Happiness and the Human Spirit

by Twerski, Abraham J., MD

• ISBN13: 9781580233439
• ISBN10: 1580233430
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-08-15
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Pub

Summary

Since time immemorial, human beings have been engaged in the pursuit of happiness. In the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers even declared it to be one of our inalienable rights. Yet for many of us, the actual achievement of happiness has proven elusive. This inspiring guide shows you that it doesn?t have to be.Using simple, accessible language and clear examples, this wellspring of wisdom illustrates that true happiness is attainable when we stop looking outside ourselves for the source. Instead, happiness can be found within us, when we exercise our unique human abilities such as gratitude, humility, compassion, and generosity that are the components of the human spirit. Combining ancient wisdom and modern psychology, it shows us that when we reconnect with our spiritual selves, we correct the deficiency of spirituality that many of us experience on a daily basis. And without a fully realized spiritual life, we cannot be whole.More than a handbook for living a happier life, this is a treasure map that leads you beyond self-centered contentment to actualizing your full potential as a human being. It teaches you that true happiness is not just being free from misery and enjoying the pleasures of life. True happiness comes when you choose?again and again?to be the best person you can be.

Table of Contents

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
The pursuit of happiness	p. 3
Spiritual deficiency syndrome	p. 11
The unique human spirit
The ability to be self-aware	p. 27
The ability to be humble	p. 37
The ability to choose	p. 43
The ability to be patient	p. 51
The ability to make the most of circumstances	p. 57
The ability to improve	p. 63
The ability to be compassionate	p. 71
The ability to have perspective	p. 81
The ability to have purpose	p. 87
The ability to search for truth	p. 99
The ability to change	p. 105
10 steps to happiness
"I am aware that I have some shortcomings, and I want to become a better person"	p. 117
"I realize that I can be in charge of my behavior"	p. 121
"I realize that changing my character traits is a slow process, but I am willing to persist. I'm going to work on my character defects, one by one"	p. 125
"I am going to look for ways to overcome my negative character traits"	p. 129
"I will cultivate enjoyable spiritual experiences"	p. 137
"I will give serious consideration to the relative importance of things"	p. 139
"I will avoid things that are inimical to my spirituality"	p. 143
"I will laugh more"	p. 145
"I will work to keep setbacks from discouraging me"	p. 147
"I realize there is never an end to spiritual growth"	p. 149
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.