My good friend Nan that passed away last November. She loved life and lived simply. She hardly ever complained. She was so full of wisdom and helped me in my darkest moments. She taught me to take care of me and was my first introduction to “grateful living”. I miss her but her endless love of life will stay with me forever : )
The founder of this meditation method which takes us to Truth right now. Woo Myung is the author of many books and the simple steps to letting go of my false picture world I hold onto in my mind. He has worked relentlessly his whole life to helping people become Truth. I’m so grateful that I get to live in this time of Truth.
Like Sparrow and Michele have already mentioned, it´s cats. The way they are present in the very moment, while lying in the sun or on the sofa being totally relaxed or purring when held cozy in my arms is just amazing.
Right now, I would say my next door neighbors, Dusty and Margaret Ann, are my current role models for contentment in my life…a couple in their early 90’s who have never read Ram Dass, Eckhart Tolle, etc., but have always lived a life of acceptance and non-resistance to the day to day challenges. I’ve lived next door to them for 6 years now and witnessed their recent “diminishment” (that helpful word Joseph introduced into our vocabulary on this site a few days ago). I’m humbled by their faith driven acceptance of the limitations they are now facing. They gave their car to their son a couple of weeks ago as they realize they should no longer drive. Their attitude is very positive and they are so thankful for the things they can still do an for the fact that with the help of their children, they can remain in their home. Dusty was digging dandelions out of the lawn this week and Margaret Ann was frying morel mushrooms when I dropped by yesterday to pause for a moment of prayer with her. I love to pray with Margaret Ann even though we do not share the same interpretation of the scriptures. Why? because she is real to her core. She is the epitome of the “wise grandmother” depicted in so many cultures.
Carol, I was so touched by your story of Margaret Ann and Dusty, thank you. The acceptance, letting go, and appreciation for current abilities and opportunities is inspiring. 🩷
There is a lady in my faith community who has been through many difficult losses in the past few years. Even as she acknowledges her deep grief, she also seems to radiate contentment.
I don’t know who is particularly content with life of people that I know.
I’m just not sure about that.
Someone who did seem to be content with life was President Jimmy Carter.
He had faith in God and met adversity with his own good deeds.
He kept looking forward to what he could do, to make this world a better place,
rather than looking back at his own difficulties.
Yes, Mary. Jimmy Carter was and is still an inspiration. I heard Van Jones say and I paraphrase: ‘We die when the physical body is laid to rest but we don’t really die until others stop saying our name.’
It seems I’ve had very few role models in my life.
I’ve had plenty of people that taught me how not to live my life. I guess I’ve known so few people that are content. Certainly the Dalai Lama, and I would include Mahatma Gandhi. But what do I know? I’ve never met either one of them.
I’m sure there have been people along the way that have modeled contentment. It’s a bit elusive. Isn’t it? Practicing gratitude is a good way for me to feel more contentment.
I think contentement can mean many different things to different people, Charlie. So your impression of it being elusive seems real. And it shifts, as Carol noted in her story about Dusty and Margaret Ann.
Antonia, made me think of our dog Pee-Wee. My son rescued a dog, Pee Wee, from under an interstate overpass. The dog was apparently beaten and then dumped their with a shattered back leg. The dog is still afraid of strangers but trusts my son totally. The vet fixed his leg. It’s been about 3 years since JJ rescued him. We learned recently that the dog now has cancer. I ask my son when he visits each weekend, “How is Pee-Wee?” My son, JJ, says “Pee-Wee is happy. The meds dull his pain, he’s eating well and does not know he has cancer. As long as Pee-Wee has quality of life, I will not intervene.” Pee-Wee is definitely a good role model and so is my son.
Brother David Steindl-Rast. He’s curious, energetic, vivacious, and engaged. His contentment seems dynamic, it plays in different keys depending on what is happening now. I can relate to colorful, nuanced flavors of contentment; contentment in motion.
The one person who comes to mind is my Mom. She simply enjoyed her living, her husband, her kids, her house, her friends. She played cards, had dinner parties, held birthday parties (seven every year for a while!) and attended events: little league, recitals, and graduations. And all of that with a certain equanimity that seemed to always show through.
A couple of years after her death, I was told by one of my siblings that she prayed the rosary every day for most of her life.
I am pretty sure that her daily attention to her spiritual self was one of, or maybe the main reason that she seemed to be content.
“I am pretty sure that her daily attention to her spiritual self was one of,
or maybe the main reason that she seemed to be content.”
I suspect this might be true,
dear John. ♥
I wasn’t aware of these women, Mark, and looked them up on Wikipedia. They certainly lived committed and far-reaching lives. Thank you for sharing their names.
The person that came to mind was Pope Francis. In viewing some of the clips of his life and papacy, I got a sense of peace and calm. I equate those qualities with contentment. His life was not easy but he lived it with grace and humility.
I don’t think I have a role model for contentment. I’m content with my life and have many teachers over the years whose wisdom has helped me learn to make peace with all kinds of things. Whether it’s a book, a yoga teacher, a meditation teacher, a friend or family member. Sometimes we learn from others when we’re not really expecting it. We get so much information in our daily lives, and we can use that to make our lives better – or worse… the choice is always ours!
Jesus Christ and my Mother Mary. Believing in Christ comforted me in my life’s insecurity and stress. Just doing the best I can, they’ll be with me. May you all have a wonderful day! 💐
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My good friend Nan that passed away last November. She loved life and lived simply. She hardly ever complained. She was so full of wisdom and helped me in my darkest moments. She taught me to take care of me and was my first introduction to “grateful living”. I miss her but her endless love of life will stay with me forever : )
That is beautiful Robin Ann. She sounds like an amazing person.
Thank you, Andrea, she was. She took me under her wing when my Mom died and got to know my children.
She was a dear friend of our family a long time
The founder of this meditation method which takes us to Truth right now. Woo Myung is the author of many books and the simple steps to letting go of my false picture world I hold onto in my mind. He has worked relentlessly his whole life to helping people become Truth. I’m so grateful that I get to live in this time of Truth.
Like Sparrow and Michele have already mentioned, it´s cats. The way they are present in the very moment, while lying in the sun or on the sofa being totally relaxed or purring when held cozy in my arms is just amazing.
💜
. . . my cats . . .
every one of them
who has graced my life
over the years,
with love and companionship.
Who cannot feel the contentment
of a cat stretched out straight and long,
enjoying a sunbath in the middle of the day? ♥
💜
So true, Sparrow.
The picture of contentment!
Right now, I would say my next door neighbors, Dusty and Margaret Ann, are my current role models for contentment in my life…a couple in their early 90’s who have never read Ram Dass, Eckhart Tolle, etc., but have always lived a life of acceptance and non-resistance to the day to day challenges. I’ve lived next door to them for 6 years now and witnessed their recent “diminishment” (that helpful word Joseph introduced into our vocabulary on this site a few days ago). I’m humbled by their faith driven acceptance of the limitations they are now facing. They gave their car to their son a couple of weeks ago as they realize they should no longer drive. Their attitude is very positive and they are so thankful for the things they can still do an for the fact that with the help of their children, they can remain in their home. Dusty was digging dandelions out of the lawn this week and Margaret Ann was frying morel mushrooms when I dropped by yesterday to pause for a moment of prayer with her. I love to pray with Margaret Ann even though we do not share the same interpretation of the scriptures. Why? because she is real to her core. She is the epitome of the “wise grandmother” depicted in so many cultures.
Carol, I was so touched by your story of Margaret Ann and Dusty, thank you. The acceptance, letting go, and appreciation for current abilities and opportunities is inspiring. 🩷
This couple
seems to have found the key to good living,
dear Carol . . .
from your description
I almost feel like I have met them. ♥
Wow, these people sound incredible. It’s inspiring to hear of such grace in diminishment, and such acceptance.
There is a lady in my faith community who has been through many difficult losses in the past few years. Even as she acknowledges her deep grief, she also seems to radiate contentment.
I don’t know who is particularly content with life of people that I know.
I’m just not sure about that.
Someone who did seem to be content with life was President Jimmy Carter.
He had faith in God and met adversity with his own good deeds.
He kept looking forward to what he could do, to make this world a better place,
rather than looking back at his own difficulties.
Jimmy Carter was a genuinely good human being. Thank you, Mary.
Meeting adversity with good deeds … that is indeed something to aspire to.
Yes, that really is something to aspire to.
Yes, Mary. Jimmy Carter was and is still an inspiration. I heard Van Jones say and I paraphrase: ‘We die when the physical body is laid to rest but we don’t really die until others stop saying our name.’
It seems I’ve had very few role models in my life.
I’ve had plenty of people that taught me how not to live my life. I guess I’ve known so few people that are content. Certainly the Dalai Lama, and I would include Mahatma Gandhi. But what do I know? I’ve never met either one of them.
I’m sure there have been people along the way that have modeled contentment. It’s a bit elusive. Isn’t it? Practicing gratitude is a good way for me to feel more contentment.
I think contentement can mean many different things to different people, Charlie. So your impression of it being elusive seems real. And it shifts, as Carol noted in her story about Dusty and Margaret Ann.
Gratitude definitely challenges us to see with new eyes. Let’s face it, most things are highly influenced by the eyes of the beholder!
My dog- she lives in the moment and acts as though everyday is the best day of her life.
Antonia, made me think of our dog Pee-Wee. My son rescued a dog, Pee Wee, from under an interstate overpass. The dog was apparently beaten and then dumped their with a shattered back leg. The dog is still afraid of strangers but trusts my son totally. The vet fixed his leg. It’s been about 3 years since JJ rescued him. We learned recently that the dog now has cancer. I ask my son when he visits each weekend, “How is Pee-Wee?” My son, JJ, says “Pee-Wee is happy. The meds dull his pain, he’s eating well and does not know he has cancer. As long as Pee-Wee has quality of life, I will not intervene.” Pee-Wee is definitely a good role model and so is my son.
A good mother, a good son, a lucky puppy rescued from distress.
Joseph, I totally resignate on a good mother. My mom has a positive attitude, lives simply, straight to the point, and there when needed most.
My heart breaks for this little dog,
dear Carol,
but swells with joy
for your son’s intervention.
Thank you for sharing this story. ♥
Yes!
Great answer and I’m sure she’s a great dog.
I love this! Made me smile. 🙏
Brother David Steindl-Rast. He’s curious, energetic, vivacious, and engaged. His contentment seems dynamic, it plays in different keys depending on what is happening now. I can relate to colorful, nuanced flavors of contentment; contentment in motion.
Yes, and beautifully described!
Thank you Mary.
The one person who comes to mind is my Mom. She simply enjoyed her living, her husband, her kids, her house, her friends. She played cards, had dinner parties, held birthday parties (seven every year for a while!) and attended events: little league, recitals, and graduations. And all of that with a certain equanimity that seemed to always show through.
A couple of years after her death, I was told by one of my siblings that she prayed the rosary every day for most of her life.
I am pretty sure that her daily attention to her spiritual self was one of, or maybe the main reason that she seemed to be content.
“I am pretty sure that her daily attention to her spiritual self was one of,
or maybe the main reason that she seemed to be content.”
I suspect this might be true,
dear John. ♥
What a gift to have such a mother, John. Thanks for telling us about her.
Catherine McAuley and Therese Couderc.
I wasn’t aware of these women, Mark, and looked them up on Wikipedia. They certainly lived committed and far-reaching lives. Thank you for sharing their names.
The person that came to mind was Pope Francis. In viewing some of the clips of his life and papacy, I got a sense of peace and calm. I equate those qualities with contentment. His life was not easy but he lived it with grace and humility.
I don’t think I have a role model for contentment. I’m content with my life and have many teachers over the years whose wisdom has helped me learn to make peace with all kinds of things. Whether it’s a book, a yoga teacher, a meditation teacher, a friend or family member. Sometimes we learn from others when we’re not really expecting it. We get so much information in our daily lives, and we can use that to make our lives better – or worse… the choice is always ours!
Jesus Christ and my Mother Mary. Believing in Christ comforted me in my life’s insecurity and stress. Just doing the best I can, they’ll be with me. May you all have a wonderful day! 💐
My Ngoc, we certainly share the root of believing in god and prayers.