The pleasantest thing in the world …

It’s safe to say that unpleasant thoughts create uncomfortable feelings, and that is not a preferred emotional state for most of us.

These thoughts produce anger, frustration, regret, guilt, anxiety, despair, and so on. Despite the discomfort of such thoughts, many accommodate to these emotions over time. We easily become acclimated to such unpleasant feelings and forget the cause: our thoughts!

Yes, our thoughts are at the cause (for the most part) for the emotions that follow. And yet, we end up in the business of trying to change our feeling state without adequate attention to the thoughts that cause those states.

On the opposite side, the same is true, of course. Pleasant thoughts produce yummy feelings, and the stronger the pleasant thought, the better we feel. The trick to feeling even better, of course, is to multiply and magnify those pleasant thoughts.

“THE PLEASANTEST THINGS IN THE WORLD ARE PLEASANT THOUGHTS » and the Great Art of Life is to Have as Many of Them as Possible.”

While the French philosopher, Montaigne, wrote these words nearly 500 years ago, the point remains the same. Having more pleasant thoughts is a good thing. We want as many as possible, as this will create a remarkably rewarding life.

However, it is easy to pass over the most important part of this snippet of wisdom.

THE GREAT ART OF LIFE

As we launch into the New Year, this great art is worth contemplation. You could, mistakenly so, think that this is as simple as a decision to be more positive. Many tackle the issue in that manner and fail.

The decision is just the beginning. Montaigne was on to something here, as the ‘great art’ kicks in AFTER the decision is made. The decision to have more pleasant thoughts is a launching point. It’s an important, even critical, point.

However, to live with as many pleasant thoughts as possible, we must become incessantly creative in our endeavor to find pleasant thoughts. This is not a one-off event. The great art of having more and more pleasant thoughts is an ongoing, creative and forward-focused process.

BECOME A SEEKER AND FORGET WHAT OTHERS THINK

Consider becoming a seeker of pleasant thoughts about almost every aspect of life. Stretch yourself and keep looking for the most pleasant thought you can find. It doesn’t have to be the ultimate, blissful, ecstatic thought. In fact, that objective will be counterproductive.

It’s essential to just seek out the most pleasant thought you can find at the moment and then build from that. Each step forward can build on the last thought. And of course, the objective of all those pleasant thoughts is more enjoyable feelings and emotions.

And who can’t use more enjoyment and pleasure in life?

BUT THERE ARE SERIOUS ISSUES IN THE WORLD? SHOULDN’T I THINK ABOUT THOSE?

Well, you can. But I find most people feel bad when they think about things they can’t control. And 99% of those issues ‘out there’ center upon events that none of us can control. Thus, if you can’t control it, and the thought about the events are unpleasant, why keep going there?

Of course, you can if you want. It’s your life.

But if you would like more ease, more joy, and more lightness in the coming year, consider the importance of having more and more pleasant thoughts. This will change your emotional state in a positive way. As your emotional state lightens, the world seems different. Our friends, relatives, and neighbors become more interesting, more acceptable, and more enjoyable. There is much beauty, much love, and many, many moments of goodness that can easily be ignored in all the drama of the incessantly ‘breaking news’ world we live in.

TO SEEK MORE PLEASANT THOUGHTS IS TO SEEK GOODNESS AND GRATITUDE

The bottom line is simple. If we want to have more pleasant thoughts in our day, we must seek to find the goodness in this world and to appreciate more of the beauty and love that exists. We would have fewer differences if we could all take a few steps in that direction. But for now, just consider your life and those you love and how this Great Art is worthy of your attention in the year ahead.

Happy New Year to all!

Dr. Randy Cale, a Clifton Park-based parenting expert, author, speaker and licensed psychologist, offers practical guidance for a host of parenting concerns. His website, www.TerrificParenting.com, offers free parenting guidance and an email newsletter. Readers can learn more by reviewing past articles found on the websites of The Saratogian, The Record and The Community News. Submit questions to DrRandyCale@gmail.com