & before that of ‘others’? I can almost hear you apologize with a rational answer such as, “Yes, but my family is reliant upon me.” Or perhaps “Yes but the business, and welfare of others are reliant upon me.” Therefore, you are of the opinion that you (and your beliefs) are more accurate than those of ‘others’ that may be opposed to them. Hence, you categorize ‘others’ as friend or foe. Can you see the Danger in this approach? The ego encourages us to establish a hierarchical order, toward self & others. It then consoles us, offering that this is imperative to the survival of self & others. Paradoxically, this approach can result in the destruction of the human race, as opposed to survival of it. Consider Hitler, Stalin, Kim Jong-Un, Saddam Hussein, Benito Mussolini, Mao Zedong, Gaddafi & Idi Amin, just to mention a few. They were of the belief that those opposed to their ideologies were the enemy, and therefore should be removed, if not destroyed. Why do we think this way? Well, I hold to the theory that the world we perceive is in fact formless, until we impose form onto, or into it. So how do we impose form onto, or into the world? Essentially we perceive anything (person, thing, or event) by assigning affective value to the said ‘form’, which is based upon a predisposed belief. We hold a belief that there is an essence separate to self, and therefore this essence is categorized as an asset or liability, to self. WHAAAT? Let me put it this way. If you believe you are separate from every thing, as opposed to reliant-upon & contributing toward every thing, then ‘things’ are viewed as either beneficial or detrimental to your existence. However, if you can view this thing you call self as being a part of everything, you would stop viewing opposing ‘things’ as a threat. You would begin to see them as contrasts, and indeed necessary antithesis for your own survival, in fact to the survival of the human race. OPPOSITES CREATE BALANCE Herein creates the question as to whether or not the characteristic trait of viewing oneself as separate to others, is beneficial or detrimental to human survival? Pause and ask yourself, do I view others as “us & them?” ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul is a studying practitioner of naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices. * Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE  It will be interesting to see who chooses to continue to live in denial, and who chooses to take this opportunity to bring awareness into their lives; to break free from what is essentially destroying themselves, and their loved-ones?
Who is willing to read this short blog (and listen to the link), and who is going to keep doing the same-old-thing, covering-up the damage caused by habitual behavior? Fact: More people suffer from damaging habitual behavior than cancer. “How would we react if only 1 out of 10 people with cancer saw a doctor trained in that specialty? That’s where we are in mental health care.” John D. Birkmeyer, MD & Namita Seth Mohta, MD As I said, if that statement triggers you…...then it’s about you. Here is a link to episode #29 of Mindfulness Mondays Podcast sharing 5 simple practices to reduce damaging habitual behavior that causes the emotions of overwhelm, anxiety, and depression. IT'S FREE TO LISTEN You are in quarantine right now, so what have you got to lose by listening?
May we all be free from anger, afflictions, fear, and anxiety. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Having undertaken studies for 4 years, and successfully fulfilled the criteria required, Paul is a certified Life Coach, certified Reflexologist, & certified Naturopathic Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Therapist, specializing in mindfulness-based practices; He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul offers 1-to-1 in-person services in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia; and Life Coaching services are offered globally through various web platforms. Individually tailored tools and techniques are shared, to enable clients to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior, and to Reclaim Calm. * Paul is currently studying to be a Practitioner of Naturopathy. Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE  The Earth is Spring cleaning
Has COVID-19 been beneficial to our planet? The Universe I choose to recognise is the connectedness related to by some (including myself) as The Tao. No, I am not of a staunch religious belief; I am of a spiritual one. As a matter of fact, in 2016 I made the decision to commence studying religions - of which to date I have studied thirty (Yes 30) of the most prominent religious faiths. This self-effort for self-knowledge has revealed that all of the religions I have studied to date have one commonality - A God (or a similar term used in order to explain ‘that’ which is beyond our full comprehension). What does this have to do with my opening question? When I practice to remain open-minded to all things possible, I see a glimmer of hope that the universe (The Tao) has chosen to Spring-clean during 2019/2020. There have been well documented reports (feel free to challenge these) that the air quality in China, the water clarity in Venice, and the carbon emission reduction globally, have all shown significant improvements due to the reduction in man-made pollutants - such as those created by manufacturing, consumerism, and waste. For those of us who have been touched by COVID-19 , I understand your emotional & physical pain (suffering). I feel your suffering. I have felt the same suffering in my business & personal life, and I have found great courage in thinking the thought “the universe is spring-cleaning in order to survive.” My teachers (of which there have been many) have shown me that the Universe (The Tao) is a law unto itself - forever giving, and forever taking, as is necessary for its survival. I no longer question why, I simply let go and accept the ‘what is’ of the present moment, knowing that “this too shall pass”. Quotes often shared but seldom truly contemplated. I am truly grateful for the 56 years I have been gifted to date; and I look forward to as many more years as is meant to be, while I continue to take 1 small step toward home. May we all be free from anger, afflictions, fear, and anxiety. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Having undertaken studies for 4 years, and successfully fulfilled the criteria required, Paul is a certified Life Coach, certified Reflexologist, & certified Naturopathic Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Therapist, specializing in mindfulness-based practices; He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul offers 1-to-1 in-person services in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia; and Life Coaching services are offered globally through various web platforms. Individually tailored tools and techniques are shared, to enable clients to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior, and to Reclaim Calm. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE  Is individualism a necessary antithesis for unity to exist?
In the world of matter, opposites are necessary for existence to exist. Up needs down; in needs out; hot needs cold, and so forth. Therefore it stands to reason that individualism is necessary for unity to exist. Here is a novel practice to consider: Hit the pause button for a moment and consider the following the next time you are about to make a judgement-call about someone. Ask yourself, “What triggers me about that person?” The reality is, if it triggers you - it’s about you! We are not meant to be alike; we are meant to be individual strands, combined to establish a collective. Akin to a tapestry made from thousands of strands of silk, we human beings are designed to be individuals in order to fulfill our unique purposes - yet united to form a larger collective purpose. Separatism, schisms, and biases, are a result of ‘unity’ gone wrong. Personal opinions and preferences were designed within the framework of homo sapiens in order to evolve as a collective, not as a means to create an ‘us & them’ phobia. Debate is a platform to establish compassionate discussion, not a throne to rule over the opposition. It exists in order for individuals to consider an alternative view - not to divide and conquer the opponent. Sadly we witness the divide and conquer mentality in our lives from primary care-givers, such as governments, on a daily basis. Perhaps it’s time to shift the biggotory, phobia, and alarmist attitudes that have been portrayed throughout the ages and contemplate the alternatives? Why? I will leave it to that wonderful question I have learned here in the USA to answer for me.. Quote, “Well, how’s that working for you?” How is the bigotry, phobia, sexism, alarmist attitudes working for you folks? These days when I witness the opposite to my views (the bigoted, biased,sexist or racist people) I stop and hit the pause button & ask myself the question “why is it triggering me?” The answer is disconcerting - the reality is that these opposites exist in all of us (myself included). We as individuals have the choice to support the rights of all individuals to be themselves, even when their views or opinions are not in alignment with our own. When I hit the pause button I realize It opens my mind to a world of compassion toward both sides. I feel for the perpetrator and the recipient (because in every case they exist on both sides)…..so in order to let-go of judgement I silently offer metta to both. Individualism is a necessity for unity - but somewhere along the way our caregivers forgot to teach us the importance of the middle path. If it opens your eyes to the possibility of a better world, then why not discuss it rather than slam it?Next time you are about to slam someone for ‘being different’ why not go out on a limb and take the test to pause and say “why is that triggering me; who is villian and who is the victim"? The truth is, we hold both within us, but compassion opens the door to the possibility of change for the better. Therefore, as individuals we can unite ! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Having undertaken studies for 4 years, and successfully fulfilled the criteria required, Paul is a certified Life Coach, certified Reflexologist, & certified Naturopathic Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Therapist, specializing in mindfulness-based practices; He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul offers 1-to-1 in-person services in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia; and Life Coaching services are offered globally through various web platforms. Individually tailored tools and techniques are shared, to enable clients to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE |
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