avatarK. Barrett

Summary

The article discusses the pursuit of contentment as a more fulfilling and sustainable alternative to the relentless chase for success and happiness.

Abstract

The article "Feeling Content — The Ultimate Goal" explores the concept of contentment as a profound and lasting state, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of success and happiness. It argues that contentment is not about settling for less but about finding peace with the present moment and appreciating one's journey. The author identifies seven common pitfalls that hinder people from experiencing contentment, such as the constant desire for more, ingratitude, poor relationships, lack of mindfulness, disconnection from nature, avoidance of unpleasant feelings, and seeking external sources for happiness. By addressing these issues and practicing mindfulness, individuals can cultivate a sense of contentment that can lead to genuine happiness and a more fulfilling experience of success.

Opinions

  • Success is often an elusive and moving target, whereas contentment offers a more stable sense of well-being.
  • Contentment is not incompatible with having goals and visions for success; it simply means embracing each step of the journey with peace of mind.
  • The article suggests that contentment can lead to happiness and success, rather than the other way around.
  • The benefits of contentment include peace of mind, stronger relationships, and the ability to distinguish between wants and needs.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, and internal sources of happiness for achieving true contentment.
  • The article cites experts like Daniel Cordaro and Jacqueline Pearce, MSEd, LMHC, to support the value of contentment and its impact on overall well-being.

Feeling Content — The Ultimate Goal

Seven common flaws that keep you from the full experience

Photo, K.Barrett, author

Success Gets in the Way

Success. That is what it seems everyone pushes for. That is what most people find themselves chasing. The variations and personalization of the definition can make it so illusive. How long will it last before we want more? The finish line even gets moved when we least expect it.

Contentedness on the other hand can be much less fleeting. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have a clear vision of our goals and what we want in terms of success in our own life. It just means that instead of being in constant chase on the success treadmill, we will take the stairs. We will rest, and feel content with each step of the journey. This can apply to every aspect of our lives. Find the moments to feel content.

Contentment — the knowledge that things are OK exactly as they are, right now — is highly valued by many cultures. Daniel Cordaro, The Greater Good

Happiness is also something it seems everyone is after. It can be hard to find for many of the same reasons success gives us chase. When we find contentment, happiness and success are much more likely within our reach.

The benefits of feeling content include, “peace of mind, happiness, stronger relationships, increased ease of distinguishing between wants and needs, and simplicity.” Jacqueline Pearce, MSEd, LMHC

Here are the seven most common thoughts and patterns that keep many people from the full experience of the content they deserve:

  • Always wanting more — often more than we need
  • Lack of gratitude for what one already has
  • Poor relationships and judging others which leads to a feeling of being judged by others
  • Struggling to just “be” in the present moment with few mindfulness practices
  • Disconnected from the natural world and all of the awe it provides
  • Avoiding feelings that are unpleasant instead of accepting all that is
  • Seeking contentedness (or happiness) from outside sources instead of from inside of ourselves

These are all things that can be corrected with practice. Slowing down, finding, and allowing ourselves to experience the full feeling of contentment can lead to happiness and success…without an ensuing chase.

Photo, K.Barrett, author

My Most Content Moment — free verse

My perfect content moment captured above. Too far from the shore for anything else to need to be done. Wanting for nothing. Wind whipping everything unwanted away. Water and sky merging —endless blue. Enveloped by the grandness of the universe. Awe. Happy. Free. Calm. Content. Sun then setting. Again, contentment captured below.

Picture, K.Barrett, author

Contentment comes from our relationship to what is going on around us, rather than our reaction to it. It is the peaceful realization that we are whole and complete just as we are, despite the anger, sadness, joy, frustration, and excitement that may come in and out from time to time. Daniel Cordaro, The Greater Good

Thanks for reading. I send wishes of contentedness for all!

Thank you to R. Rangan PhD at Science and Soul for the prompt:

Snsprompt
Contentment
Awe
Self Improvement
Poetry
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