Awhile ago in this post I answered some good “quality questions for personal happiness” I asked in a post from April 2020. I thought I would do the same thing again today:
- What is going well in my life?
So much. I just completed playing piano for a school show and had a great time. I’m reading an excellent book, “The Morgans,” by Ron Chernow. I’m running the Bay to Breakers tomorrow with my brother. I have gotten many positive responses about the Joan of Arc film clip I wrote a score to. I just had a nice meal.
- What actions feel good to me?
Many! Running, swimming with my wife at the gym, playing piano for the show I just did, composing, blogging (usually, though I’m a bit tired/distracted right now, which is why I appreciate these questions to prompt me), hanging out with cool people.
- What do I especially appreciate?
I appreciate rest! Which I admit that I would like a little more of this weekend, but on the other hand, I also appreciate having interesting things to do.
- What can I focus on today that feels good?
My piano skills. That I can use them to help a production like I did this weekend, supporting the cast and entertaining the audience.
- What benefit am I getting from having to deal with the current situation, as adverse as it sometimes may seem?
Well, if there’s any adverse situation, it’s just the mild inconvenience of being a little tired in the middle of a busy week and weekend. The benefit of it is that I appreciate having interesting things to do in life, as well as great people to interact with. I also will appreciate resting sometime soon.
- Who do I love?
My wife. Our cat. My mom. My dad and step-mom. Other family memories. Collectively, my students. Fine people I get to work with, as I experienced with recent school show.
- What are the things I still get to enjoy, even if I might be constrained in what I can do in other ways?
Overall, I find that I’m pretty good at making the best of things, finding something pleasant to do or think about, changing the subject, or, if all else fails, take a nap. Because I am so sensitized to the importance of focusing on things that feel good, I’m usually pretty good at doing this these days. In this way, I let go and trust the Universe to help arrange any situation that I might see as lacking or constrained.