Happiness vs Contentment
The pursuit of happiness is an exceedingly common idea… and one many people seek.
In fact, many people will spend much of their life on this pursuit… without ever really getting to where they want to be.
The search for happiness is a kind of shorthand for the notion of the freedom, knowledge, or opportunity to achieve things in life that we want, crave, desire and need.
But is happiness real? How can we understand the meaning of happiness without understanding contentment… and exploring the notion of happiness vs contentment?
Which Should We Seek in Life?
There are many ways to understand the difference between happiness vs contentment.
One is sure to resonate best with you, so I encourage you to find the example below that most impacts your life and your daily awareness… and focus on changing your decision-making process from a purely happiness/pleasure-seeking one, to one of building meaning and developing contentment.
1. Happiness is Short Term & Contentment is a State of Being
Happiness is what you feel when eating your favorite dish, experiencing intimacy with someone to whom you are attracted… or when you obtain a desired object. Contentment is a state of mind we develop by engaging in meaningful pleasures, by serving humanity in some way and by creating long-term or lasting value.
2. Happiness vs Contentment in Relationships
It is all too common for people to compulsively seek relationships that are not ideal. Too often, we revel in the thrill of early encounters, courtship, and the “honeymoon” phase.
To build contentment, we need to seek union with people we both admire and have a deep sense of affection for.
This takes time, of course… but the alternative is the unending loneliness of a shallow romance.
3. Happiness vs Contentment in Our Professional Life
Some people get satisfaction out of making large amounts of money, but most people earn money as a means of getting needs met and obtaining freedom.
If we find ourselves engaging in work that makes us unhappy, we’re bound to damage our health. But more importantly, we are trading our precious living time for something we just spend on bills and material objects.
It could be spending more time with loved ones. It could be developing hobbies or taking on interests that you have been putting off. It could be simply watching the water ripple on the surface of a lake.
You want to make better choices. Become wiser, kinder, and stronger in your convictions. The combination of harmonious relationships and mindfulness practices is a powerful tool in developing lasting contentment.