July 15, 2009
Seek Win-Win opportunities for happiness
The happy win is the one where everyone gains and no one looses. For example, the invention of the printing press provided more opportunities for everyone in the world, then it destroyed.
In his book, << Authentic Happiness, Martin Seligman lays out his belief that our emotions have an evolutionary purpose; the ability to sense when fight or flight is appropriate, or when creative, social problem solving is better. The trouble is, we humans sometimes get confused about what we are running from and running to. For example, when threatened with potential job loss in a poor economy, we may run from others as competition or we may get defensive and lash out at them before they get us.
Spiritual leaders and scientists agree that the more effective solution is to work for the win-win. Rather than running from others, we want to work with them for solutions that add to the world and benefit everyone. The Dalai Lama advises compassion. Dr. Seligman advises us to look for the win-win. Either way, when we drop our defensiveness we often find we did not need it.
Seek Win-Win Opportunities for Happiness.
Affirmation
I use compassion to look for opportunities to build win-win solutions that help everyone.
Journal or Meditation Question
Where are the win-win opportunities in my life? Where am I defending myself as if I were in a win-loose situation.