How do you maintain your happiness, in the unrelenting barrage of bad news we get?

[begin_within]

I see people who look happy and are smiling and laughing most of the time, but to me they seem like "bubble people" who are only aware of themselves and what is within a 6-foot radius of them. Their only connection to the outside of the bubble is their cell phone. If you pay attention to things that are happening all around the world, it seems to weigh down on you and impede your happiness. How do you deal with it?

[Chipper Chat]

1. I put myself on auto-pilot until Nov 2008.

I avoid watching Tweety's Hillary-bashing extravaganza.
I eat skittles.

[leftynyc]

74. OOOH I love skittles

And I've also stopped watching everything on TV except Keith (news-wise I mean, I love Brothers & Sisters). I also have two long haired kitties who entertain me daily. I spend time with friends and family.

[slackmaster]

2. I try not to allow myself to get worked up over things I can't control

Trying to fight for every worthy cause you become aware of can be harmful to your health. I think choosing one's battles wisely is a good way to keep yourself strong and prepared for problems that you can actually do something about.

I can't do a damn thing about the tropical cyclone making landfall in Bangladesh right now, but I'm not going to let it make me miserable.

[TechBear_Seattle]

3. Drugs, alcohol and anonymous hookups

Hey, if it is good enough for the GOP "guardians of morality," it's good enough for me. :toast:

[zabet]

6. I'm with you on that one!

:toast:

[stirlingsliver]

4. DU Is One Of The Best Ways

For me, visiting DU and knowing that I am not alone is one way that really helps.

[OKNancy]

5. snap out of it

This attitude is why DU is a pit of negativity. Good grief, there are a lot of things to be happy about. You are alive, you have enough time to post on DU and have a computer.

I'd say count your blessings even if you don't believe in god.

While I'm at it, in my opinion to think that the USA has never had it so bad as right now is the height of conceit. I won't list the wars, epidemics, an eras where things were ten times worse, but any student of history will know what I'm talking about.

[Annces]

26. Sounds good

One look at history is right. How about when life expectancy was 40 years.

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

38. Yeah, Bob, snap out of it...

...So what if your country launched an illegal war in your name, with your tax dollars, resulting in a million plus Iraqi civilian deaths, and displacing several million more, all so we could steal their oil and expand our imperial reach into the Middle East -- you're ALIVE, and have a COMPUTER -- what's not to be happy about? -- think happy thoughts, man, and stop being so conceited.

[leftynyc]

76. Sounds like you should stay away from

sharp objects. Not sure how you bring yourself to get out of bed every day.

[Fierce]

42. I totally agree.

It's been worse. That doesn't mean it's not bad now. But perspective is important.

[hlthe2b]

55. HIstory is good perspective, I totally agree

But, I do know that positive attitude is not something everyone can simply "acquire" because someone says "snap out of it." Some people are truly more pessimistic (though they might say, realistic) by nature and it takes a lot of self-exploration and consistent work to change that. For these folks, to be told to "just snap out of it," is probably not very helpful, though I am also "guilty" of saying that.

Nonetheless, I think helping to explore the lessons from history (per my own sigline, you can see how important this is to me) can create the broad perspective that will help those mired in the moment to see a long-term opportunity for change and more hopeful future. I spent last weekend re-watching the HBO series, Band of Brothers (story of the Airborne 101st in WWII at Normandy, Holland, Battle of the Bulge, France and Germany)just to remind me of the resilience of the human spirit under the worst of conditions. I recommend it and similar films of the time highly to others.


The study of Buddhism seems to help many, as well, as it reinforces that one may not always be able to change the "bad" in the world, but one can change their own reaction to that going on around them. That alone is a sense of empowerment that is helpful to many.

[flordehinojos]

7. i have to work really hard at it ... but then, all the unhappiness of these times pop right back up

to my consciousness when i least expect it ... i then allow myself to grieve, or rage, or rant and then slowly, very slowly again ... i manage to take control and try not to let it kill me ... because if i'd let it ... it would certainly drive my health down to the ground and me to the grave.

America today is not what it used to be before Bush stole the presidency and it will never again be what it used to be. I think people ... many people, have not yet waken up to that fact. the fact will hit them like a ton of bricks when it eventually dawns on them.

[saltpoint]

8. I'd be at a loss without heroin and Emmylou Harris.

Also, the Teletubbies are excellent. They're terribly well adjusted, IMO, and they live in a nice landscape. It doesn't even rain there.

_____

Museums. I love the deliberate space set up for the sake of beauty. And the things on the walls survive us all.

Same for music. Emmylou Harris, Rachmaninoff. And Joni Mitchell doing "Woman of Heart and Mind."

The Sukothai restaurant on 9th and Irving in San Francisco, late spring walks through Greenich Village, a blue and windy day at the Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan.

Good friends.

Butterscotch pie.

[TwilightGardener]

10. ...

:thumbsup: :rofl:

[Annces]

9. One thing that helps

is knowing you have your own connection to the universe.

[Dhalgren]

11. I am currently working on a rationalization of the Parmenidean Monad

with Existentialist appearance theory, using chaotic cause/effect sequencing. That keeps me happy for short periods of time (that last is a kind of joke for those who get the Monad/appearance thing) :P

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

12. Through the breath

Mystics have talked about the changes we are undergoing now, and the importance of spiritual practices, many of which involve breath practices. Meditation and trust in inner guidance also helps. It is most important that we maintain our inner peace if we wish peace to manifest in the world.

[TwilightGardener]

13. Are you really that affected by bad news? Because I look out my window

and it's nice and sunny (though chilly today), and my kitties and my dogs are snoozing, and I've got a fresh pot o' joe going, and I've got the day off, and my family is for the most part happy and healthy, and we still live in a safe and free country. So while I'm concerned about what's going on in the world, I know I've got it pretty good. You probably do too.

[tom_paine]

24. We still live in a Free Country? Could have fooled me.

Or are you one of the types that evaluates the health of freedom by asessing what is in a six-foot bubble around you?

History shows this is not a good way to assess the health of a nation's freedom. History also shows that, by this measure, said six-foot bubble almost always punctures (especially for White, middle- and upper-meddle class types) far, far FAAAAR too late to do anything about it.

As evidence, I present three exhibits:

Exhibit A

http://www.thirdreich.net/Thought_They_Were_Free.html

Exhibit B

http://evans-experientialism.freewebspace.com/jaspers02.htm

Exhibit C



Oh, and that youtube link at the bottom of my sigline is a very excellent presentation on the health of freedom in America currently. I guess that would be Exhibit D

And that's all there is to say. Thanks for making the point about the six-foot radius bubble by your posts. It must be very comfortable and cozy there.

You can return to your six-foot radius bubble now.

[TwilightGardener]

40. Oh for god's sake. Listen, you choose to wallow in your six-foot-bubble of

doom and discontent, and I'll choose to wallow in my Bubble of Marshmallow-Puppy-Sunshine Happiness. Happiness lies not in controlling the largely uncontrollable events around you, but in controlling how you view them and react to them. I don't (usually) let things get me down. That's my choice.

[leftynyc]

77. Your bubble sounds a lot like mine

Although I prefer kitties to puppies. I guess I could wallow in pessimism - there certainly is a lot to be unhappy about - but I like to see the brighter side and in comparison to a lot of people's lives, I'm pretty damn lucky.

[hlthe2b]

61. In order to fight back and effect change.....

people must be able to cope with what is occurring around them, rather than melt into a puddle of despair.... That, to me is the point of this thread--not to deny how serious the impacts swirling around us.

[earth mom]

65. Yeah that's how the freepers think isn't it? NO WORRIES while people on the other side of the world

are being blown up & killed in ALL OUR NAMES and that WE ARE ALL PAYING FOR literally and figuratively.

Sorry, but I just can't skip to my lou 24/7 because EVERY DAY when I look outside and see the beauty of the world outside my window, I immediately think about those people who are DYING FOR A LIE and about the soldiers who were LIED to as well. :puke:

[The Stranger]

14. Please -- keep 'em coming, people.

I -- for one -- need this.

[OKNancy]

30. If you haven't purchased Bruce Springsteen's

latest CD... "Magic" do it.
It's anti-war and it is musically moving.
My husband plays "Girls in their Summer clothes" and tears up everytime.
It's sad, but uplifting.

And he still has the freedom to make this album and you and I still have the ability to buy it.

[The Stranger]

57. Thanks, I'll check it out.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

15. I surround myself with nature as much and as often possible.

I spend my time with those I care about.

[Fox Mulder]

16. What happiness?

[leftyladyfrommo]

17. I quit watching TV. Honestly, it really helps. n/t

[saltpoint]

19. Agree. Except the Teletubbies. Keep them on the daily schedule.

[leftyladyfrommo]

34. They are pretty funny.

I used to just watch the news but I quit doing that. It is just so upsetting.

I still read the newspaper everyday. And I usually check the news out on this site - and that is all. Too much bad news all of the time is very damaging.

[saltpoint]

79. Point taken, leftyladyfrommo. We tried following local news for a while in

more than one city and just finally shut it off, and it's stayed off.

Drivel and despair is their nightly line-up.

We rent films by the metric ton these days. It's a more calming and thoughtful medium.

[RainDog]

18. same as any other time...

my kids and their friends- conversation with friends -

music, books or movies that take me somewhere else.

sort of like Imagin-aaaaa-tion land - if only the terrorists had merely taken our imaginations hostage in south park...

at the same time, when Sy Hersh published his article about the torture in Abu Ghraib, complete with pictures, I remember walking around that day looking at people thinking that I lived in Bizarro world...how could people go about their lives as normal? this is a typical reaction from anyone who has suffered a shock, trauma or loss -- the world just keeps going. how strange.

[Marrah_G]

20. Lots of sex and alcohol ! n/t

[KharmaTrain]

21. This Isn't As Bad As November 2004...

Just thinking of another four years of government pillage and human carnage...along with more Repugnicans in control of both houses. Now that's depression. Times are still bad, but there's some hope now that wasn't there before. While there's a government full of spineless Democrats, there's a growing number of Progressive ones who are getting elected and are setting the foundation for future changes.

I'm happy in knowing my family is healthy. It's hearing all is ok and life is moving on. It's seeing a smile, sharing a laugh...finding an oasis of stability in this fucked up world.

I refuse to let the bastards get me down...or let other affect what I think or feel. Happiness is how one feels about oneself and that you're comfortable in your own skin with who you are. Money comes and goes, jobs come and go, politicians come and go, but family is always there and inner happiness is the constant.

[Phentex]

22. Hold (someone else's) baby and make him giggle

and realize why ya keep goin'...

[RichGirl]

23. Two words: Gary Condit.

Put things in perspective. It was the end of the world for poor Gary Condit and then...wham...9/11 and now nobody even remembers him or cares what happened to Chandra Levy.

Who knows, tomorrow we might be threatened by space aliens and it will bring the whole world together. The U.S. will be supplying Iran and North Korea with nukes to help us battle evil forces. We will escort Mexicans in to help us build more weapons. Muslims and Jews will join forces. We will have many happy days living in unity before our planet explodes.

Seriously...don't take things too seriously. This too shall pass....

You are right though, for many people "ignorance is bliss".

[JohnnyLib2]

25. This story is warming hearts around Louisville this week.

Louisville 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' house unveiled to thousands
Hughes gets personal 3-D reveal of finished 'makeover'

By Angie FentonThe 19-year-old, who was born without eyes, was able to feel what his family could see: a new home designed and constructed in 105 hours by the ABC show's cast and crew and hundreds of local volunteers with the goal of making it easily accessible for him.

The Extreme Makeover crew selected Patrick Henry Hughes and his family to be the recipients of the show's 108th renovated residence. Their old home was demolished Friday; a large tree that was in their front yard is now in the backyard.

/www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/NEWS01/71115001

[hlthe2b]

60. I have to admit watching that show when I think about it...

Always leaves me with tears, but mixed feelings. Such a wonderful and extravagant gesture for one family is great, but there are so so many others in need, probably within a few blocks of the family being helped, that I can't help but wish they'd build a bit smaller, economical house so that they could help a few more...:shrug:

[RichGirl]

27. Better advice...

When the news gets me down I watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOzG0z1K3Do

[Dora]

36. Welcome to DU, RichGirl.

A pleasure to meet you. Thank you very much for that link!

I hope you find the ASAH room of interest:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=245
:hi:

[RichGirl]

63. Thanks for the welcome!

Happy to be here among such a wide variety of views.

[hootinholler]

62. That's a great trailer.

Thanks! and Welcome to DU!

:hi:

-Hoot

[hootinholler]

28. By noticing that Al is the only figure in your sig pic that's not dancing.

Is that a statement? He's not in the dance?

Other than that it's pretty much angst ridden depression around here.

-Hoot

[begin_within]

37. He says he's not running.

[hootinholler]

41. I thought it was intentional :D

Small things amuse me.

-Hoot

[begin_within]

54. Yes, it was - that's why I left him still.

[WheelWalker]

29. The Path is not difficult for one who has no preferences

[CoffeeCat]

31. I always know...

...that no matter what happens to me--and no matter how ruthless
people can be---that my resilience and the human spirit is stronger
than any abuse, any dysfunction and any corrupt government.

All of this is an opportunity to find strength and creativity inside
of us--maybe strength and creativity that we didn't know we had.

I take all of this as a challenge. It energizes me.

When I start to feel bogged down, I remind myself that nothing
is happening TO ME. It's happening around me. I'm strong. I'm
good. I have choices. I'm alive. Then I feel empowered as I
remind myself that my spirit is bigger than any of the nonsense
happening around me.

[hlthe2b]

32. I cuddle with my doggies

Nothing like a warm happy snugglie doggie-- full of zest for life and unconditional love-- to take the pain away... :loveya:


I also have stopped trying to wake up the bubble people, confining myself to small talk with them. They are beyond hope, but as they say... ignorance is bliss. (I've often wondered if there were "bubble people" that ended up in Nazi concentration camps and if so, how they coped...)

But back to the brighter side... Focus on the small things.. the peacefully snoozing dog, the change in seasons, a hot delicious cup of coffee on a cool fall morning, a long walk in that same brisk season with the changing leaves (or snow when it comes), the smiles of each passer-by when they note the sheer happiness of my doggie girl, prancing like a racehorse on her leash with her "momma." Or the little kids, who shriek with pleasure after I sit "said-girlie dog" down for them to come and touch or receive that joyeous "doggie kiss."

Ohhh, and turn the damned tv off. I watch no more than a couple hours a week (and have for the past two years). I do see important linked video on youtube or C&L and of course keep up via the "internets," but don't let the ignorant propaganda-filled talking heads drive me nuts on cable "news." Try it, it helps.

[madokie]

33. Well I have confidence that this too will pass

and the visual I get when thinking about the bush/cheney fall is all it takes for me to feel good about the future. In the end America will be much stronger for this criminal cabals show that yes there is things we need to watch out for and it needs be looked at and studied starting with the dick and his manipulation of the rule of law these past 40 some odd years, a little here a little there and pretty soon we have an all powerful executive but only if we allow it to continue which we are about ready to put a stop to. we being the collective good people in this country. Thats how I do it, confidence in my Country not the politicians, never forget we are a government of laws not men

[davekriss]

35. I structure my life around these words...

Practically speaking, a life that is vowed to simplicity, appropriate boldness, good humor, gratitude, unstinting work and play, and lots of walking brings us close to the actual existing world and its wholeness.
-- Gary Snyder

And with regard to the "unstinting work" to be done, I found the words from this 1981 work inspirational; maybe DU-land will as well (from Duane Elgin's Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life that is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich, pp 192-194):

... We are not alone in this time of change. Everyone we meet is in some way involved with his or her own personal struggle to respond to our time of challenge. Whatever our other differences may be, we are all participants in this historical rite of passage.

As individuals we are not powerless in the face of this monumental change. Opportunities for meaningful and important action are everywhere...the list is endless, since the stuff of social transformation is identical with the stuff from which our daily lives are constructed.

We are each responsible for the conduct of our lives -- and we are each unique. Therefore we are each uniquely responsible for our actions and choices in this pivotal time in human evolution. There is no one who can take our place. We each weave a singular strand in life. No one else can weave that strand for us. What we each contribute is distinct, and what we each withold is uniquely irreplaceable.

More than anything else, the outcome from this time of planetary transition will depend on the choices that we make as individuals. There are no preconditions to our choosing a revitalized path of civilizational development. There is nothing lacking. Nothing more is needed than what we already have. We require no remarkable, undiscovered technologies. We do not need heroic, larger-than-life leadership. The only requirement is that we, as individuals, choose a revitalizing future and then work in community with others to bring it to fruition. By our conscious choices we can move from alienation to community, from despair to creativity, from passivity to participation, from stagnation to learning, from cynicism to caring. We tend to think we are powerless, helpless, impotent. Yet the reality is that only we -- as individuals working in cooperation with one another -- have the power to transform our situation. Far from being helpless, we are the only source from which the necessary creativity, compassion, and will can arise. The time of civilizational change is already upon us. The autumn of the industrial era of development has already moved into winter. It is time to begin the next stage of our human journey.

[hlthe2b]

43. and "lots of walking"

I have gotten through the worst times in my life through the "power of walking" and its meditative qualities. That includes a three month roller coaster of life and ultimate death with my father in ICU--starting just a couple of weeks following my mother's death--all the while having to continue working full time. Those long walks in the neighborhoods around the hospital saved me--often 8 miles or more at a stretch.

[seabeyond]

39. the life i have created all around me that i live. i have a lot, so many blessings

would be about piggish of me if i did not value and thank for all that i have. in doing so it allows me to be much more effective in the slights and problems of the world. i stay firmly grounded. i know i have no control over no one but myself. there is an acceptance in that. many ways.... many reasons ... i am able to keep my smile and even laugh at life itself

[CountAllVotes]

44. Mozart at midnight

helps a lot! :D

[scorpiogirl]

45. I see those people too.

It makes me nuts! My own life suffers because I am so distracted by what's going on in the world. I don't know how people go through life completely oblivious to everything.

I don't know the answer to your question. I struggle with it daily.

[ileus]

46. I enjoy my little kingdom and my family.

Our home isn't in danger of being taken away, the wife and I both have good jobs that can't be exported.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

47. Try this.

http://kiva.org/

[Serial Mom]

48. I realize I am not as bad off as some people...

although our misadministration is trying to make more people suffer in so many ways!

[The2ndWheel]

49. Not much of a fan of happiness

It's far too vague, and the relentless pursuit of it is frankly killing our habitat. Damn it, another barrage.

I maintain contentedness(which is also vague) by remembering that we're just another concentrated form of energy wandering(not so much wandering anymore) around while the planet spins around another form of concentraded energy with no destination, and that there was never, is not, and will never be a perfect state to existence. Everything that we do has an impact, and the larger we do it, the greater our impact. The more we use for ourselves, the less there is for the rest of life.

The "barrage of bad news" we gets these days is just physical reality catching up. We may find a way to get ahead of it again, but it will come at a cost. It won't stop chasing us either. We'll have to do more and more and more, on ever greater scales, to stay in front. We can do it I'm sure, but we'll require a further disconnect from the outside.

I laugh as much as a I can. I got over the "why am I not happy" question a handful of years ago. For me at least, asking that question was part of the problem.

[hlthe2b]

56. "For me at least, asking that question (why am I not happy) was

part of the problem"


I agree. We are so fixated on analyzing our response to life, we often forget to live. There is a certain Zen-Buddhist sense I think about your philosophy...

[lunatica]

50. By keeping in mind

that the human race is still a work in progress, and that what's happening now is another step in the learning process. It helps to be a student of spirituality and believing there is a Source that is calling us 'home' to our full potential through Karmic Law and the evolution it causes.

O8) :evilgrin:

[Bonobo]

51. Karate. I punch the shit out of a makiwara.

That and lots of herbal remedies.

[burythehatchet]

52. weed

[Bonobo]

53. Here, here.

[hlthe2b]

58. I hope people are taking the time to read these posts...

It seems to me that there is a lot of collective wisdom in them....:thumbsup:

And, bob, your question is an important one. Good thread.

[watercolors]

59. Turn off 24-7 news channels

got rid of newspaper, and sometimes come to DU to see if I missed anything! I'm staying away from debates, political gossip, will make my choice sooner or later! I just put on my John Mayer and Diana Krall CD's, got back to my watercolors and put the world on ignore. It has made a great differance, I'm a lot more calmer and happier, my family has even noticed the difference!

[AngryAmish]

64. I drink.

Drinking is great.

[librechik]

66. my doctor tells me the zoloft helps.

:smoke:

[bonito]

67. Jewel - Hands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lYTlfCyrXI&feature=related

[mmonk]

68. I do different activities

with my family. The big open secrets we know about in an aloof nation can't take that away yet.

[hiphopnation]

69. try hangman's blood

courtesy of Anthony Burgess:

English novelist and critic is held in awe by many for the profligacy of both his writing and his drinking. He invented his own cocktail, "Hangman's Blood", which is prepared as follows:

Into a pint glass, doubles of the following are poured: gin, whisky, rum, port and brandy. A small bottle of stout is added and the whole topped up with Champagne... It tastes very smooth, induces a somewhat metaphysical elation, and rarely leaves a hangover."

[blues90]

70. I am not happy so there is nothing to maintain

The people I see around me that seem happy either are able to let all this crap flow by or they are completely unaware of it .

I have my wife and our cats and not much else worth a damn .

I used to be happier but with a lifetime of lies and crap , without a view of a good or better future ahead then I suppose drink and drugs have their place , not we can afford any .

I sense a real division in society , even the holidays have lost the human element of community .

There is enough wrong with bad news in this country called the USA and here we are now hearing and knowing all about the huge horrid issues around the rest of the globe , it's like the cold war on steroids .

[Darth Lenore]

73. Yup, same here

I am not happy, I have never been happy, and I will never be happy unless I manage to lie to myself very convincingly about everything that is going on in the world. And I will never do that, as I find that sort of behavior absolutely contemptable and sadly far too common.

[mnhtnbb]

71. I am not happy...and I know it...and I'm not clapping my hands.

I avoid all things Bush as much as possible. Turn off the radio, mute the TV if he's on or he's being discussed

I do try to appreciate the fall colors--red cardinals against bright yellow leaves--sound of rain in our drought-stricken NC. I pet the cats. And I do love my Manhattans.

[Blue_In_AK]

72. Fortunately, my home life is good

finally. I'm happy because I'm self-employed and don't have to go out and deal with people ... my husband's as much of a radical as I am, so that helps. Pot's legal in Alaska. I guess that about covers it.

[dysfunctional press]

75. methadone, vicoprofen, 222's, flexeril, and weed...

all on a multi-daily basis.

[applegrove]

78. I think of how far we have come and that winning the next election is just a year away.

[bonito]

80. Much to see much to share here great post my friend.