How To Cultivate Joy

[Trailblazer]

Nothing can bring greater joy than the nuzzling of one's face into the soft furry tummy of a cat.

I'll second that! And the more cats the better, within certain limits of course.

 

[Trailblazer]

That's not right.

But the cats don't care. They just want what they want. We only have one counter cat now, we used to have many.
Busia is our counter cat. She goes up on the counter and rummages around hoping to find something to eat. It has come to the point that I have to hide the plates that have food on top of the microwave where she cannot reach, She even chews on bags of vegetables as if she was going to eat them, silly cat!

 

[Trailblazer]

Swatty does a lot of things that aren't quite right... but we love him anyways.

Love is blind.... when it comes to cats they can do no wrong.

 

[JustGeorge]

Love is blind.... when it comes to cats they can do no wrong.

I don't know if I'd go that far.

I got Nacho when I was in 3rd grade. When I moved out at 17, I took her with me. Nacho was a good cat, and never pottied outside the box(unless she had a bladder infection).

I moved to a basement apartment once. No windows. A bit damp. It smelled bad. But very very cheap, and that's what I needed. Nacho didn't care for this apartment. She let me know by slinging her leg over my shoulder and peeing on me while I slept.

I have to say I wasn't happy about this trick.

Luckily, we didn't stay at the apartment long. The behavior ended immediately. (Sadly, Nacho's been gone for at least 15 years, though. )

 

[Trailblazer]

The practitioner explained that depression is a good and natural thing, he said depression is the symptom of a spiritual ailment, which needs to be attended to. He likened to all the other aches and pains we experience when something is wrong with our health.

Sometimes it is spiritual but not always. There is situational depression and also endogenous depression.
I had been depressed all of my life before I got help, but the real help came from homeopathy, not psychotropic drugs.
I also got help from counseling and 12 step programs.

We've heard the expression, "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger". This is very true for everyone who overcomes depression. In my case the practitioner lead me to the Lord, who strengthened me so I was able to see it through. I've since learned to trust in the Lord in all things, so now I just follow Him and He deals with all the worry and stress.

It is true for those of us who overcome it but not all are so fortunate; When people are treated with psychotropic drugs they never really overcome it, because drugs only mask the symptoms, which is why people have to stay on the drugs.

I got free of my major depression before I turned to God but I am much better able to deal with life now that I have turned to God because I know God has my back. Moreover, I am well aware that this earthly life is fleeting and not that important, and soon it will be no more. That is why I try to focus on God and spiritual things rather than things related to the material world. I know any sadness I have is related to the material world, the spiritual world brings only joy.

“The world is but a show, vain and empty, a mere nothing, bearing the semblance of reality. Set not your affections upon it. Break not the bond that uniteth you with your Creator, and be not of those that have erred and strayed from His ways. Verily I say, the world is like the vapor in a desert, which the thirsty dreameth to be water and striveth after it with all his might, until when he cometh unto it, he findeth it to be mere illusion.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 328-329

Jesus said essentially the same thing, I love these verses. I do not even want to love my life in this world because I know that means I will lose eternal life. I take the sayings of Jesus very seriously, just as seriously as I take what Baha'u'llah wrote.

John 12:24-26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

 

[Trailblazer]

I don't know if I'd go that far.

Well maybe not, especially when they fight and wake me up early when I need sleep!!!!!

 

[Pilgrim Soldier]

Sometimes it is spiritual but not always. There is situational depression and also endogenous depression.
I had been depressed all of my life before I got help, but the real help came from homeopathy, not psychotropic drugs.
I also got help from counseling and 12 step programs.

It is true for those of us who overcome it but not all are so fortunate; When people are treated with psychotropic drugs they never really overcome it, because drugs only mask the symptoms, which is why people have to stay on the drugs.

I got free of my major depression before I turned to God but I am much better able to deal with life now that I have turned to God because I know God has my back. Moreover, I am well aware that this earthly life is fleeting and not that important, and soon it will be no more. That is why I try to focus on God and spiritual things rather than things related to the material world. I know any sadness I have is related to the material world, the spiritual world brings only joy.

“The world is but a show, vain and empty, a mere nothing, bearing the semblance of reality. Set not your affections upon it. Break not the bond that uniteth you with your Creator, and be not of those that have erred and strayed from His ways. Verily I say, the world is like the vapor in a desert, which the thirsty dreameth to be water and striveth after it with all his might, until when he cometh unto it, he findeth it to be mere illusion.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 328-329

Jesus said essentially the same thing, I love these verses. I do not even want to love my life in this world because I know that means I will lose eternal life. I take the sayings of Jesus very seriously, just as seriously as I take what Baha'u'llah wrote.

John 12:24-26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

I personally believe that a person can be convinced to focus on any number of different things to take thir mind off their depression. I have meet people who claim to have overcome their depression through sex, sport, yoga, work satisfaction, drugs, alcohol, religion, 12 step programs, hobbies, exercise and weight loss, a new partner, a new pet, a new car or any other thing.

what I'm trying to say is depressed people may be distracted for some time by new and exciting things, but their depression is waiting to come back even stronger than before as these temporary band aid solutions run their course.

The person who finds eternal rest in Christ is the one who can rest assured that all of his troubles are taken care of and he can enjoy life. A friend of mine said, we tend to spend 99.9% of our time and energy worrying about all those things we will lose (when we die) and 0.1% of time and energy on the eternal things.

 

[Vinayaka]

I can relate to that, actually. I used to suffer from frequent anxiety attacks, almost on a daily basis(and sometimes multiple times a day). It wasn't counselling that helped, or medicine(which I tried on and off, but as you noted, often carried side effects making it not worth it), but turning to spiritual measures which stopped it.



Or, if they're a stinky kitty... Swatty would probably be the most fun to tummy nuzzle(he's a big long haired puffball), but he has a habit of laying in just about anything... and sometimes smells strange because of it. I notice ex ferals aren't fussy about these things... I was chopping cabbage one day, and left the kitchen for a moment. Came back, and there he was. Sprawled out in the cabbage...

Watch cat videos. People put them on line to cheer other people up, and they work.

Don't watch depressing stuff. Don't read depressing books. I'm amazed at the amount of money and time goes into feeding people's anxiety and depression. It must be an addiction.

 

[JustGeorge]

Watch cat videos. People put them on line to cheer other people up, and they work.

Don't watch depressing stuff. Don't read depressing books. I'm amazed at the amount of money and time goes into feeding people's anxiety and depression. It must be an addiction.

Ha! I don't need to watch cat videos; I live in one. My husband made this video of him feeding the cats:

They're all kind of nuts at feeding time... Yodel gets belligerent, though. He's the grey getting feisty with his pals. Swatty's the big brown and white puff ball. Stupid's the one that runs outside(that's why we call him Stupid, among other things).

I figured out in my mid twenties that watching my media diet was probably just as important as my food diet, maybe even more so. I watch almost nothing, and am pretty selective about what I read. Mostly scripture or mythology, but sometimes general non fiction.

I'm not sure there's a general addiction to said media, or if people just feel they don't have anything better to do(or both).

 

[Vinayaka]

Ha! I don't need to watch cat videos; I live in one. My husband made this video of him feeding the cats:

They're all kind of nuts at feeding time... Yodel gets belligerent, though. He's the grey getting feisty with his pals. Swatty's the big brown and white puff ball. Stupid's the one that runs outside(that's why we call him Stupid, among other things).

I figured out in my mid twenties that watching my media diet was probably just as important as my food diet, maybe even more so. I watch almost nothing, and am pretty selective about what I read. Mostly scripture or mythology, but sometimes general non fiction.

I'm not sure there's a general addiction to said media, or if people just feel they don't have anything better to do(or both).

I think that by addiction I was only referring to the lack of willpower in turning it off. I've always had a disdain for English as a subject, and that happened to me in high school when teachers forced us to read totally depressing literature. I begged to read something uplifting, and my writing has to reflect that or I won't write it. Gentle humor is good for the soul. Watching the news isn't. I'm glad to hear you applu self-control to that aspect of life.

Both my Gurus have been the happiest people I've ever met. There is absolutely no need to look for sad stuff. It may be important to know it's out there, but one certainly doesn't have to go there chronically.

I went shopping this morning at 7 AM to avoid the crow d, and I met Maria the teller. She engaged me, which is unusual in that situation, as I'm usually the one doing the engaging. We had a great 5 minutes of time spent together ... laughing at the only downside to working that earlier was that some folks may not have had enough coffee. I suggested she set up her own little coffee bar right at the till. She laughed and said it wouldn't work cause she'd drink it all.

 

[JustGeorge]

I think that by addiction I was only referring to the lack of willpower in turning it off. I've always had a disdain for English as a subject, and that happened to me in high school when teachers forced us to read totally depressing literature. I begged to read something uplifting, and my writing has to reflect that or I won't write it. Gentle humor is good for the soul. Watching the news isn't. I'm glad to hear you applu self-control to that aspect of life.

Both my Gurus have been the happiest people I've ever met. There is absolutely no need to look for sad stuff. It may be important to know it's out there, but one certainly doesn't have to go there chronically.

I went shopping this morning at 7 AM to avoid the crow d, and I met Maria the teller. She engaged me, which is unusual in that situation, as I'm usually the one doing the engaging. We had a great 5 minutes of time spent together ... laughing at the only downside to working that earlier was that some folks may not have had enough coffee. I suggested she set up her own little coffee bar right at the till. She laughed and said it wouldn't work cause she'd drink it all.

Ah, you're right. Now that I think of it, we did have a fairly good amount of depressing works pushed on us in school.

In 8th grade, my son had to read something that was so depressing and raw there is no way I would have approved had I have known beforehand. He came home distraught about it one day... I don't remember what the title of the book was, but I remember talking with his counsellor about it, and her being upset that they were pushing that on students, too.

Everyone gets so worked up over sex ed, but no one looks at what the kids are reading that could do a lot more harm... I don't understand it.

Glad to hear Maria was doing well. Sometimes its people like that that help us get through the day.

 

[JustGeorge]

Not everyone is going to find eternal rest in Christ. Some of us will find eternal rest in Baha'u'llah.

That's right. And others will find eternal rest in yet another divine figure...

I think the point being isn't the name being called(though some will vehemently disagree) in the situation of mental health, but the idea that we're spending our energy in a meaningful way.

 

[Trailblazer]

That's right. And others will find eternal rest in yet another divine figure...

That's right. I was going to add some other divine figures but by the time I finally got to answering this post I could barely list the two. A few hours ago I was so tired that I accidentally closed a Word document with a post I was working on and it was not saved with a name so I lost the whole thing and had to start all over. I have not done that in years and that nearly killed me.

 

[JustGeorge]

according to Jesus, there is no other name under heaven by which you can find eternal comfort. Again, you force me to choose between your version of the truth and Jesus who is the truth. And you know which way I always choose

Its fortunate we're all able to make that choice for ourselves here, isn't it.

 

[Vinayaka]

That's right. And others will find eternal rest in yet another divine figure...

I think the point being isn't the name being called(though some will vehemently disagree) in the situation of mental health, but the idea that we're spending our energy in a meaningful way.

I'm amazed at your tolerance. Your thread is about cultivating joy, you clearly state you're a Hindu, and then the proselytisers attack. Talk about trying to seize the opportunity, lol.

What are you doing for Sivaratri next Thursday? I'm going to splurge on a few mini-carns and make our Nataraja on the home mandir a nice red and white garland. Making garlands is a way I cultivate joy. Two years back I planted a ton of perennial dianthus, and with Covid, the home shrine got a ton of garlands. We also had to cancel a standing order of 16 bunches a week, about 800 blooms(a nice florist gave me the wholesale price) of mini-carns, and a friend chipped in some money. I was talking 8 garlands a week to the temple, and for a couple of weeks there, we had to use them at home instead. I can't wait until the temple allows offerings again.

Hope you're doing fine. May Ganesha shower His blessings upon you!

 

[JustGeorge]

I'm amazed at your tolerance. Your thread is about cultivating joy, you clearly state you're a Hindu, and then the proselytisers attack. Talk about trying to seize the opportunity, lol.

What are you doing for Sivaratri next Thursday? I'm going to splurge on a few mini-carns and make our Nataraja on the home mandir a nice red and white garland. Making garlands is a way I cultivate joy. Two years back I planted a ton of perennial dianthus, and with Covid, the home shrine got a ton of garlands. We also had to cancel a standing order of 16 bunches a week, about 800 blooms(a nice florist gave me the wholesale price) of mini-carns, and a friend chipped in some money. I was talking 8 garlands a week to the temple, and for a couple of weeks there, we had to use them at home instead. I can't wait until the temple allows offerings again.

Hope you're doing fine. May Ganesha shower His blessings upon you!

Honestly, I'm really disappointed to see this has descended into theological debates. There are plenty of proper places on RF for that, Journals isn't one of them.

You know, that's a good idea. I think I'd like to make a garland. I've never done it before. How many flowers would you recommend I obtain? Does it make a difference of what kind? I've watched some of the women at the temple string them together before. The kids might be able to do that, too...

I can't wait to go to my temple, period. The last trip we made was Holi, last year. Covid was all around us(Iowa), but not here yet. We went that weekend, and within a few days it was here, and things all started shutting down.

We will probably do some pujas at home on Shivaratri. I've thought about pulling the all nighter, but decided it isn't a good idea. My kids are unpredictable, and I never know when I'll be dealing with a meltdown. I need to be well rested. A partial fast may be in order.

 

[Vinayaka]

Honestly, I'm really disappointed to see this has descended into theological debates. There are plenty of proper places on RF for that, Journals isn't one of them.

You know, that's a good idea. I think I'd like to make a garland. I've never done it before. How many flowers would you recommend I obtain? Does it make a difference of what kind? I've watched some of the women at the temple string them together before. The kids might be able to do that, too...

I can't wait to go to my temple, period. The last trip we made was Holi, last year. Covid was all around us(Iowa), but not here yet. We went that weekend, and within a few days it was here, and things all started shutting down.

We will probably do some pujas at home on Shivaratri. I've thought about pulling the all nighter, but decided it isn't a good idea. My kids are unpredictable, and I never know when I'll be dealing with a meltdown. I need to be well rested. A partial fast may be in order.

There are two basic ways to use needle and thread to make a garland. In India they tie it all together, often with banana stalk fibre, but that's too hard for me. Mini carnations are my favorite here, and there are two ways. One is to go right up the center of the flower, starting at the petal side, and then, with each additional flower you open up the petals some in the middle so it fits around the previous flower. Then just keep going until it gets to the length you want. The other basic way is to go through the stem part (I don't know what it's called, but the green part underneath all the petals) side to side, and with each additional flower you shift it over by one third, and keep going like that. This style gives you a fatter garland, but it will look nicer, and take more flowers. You adjust as you go.

With the first style you can also make it look more balanced, by adding the middle part, by building the middle connecting part at the start. I wish I was there to show you. There are some videos on-line, and of course you can experiment.

Rose petals also make nice garlands. You roll each petal individually as you add it, and just keep adding petals in the 3 way pattern I described before. You can also just use the petals as they are.

I use embroidery thread, and a home made needle from a straigtened paper clip, flattened on the end with a hammer, and then a hole drilled in the flat part. It's bigger, and these blind eyes and fat fingers encounter difficulty threading a needle. If hubby has tools, he can make you a couple.

Do you have a garden? Nasturtiums, marigolds, sweet peas, dyanthus, all work well. Marigolds are awesome as they last a long time.

Enjoy!

Edited ... you'll need 30 to 50 mini-carn blooms, depends on the size of your home murthies. Maybe less. You can make really small garlands with large carnation petals.

 

[Trailblazer]

But Jesus is Christianity, how can you possibly miss that stark reality. Christ established and He upholds and maintains Christianity. I can't believe that you're even serious with these outrageous claims that Christ and Christianity are not related.
I must commend those who indoctrinated you with these extra Biblical fairy tales, they sure did a great job with you. You seem to reject everything Jesus said and commanded and you appeal to this fictional character who never even existed in history.

I decided not to continue this on this thread since this kind of discussion does not belong here, so I have started a new thread to post my reply to you:

Is Jesus Christianity?

 

[Trailblazer]

Honestly, I'm really disappointed to see this has descended into theological debates. There are plenty of proper places on RF for that, Journals isn't one of them.

I apologize for my part in this and I am posting my reply to PS on a new thread in the General Religious Debates forum.

 

[JustGeorge]

Thank you, @Trailblazer .

There are two basic ways to use needle and thread to make a garland. In India they tie it all together, often with banana stalk fibre, but that's too hard for me. Mini carnations are my favorite here, and there are two ways. One is to go right up the center of the flower, starting at the petal side, and then, with each additional flower you open up the petals some in the middle so it fits around the previous flower. Then just keep going until it gets to the length you want. The other basic way is to go through the stem part (I don't know what it's called, but the green part underneath all the petals) side to side, and with each additional flower you shift it over by one third, and keep going like that. This style gives you a fatter garland, but it will look nicer, and take more flowers. You adjust as you go.

With the first style you can also make it look more balanced, by adding the middle part, by building the middle connecting part at the start. I wish I was there to show you. There are some videos on-line, and of course you can experiment.

Rose petals also make nice garlands. You roll each petal individually as you add it, and just keep adding petals in the 3 way pattern I described before. You can also just use the petals as they are.

I use embroidery thread, and a home made needle from a straigtened paper clip, flattened on the end with a hammer, and then a hole drilled in the flat part. It's bigger, and these blind eyes and fat fingers encounter difficulty threading a needle. If hubby has tools, he can make you a couple.

Do you have a garden? Nasturtiums, marigolds, sweet peas, dyanthus, all work well. Marigolds are awesome as they last a long time.

Enjoy!

Edited ... you'll need 30 to 50 mini-carn blooms, depends on the size of your home murthies. Maybe less. You can make really small garlands with large carnation petals.

I wish we had a garden. Sometimes we can get marigolds to come up in the front yard. We have a very small and shady front yard; not much grows. The backyard is dominated by the dogs, who tear up everything. Everything. No grass back there anymore, even... We did move our fence so we have a small portion of the yard they can't get to, though its also shady. We're intending it to be an outdoor sanctuary. No work down on it yet, as we did it too late in the fall. Any advice on what might grow in a shady area that would be appropriate for such a venture?

Do you think a sewing machine needle might work for garlands? I've got several.

I really appreciate your guidance here!