Dr. Arlene Unger - How to be Content: An inspired guide to happiness

HOW TO BE CONTENT HOW TO BE CONTENT An inspired guide to happiness This book is not intended as a substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic advice, and readers are advised to consult a healthcare professional for individual Lona Eversden & Dr. Arlene K. Unger concerns and to check that the exercises are suitable for their particular needs. Illustrations by Joanne Parry The authors, editors and publisher make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy, completeness, fitness for a particular purpose or currency of the contents of this book and exclude all liability to the extent permitted by law for any errors or omissions in this book and for any loss, damage or expense (whether direct or indirect) suffered by anyone relying on any information contained in this book. Contents Introduction: Seeking Happiness 6 Chapter three Mythology & Folklore Chapter One The Natural World Celebrate New Starts 104 A Bright New Day 12 Find Your Flow 108 The Gardeners Helpmate 16 Dont Give Up 110 Food for the Soul 20 Welcome Home 114 The Bluebird of Happiness 22 The Heart of the Home 116 Bee Happy 26 The Power of Solitude 118 Rain and Shine 30 Standing Tall 120 Soaring Aspirations 32 Make a Wish 124 The Enchanted Forest 36 Count Your Blessings 126 Letting Go 40 Rise Again 130 Winging It 42 Generous Spirit 134 Guiding Light 46 A Place to Rest 50 Chapter four Philosophers, Writers & Poets Chapter two Cultures Around the World A Lifetimes Work 138 In Harmony 54 Natural Instinct 142 An Open Heart 58 Eternal Student 146 Double the Happiness 62 Full-hearted Living 148 The Power of Dance 64 The Simple Life 152 The Medicine of Laughter 68 Take Note 156 Joyful Voices 70 Positive Thinking 160 Good Vibes Only 74 Get Moving 162 Cultivate Karma 76 Body and Mind 164 Smile for Happiness 80 Build Resilience 168 Crowning Glory 82 Inner Calm 170 Healing the Cracks 86 Get Cosy 88 Discover More Joy 174 Shine a Light 90 About the Authors & Illustrator 175 Walk It Out 94 Index 176 Take a Dip 96 Nothing is Permanent 100 Seeking Happiness Happiness is the ultimate life goal for most people. Yet the majority of us have no idea how to achieve it, or even what Folks are usually about as happy as they it really is.

We might think that we want more money, a bigger house, a better job but the reality of all those things is that they make their minds up to be. tend to bring only short-term pleasure before we grow hungry Abraham Lincoln for something bigger and better, and so find ourselves discontent once more. True happiness is an attitude of mind that all of us can cultivate, no matter where or how we are living. It is a way of being every country and every tradition in the world. After all, modern rather than a goal; a journey rather than a destination. research has already shown that, despite all technological and social But how do we become more content? This is a conundrum that advancement, we tap into the same deep roots of happiness that people have always grappled with. What we do know is that, so long our ancestors did: it exists in family, friendship and community, as the basics of life are in place and we are no longer struggling for in good health, meaningful work and the sense of transcendence survival, humans strive for meaning, worth and joy.

Down the ages that can come from engagement with higher things such as art, thinkers and writers, poets and artists have tried to get to the root spiritual beliefs, music, literature and philanthropy. These are the of happiness some have made it their lifes work. More widely, things that make life worth living, and they are a real source of joy. people throughout history and across cultures have happened on their own recipe for contentment and passed it on like a family Be Inspired heirloom. Insights into happy living are embedded like fossils in In this book, we take a meandering journey through the rich our shared cultural heritage myths and legends, proverbs and philosophical landscape of contentment. and the bluebird, and explore ideas about happiness through So the signposts to happiness are all around us, if only we can Norse mythology, Persian folklore, Scandinavian lifestyle, recognize them for what they are. and the bluebird, and explore ideas about happiness through So the signposts to happiness are all around us, if only we can Norse mythology, Persian folklore, Scandinavian lifestyle, recognize them for what they are.