Life in math.

[thepnutgallery]

Looking at my life, I basically see it as a not-terribly complex equation: a+b+c…= Unhappy. You’ll notice in the above equation that there are lots of variables, but the end result is a constant. The Boy offered this tidbit of advice:
It’s possible that unhappiness and anger are default settings on your feelings because they are the only emotions you feel comfortable allowing yourself to experience. When we’re angry over a situation or dissatisfied, we’re in full control of that. It’s not an emotional response that equals a weakness in your mind. You can feel something and not feel like you’ve manipulated by it. Misery allows you to feel something and still remain in full control.

I don’t disagree with this, but maybe modify it, or add to it that if you’re unhappy or dissatisfied with a situation, it enables you to more easily disassociate from it, look from the outside in and analyze than say, being happy and “in the moment”. Of course, when you lose your temper, you’re in just as bad a place, control-wise, but we’re talking about dissatisfaction, disdain, a slow-burn, not crazy-rage.

Comments

[skatert.livejournal.com]

It seems to me that happiness is the default emotion for humanity, as it's what we know in the simplest terms as children. Anger and unhappiness seem to be learned out of social contexts.

I think The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman might be a book you would really like. It might shed some light on that equation you're working on.

<3.14