the art of happiness

i'm currently reading "the art of happiness" by the dalai lama and howard c. cutler, m.d. 

i read a paragraph of the book that i want to share with you because i think it's something we should all try to keep in mind. the dalai lama is talking about how to be happy basically...it sounds like a simple concept. but we all know there are a million things in our lives that prohibit that simple state of mind. here's an excerpt of the book..these are the dalai lama's words:

"sometimes when i meet old friends, it reminds me how quickly time passes. and it makes me wonder if we've utilized our time properly or not. proper utilization of time is so important. while we have this body, and especially this amazing human brain, i think every minute is something precious. our day-to-day existence is very much alive with hope, although there is no guarantee of our future. there is no guarantee that tomorrow at this time we will be here. but still we are working for that purely on the basis of hope. so, we need to make the best use of our time. i believe that the proper utilization of time is this: if you can, serve other people, other sentient beings. if not, at least refrain from harming them. i think that is the whole basis of my philosophy. 

so, let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that. the purpose of our life needs to be positive. we weren't born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. for our life to be of value, i think we must develop basic good human qualities--warmth, kindness, compassion. then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful--happier."

words to live by. : )