My fabulous friend Mara Bishop, www.wholespirit.com wrote this month's Be Happy article -- it is February, so thoughts of happiness often turn to thoughts of love.
Valentine's Day
Proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence as an “inalienable” right, the pursuit of happiness is a driving force in many of our lives. Through relationships, soul searching, material goods, peak experiences, and myriad other ways, we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the quest for happiness. It is no doubt one of our favorite cultural pastimes.
But being happy is less about “having”, or “doing” than it is about “being.” Love is the key ingredient to a happy life. In this month permeated with notions of romantic love, I encourage you to expand your “love vision.”
We can model that approach on the ancient Greeks who had at least 6 different words to express the distinct varieties of love. Throw in a few extra ingredients like satisfying work and good health, and a balance of these 6 kinds of love may be a simple recipe for a happy life. Three are described below.
1. Eros, or sexual passion. Romantic wild, “falling madly in love” love. This kind of love is romanticized in our culture. Although exciting and certainly part of our nature, when we let it take control of our brains and bodies and we can find ourselves dazed and confused. Speaking of dazed and confused… check out this post about the wild origins of Valentine’s Day!
2. Agape, or love for everyone. (not to be confused with Eros!) This is the love taught by the great spiritual traditions and is akin to what I’m attempting to connect with during healing sessions.
3. Ludus, or playful love. I love this one. It can be expressed in many different situations, from flirting with a lover, to joking with friends, to tussling like puppies with your kids. It’s about lightness. Play is so healing. Where can you bring more play into your life?
We only have room for a preview, but you can read more on here (See the full explanation of this ancient and expanded love vision in this article - The Ancient Greeks' 6 Words for Love (And Why Knowing Them Can Change Your Life) by Roman Krznaric.)
If you are interested in learning more about Mara and the counseling that she offers, contact her or visit her website.
Valentine's Day
Proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence as an “inalienable” right, the pursuit of happiness is a driving force in many of our lives. Through relationships, soul searching, material goods, peak experiences, and myriad other ways, we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the quest for happiness. It is no doubt one of our favorite cultural pastimes.
But being happy is less about “having”, or “doing” than it is about “being.” Love is the key ingredient to a happy life. In this month permeated with notions of romantic love, I encourage you to expand your “love vision.”
We can model that approach on the ancient Greeks who had at least 6 different words to express the distinct varieties of love. Throw in a few extra ingredients like satisfying work and good health, and a balance of these 6 kinds of love may be a simple recipe for a happy life. Three are described below.
1. Eros, or sexual passion. Romantic wild, “falling madly in love” love. This kind of love is romanticized in our culture. Although exciting and certainly part of our nature, when we let it take control of our brains and bodies and we can find ourselves dazed and confused. Speaking of dazed and confused… check out this post about the wild origins of Valentine’s Day!
2. Agape, or love for everyone. (not to be confused with Eros!) This is the love taught by the great spiritual traditions and is akin to what I’m attempting to connect with during healing sessions.
3. Ludus, or playful love. I love this one. It can be expressed in many different situations, from flirting with a lover, to joking with friends, to tussling like puppies with your kids. It’s about lightness. Play is so healing. Where can you bring more play into your life?
We only have room for a preview, but you can read more on here (See the full explanation of this ancient and expanded love vision in this article - The Ancient Greeks' 6 Words for Love (And Why Knowing Them Can Change Your Life) by Roman Krznaric.)
If you are interested in learning more about Mara and the counseling that she offers, contact her or visit her website.