Basically Unhappy, but Distracted

[TashaN]

Would it be fair to characterize most of the people you actually know as basically or fundamentally unhappy, but most often distracted from their fundamental unhappiness by any number of things? Why or why not?

Additionally, if most of the people you know practice distraction, do most of the people you know bounce from one distraction to another? Or do they tend to obsess with just one or a few things?

For the purposes of this thread, I understand "happiness" to mean feelings of general well-being.

Well, many people have feelings of general well-being even if all what they have is nothing but distractions. Is distraction bad if not being distracted will make them feel misrable?

 

[Kathryn]

I don't know the secret lives of "most people I know." Most people I know are casual acquaintances.

As for the people I know the best - immediate family and long time, close friend - I have to say that most of them seem to be at peace with their lives, fully engaged, and actively pursuing things that interest them.

In my job working with the public, I do see people who seem unhappy or dissatisfied in general, so I know it's not an uncommon state of mind, but I think it's a stretch to assume that MOST people are unhappy.

 

[idea]

I think everyone goes through times in their lives when they are content, and times when they are sad. Some of my friends are at a good place right now, while others are not. Distractions can be helpful, although if it is something that can be fixed - best to fix it rather than dodge it .

 

[blackout]

I find it's more that life tries incessently
to distract and derail me from the things I find most fulfilling.

The distractions are not the things I choose to do,
but the things the world and others
force on me.

 

[blackout]

I have no idea why other people do the things they do,
but I do know that there are a fair number of suffering people.

When things get very hard,
to step back and take a break,
breathe and do something that makes you feel alive
is very important.

Lately there has been no time for me to take any breaks.
And little time for sleep.
And way too much drama on top of all the real difficulties.
I can say that the worst part,
besides lack of sleep,
is not having enough down time.
Down time, time to make music, engage in magic...
these things bring me back into mySelf.
They center me.
Then it's easier to deal with all the other distractions, difficulties and drama.

This forum is very helpful for me.
Occasionally it is a distraction,
but a majority of the time,
it brings me deep into my creative and reflective Self.

That place, is my personal Haven.

 

[LuisDantas]

Well, many people have feelings of general well-being even if all what they have is nothing but distractions. Is distraction bad if not being distracted will make them feel miserable?

It seems to me that the answer depends entirely on how much of a chance of changing the causes of that misery they have.

 

[blackout]

It seems to me that the answer depends entirely on how much of a chance of changing the causes of that misery they have.

~Yes~

 

[TashaN]

It seems to me that the answer depends entirely on how much of a chance of changing the causes of that misery they have.

How can you determine that chance? Alot of people choose to go on with their lives the easy way without going through risks if they didn't have to.

So, can we say they are in misery because they didn't choose to go forward for heing afraid of risks, of the unknown? Who are we to say they are unhappy for choosing not to make what we precieve as better choices?

 

[Penumbra]

Would it be fair to characterize most of the people you actually know as basically or fundamentally unhappy, but most often distracted from their fundamental unhappiness by any number of things? Why or why not?

Additionally, if most of the people you know practice distraction, do most of the people you know bounce from one distraction to another? Or do they tend to obsess with just one or a few things?

For the purposes of this thread, I understand "happiness" to mean feelings of general well-being.

I'm not really sure. I'd say for around half of the people I know, I'd characterize them as at least moderately happy. For the other half, they don't seem so happy, although they seem to have different levels of distraction and involvement.

It's hard to know for sure how someone feels.