Thread: contentedness

Originally Posted by majurey

I've concluded that happiness is often used to describe specific occurrences, but contentedness is applied more generally and probably covers a longer timeframe.

agreed.

There should be something, I think, about knowing the true value of something to you, and not focusing in on the monetary value of things.

I guess not falling foul of 'the grass is always greener' is key to being content. QO listed a bunch of ideals (for him), 'nothing could be better in any significant fashion' and yet nothing was mentioned about quality of life, or state of mind, relationships etc.

Being able to appreciate that a change of circumstance, for 'better' or 'worse' (on the face of it) simply brings a different set of challenges, and, actually, change for the 'worse' might actually work out as a change for the better. Is, I think, something very important and something largely ignored in our culture.

Perhaps this is why I would list my self as content, life could be different, but who knows if it could be any better?

Content, yes I am. Sure some things can always be improved (I miss Seattle) but:
- My health is fine.
- I have a safe, OK paying job, that I some days enjoy.
- I finally, after saving for a while got my Mastro Livi custom.
- I have a nice view from my condo. When I have time to enjoy it.
- My wine cellar is OK and I have some nice Cuban (legal in Europe) cigars just waiting.
- My bookshelves are full of good books.
- My CD racks contains lots of good music.
- My gun cabinet has some nice guns in it, but there is still room for more.

All and all - not bad.

Nice thread!

I agree with notions of being content, yet still able to strive for more.

You can use lots of metaphors / analogies I think - here's one:

Life as a journey - remembering to stop and smell the roses, to enjoy the view, to enjoy the ride.
You can travel through life, getting to different destinations, exploring different places - contentedness can be about remembering to appreciate where you're at, to reflect on where you've been, what you have.

Re shaving and contentedness
- funny how mindfulness makes a big difference in how I feel about my shave: If I'm mindful, my shave is much more enjoyable and I feel better inside. (Even if I pick up any nicks). If my mind strays elsewhere, even if I get a 'perfect' shave, I don't feel as good.

I guess the parallel with life here is - you can have lots of stuff, lots of achievements, but if you don't pause to appreciate it you won't be happy / content.

You can be moving forward and be content - these things are not mutually exclusive.

All the best,
Michael.

Originally Posted by FTG

You can be moving forward and be content - these things are not mutually exclusive.

If I have given the impression I believe otherwise, I apologize. We're all moving forward, whether we want to or not.

To squash the semantics....

–adjective
1. satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.
2. British. agreeing; assenting.
3. Archaic. willing.


So, what gregs is going for here I believe is definition 1, which is exactly what he said. He likes what he has and is not on the quest for anything else (motorcycle, car, friends, razors, etc).

Gregs, I must say that it's a strange and satisfying feeling agreeing with you instead of disagreeing! I feel so well-rounded!

Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

Gregs, I must say that it's a strange and satisfying feeling agreeing with you instead of disagreeing! I feel so well-rounded!

Quite, it's what keeps life interesting.

interesting thought, I'd love to ask this question in the east. I bet there is a real culture split.

Originally Posted by gregs656

If I have given the impression I believe otherwise, I apologize. We're all moving forward, whether we want to or not.

No problems - I wasn't under the impression that you believed contentedness = not moving forward.

Btw - re semantics: It's ok for people to interpret words differently - that's all part of the language change process (though it does help if you're both clear on what you mean!) (For a start - I use a bathroom after the toilet and a restroom if I'm tired )


All the best,
Michael.

Doesn,t take much to make me contented, a roof that doesn,t leak, a warm bed, an open fire, three meals a day, basic transport and a job.

Every thing beyond those things makes me happy!

Originally Posted by gregs656

I guess not falling foul of 'the grass is always greener' is key to being content. QO listed a bunch of ideals (for him), 'nothing could be better in any significant fashion' and yet nothing was mentioned about quality of life, or state of mind, relationships etc.

I was simply going along with what you have in your original post:

The same foods, the same drinks, my motorcycle, my razors etc etc.

If you had bothered to read my post, I mention in my actual list of being content as being in the Rocky Mountains and living here with the love of my life (aka my wife), the former being a quality of life characteristic and the latter being relationship. At least attempt to read my replies before you try to prove to yourself how much smarter you are.

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

At least attempt to read my replies before you try to prove to yourself how much smarter you are.

I don't think what I said was incorrect.

What you basically said was what I have now is ok, but it could be better if . . .

z

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

Contentedness is below happiness in my opinion because happiness is the idea that nothing could be better in any significant fashion. You've got the Livi, you donate a bunch of time and money to charity, you coach your kid's little league team, your job is the best in the world to you.

I just don't think like that, that was the only point I was trying to make. This bit, I don't think what I said previously was unfair? I apologise if you're offended.

I don't really believe any one is smarter than anyone else, I think people have different ways of looking at things.