Are you happy?

[rachmaninoff_forever]

In terms of where you are in life right now.

Well I guess that wasn't specific enough.

In the grand scheme of things I guess.

[patrickd]

Too keep it short; yes, yes I am.

[thalbergmad]

Out of 10, I am probably at about 7 at the moment.

Thal

[perprocrastinate]

Generally, I am happy with my life. I have more trouble keeping certain people happy, how that ties in with my life, I'm not quite sure how to interpret that.

[davidjosepha]

Not especially. I'm not unhappy, really, but I'm not especially happy overall. I enjoy doing things and I have fun doing them, so I guess I spend a lot of my time happy, but I don't really feel any sort of overall contentment or happiness with my life, and I feel like I'm just sorta living "each day" all right, but that collectively, those days don't really amount to much. I don't really have (m)any specific complaints though, so I'm not really sure what I need to change. I almost feel like the problem with my life is that I'm not happy with it even though I have plenty of reasons to be happy with it--ie the problem is the problem.

[oxy60]

In my opinion you must live 100% in the moment to be really happy. You must get everything out of every moment that it has to offer. (Of course within the realm of social convention.)

This concept is very necessary to avoid thinking you've missed something. Not every moment is going to generate belly laughs. It's up to you to find the good parts.

You also need to find the delete key for your brain and get rid of those garbage thoughts.

I can not keep the smile off my face because I focus only the positive aspects of the past.

That's how you stay happy.

[Bob]

No.

[the_fervid_pig]

Somedays it's Chopin's 28/4, others it's the Sabre Dance, but such is life.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

No.

[chopin2015]

Yes...It may be a rough time, but I am still here. That means I can still set things right, I still have the chance to say I love you to my family and pets, every day. Don't forget to do that. Don't forget to listen. Because, one day...memories are all you will have of those that are not physically near. So make them good.

[outin]

Being happy is just not my thing...it's not in the blood of my people I guess...

I am quite content with my life and not unhappy (I don't think I've ever really been, even when things were crappy). I probably prefer it to being happy, because happiness always leads to a downfall...when any feelings of happiness are beginning to surface, they'd better be suppressed

And it has nothing to do with living in the moment, because I definitely do, I don't remember the past or worry about the future. I just am...I have a rather simple view of life...the meaning of life is that it has no meaning really...a very calming thing to understand.

[senanserat]

Being happy is just not my thing...it's not in the blood of my people I guess...

I am quite content with my life and not unhappy (I don't think I've ever really been, even when things were crappy). I probably prefer it to being happy, because happiness always leads to a downfall...when any feelings of happiness are beginning to surface, they'd better be suppressed

And it has nothing to do with living in the moment, because I definitely do, I don't remember the past or worry about the future. I just am...I have a rather simple view of life...the meaning of life is that it has no meaning really...a very calming thing to understand.

Thats quite a somber statement.

[outin]

Thats quite a somber statement.

You think? I don't see it like that at all

[senanserat]

You think? I don't see it like that at all

Happiness is but part of life, and not to be suppressed. After all we have been gifted by our minds the ability to see time as separate units for the lack of better words rather than the "whole" moment of shifting chaos it is, thus everything we experience will come to pass.

This goes for good and bad. Thus why I think suppressing such feelings when they arise is wasting good experience in the recital we call life.

Of course I don't speak english as good as I would like so the language barrier may had keep some subtleties of your message from me.

[outin]

Happiness is but part of life, and not to be suppressed. After all we have been gifted by our minds the ability to see time as separate units for the lack of better words rather than the "whole" moment of shifting chaos it is, thus everything we experience will come to pass.

This goes for good and bad. Thus why I think suppressing such feelings when they arise is wasting good experience in the recital we call life.

Of course I don't speak english as good as I would like so the language barrier may had keep some subtleties of your message from me.

Oh, you were referring to that, not the meaning of life thing.

Well, maybe I was not 100% serious about the supressing thing. Occasional feelings of serene happyness are ok. I think the closest I would get is when I am alone out in the woods or fishing, just me, nature and my thoughts. I might even feel like singing (which will make the animals less happy probably

And then of course the feelings one gets from carnal pleasures...would those count for happiness?

But as a general and long lasting feeling happiness I don't think is in anyway necessary or even beneficial for everyone. It's the things that I am not happy with that make living interesting...

[davidjosepha]

Being happy is just not my thing...it's not in the blood of my people I guess...

Haha when I clicked your profile, I was guessing Finland or Russia. My grandma was Finnish, she didn't seem especially happy.

I probably prefer it to being happy, because happiness always leads to a downfall...when any feelings of happiness are beginning to surface, they'd better be suppressed

Reminds me of: "We come from people who brought us up to believe that life is a struggle, and if you should feel really happy, be patient: this will pass."

[outin]

Haha when I clicked your profile, I was guessing Finland or Russia. My grandma was Finnish, she didn't seem especially happy.

That explains it then...Just accept your faith and don't expect to ever be happy...it' not in your genes

[oxy60]

It's kind of depressing to read these postings and see how many people aren't living.

I'm guessing your mind is everywhere except on the task/event/job/"happening" at hand. You rattle between the past and the future and never stop in the present. You regret the mistakes and the wrongs that have been done to you for decades. You review them over and over. Then you think about the future and worry about things that may never happen.

Stop it! This isn't living. It's riding a downward spiral into the abyss.

[cabbynum]

Nope

[davidjosepha]

I'm guessing your mind is everywhere except on the task/event/job/"happening" at hand. You rattle between the past and the future and never stop in the present. You regret the mistakes and the wrongs that have been done to you for decades. You review them over and over. Then you think about the future and worry about things that may never happen.

I'd disagree. My mind IS on the present, and I generally enjoy my "present". There aren't too many times where I'd say, "Wow, I wish I was doing something else right now." I enjoy my jobs (which is more than most people can say, I think), I enjoy my schooling, I enjoy playing the piano, I enjoy my leisure time, I enjoy my friends. I just feel like ultimately, it's all meaningless and we're just distracting ourselves while we wait for death, and I can't think of anything I could do in life that could possibly make me okay with that.

[oxy60]

I'd disagree. My mind IS on the present, and I generally enjoy my "present". There aren't too many times where I'd say, "Wow, I wish I was doing something else right now." I enjoy my jobs (which is more than most people can say, I think), I enjoy my schooling, I enjoy playing the piano, I enjoy my leisure time, I enjoy my friends. I just feel like ultimately, it's all meaningless and we're just distracting ourselves while we wait for death, and I can't think of anything I could do in life that could possibly make me okay with that.

Stop thinking about death or get a job in a mortuary.

[outin]

I just feel like ultimately, it's all meaningless and we're just distracting ourselves while we wait for death, and I can't think of anything I could do in life that could possibly make me okay with that.

It's not ok, but you'll get used to it...somehow the longer you live the more ok you are with the fact that life is not just meaningless but also ends too soon...or maybe one just tends to forget such matters easier when older...

One must think about the positive side: Since our life has no meaning, it doesn't really matter what we do, the universe(s) around us keeps going anyway. Makes you kind of free

[oxy60]

That is really sad, that neither of you have discovered the simple joy of living. True, life is meaningless, unless you give it meaning for yourself.

My very first job as a family member (without salery) was on a survey crew laying out grave sites in a cemetery. The crew always paused as a procession passed, removing our caps and hats. Those moments, even at my young age stuck with me and I vowed to make as much out of life as possible.

The choice is yours. You are either in the box in the car or you are watching it go by.

[outin]

That is really sad, that neither of you have discovered the simple joy of living. True, life is meaningless, unless you give it meaning for yourself.

My very first job as a family member (without salery) was on a survey crew laying out grave sites in a cemetery. The crew always paused as a procession passed, removing our caps and hats. Those moments, even at my young age stuck with me and I vowed to make as much out of life as possible.

The choice is yours. You are either in the box in the car or you are watching it go by.

You don't understand. I enjoy living and I can pretty much do whatever I want within certain limits (like money and health). I would like to keep living as long as possible. But I am also a realist and I do not feel the need to ignore the future (which simply is not that great for us humans).

What I meant was that OBJECTIVELY life has no meaning. That doesn't mean that it isn't important to me in a very subjective way.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I am soo bummed out right now. 

My teacher is mad at me because I don't ask for enough lessons.

Well sorry dude, but I'm not rich, I can't cough up 60 bucks a week. 

And just when I think I'm getting on my Ondine, he tears me apart...  He says I'm doing everything wrong. 

[cabbynum]

You'll be in college soon enough, you'll be free, yes the professors will most likely year you apart but it's more expected then.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

You'll be in college soon enough, you'll be free, yes the professors will most likely year you apart but it's more expected then.

Lol I'm so scared now.

[bronnestam]

I am very happy. 

[outin]

Actually today I am quite happy as well...I think I have finally conquered the arpeggios 

But I'm sure it will pass...I will suck again sooner or later...

[ted]

I have had a totally ridiculous amount of happiness in my life, far more than I ever had a moral right to experience. Most importantly, I have never known what it is like not to be loved. I suppose this should tell me something, but I am abominably lazy.

[chopin2015]

my grandpa just passed away after cancer spread to his brain, he passed the day after my kind of awesome solo concert. I just had a 3rd ear surgery with 1 more to go in max of 6 months to make sure the cholesteatoma is gone...I can't leave the house and I am super lonely.

But!! I am half-way through the whole set of Ravel valse nobles! yep, there are 8 of them, and I finished the first 4 in just a few days! It feels good to be able to keep rolling, even though my left ear is...throbbing, failing me...


 I am often feeling depressed, though. I have an obvious reason. This is the 3rd bottle of pain killers I am working on and I feel like I just can't be happy on my own, now. But what am I supposed to do? Life goes on! I take the pill, I hide the pain from others, and then I have a break-down when no-one is looking.
 

But, I am alive, and I still have my right ear...god bless.

[ted]

Sorry to hear about that, chopin2015. I didn't know what it was and looked it up on the internet. It's certainly not something anyone needs ! It says the recurrence rate is 12% so let's hope you're in the remaining 88%. I imagine your music must be a comfort though, and you always have the moral support of the community here at Pianostreet.

[chopin2015]

Thank you so much. Yes, music is the reason to keep my head up, and fight through this. A cholesteatoma is something extremely scary...I was lucky they got it out before it grew too big and caused terrible damage. I will have to go under anesthesia one more time, to make sure the cholesteatoma is gone all the way.

[oxy60]

These are events that try our souls. You are an inspiration to us all.

[chopin2015]

These are events that try our souls. You are an inspiration to us all.

Thanks so much

If anything, I just want to remind everyone of regular ear check-ups and to take care of your hearing and ears! I would like to encourage everyone to read about different ear conditions and how to avoid these various illnesses that are potentially dangerous.

As musicians, our hearing is very important to us. Unfortunately, it is perishable...
 

[outin]

As musicians, our hearing is very important to us. Unfortunately, it is perishable...
 

True, but even without it great things can be achieved, just think of Ludwig

[chopin2015]

True, but even without it great things can be achieved, just think of Ludwig

Yes, but: he was a genius...

[outin]

Yes, but: he was a genius...

A little less will be quite enough, I am sure...
I hope you ear gets well soon!

[rachmaninoff_forever]

my grandpa just passed away after cancer spread to his brain, he passed the day after my kind of awesome solo concert. I just had a 3rd ear surgery with 1 more to go in max of 6 months to make sure the cholesteatoma is gone...I can't leave the house and I am super lonely.

What the heck that's a bummer.  Sorry sis.

Your ears will be good as new!

Hey what about us?!

[chopin2015]

What the heck that's a bummer.  Sorry sis.

Your ears will be good as new!

Hey what about us?!

Hey, I don't wanna put any pressure on y'all and say you guys are my only friends!! 

[dima_76557]

[chopin2015]

Большое спасибо, Дима!

[lousyplayer]

No, not at all. Sucks

[indianajo]

Yes! I'm happy.   The trials of college were long ago, sorry Rachmaninnoffforever, it is something you need to go through to prove yourself to your employers and perhaps the military if you are called.  The trials of my health defects are mostly in the known treatment area, so thank God for that.  Sorry Chopin2015 your treatment is still ongoing, but hope your treatment succeeds and you can move on.
 The trials of my required military service are over, I didn't have to give too much.  The trials of employment are probably over, no more clawing my way up the ladder,coping with jealous coworkers, insensitive supervisors, no time clock, alarm clock, or beeper.  I made it through the financial collapse of 2008 only losing 50% of net worth, and have got it back. Relationships are still a bit of a trial instead of a pleasure, but I've outlived several of my most troublesome neighbors and acquaintances.  Ha, try to tell me what to do from your grave,  you silly *******.    Things are going smoothly enough I can set myself artificial trials of art, like piano and organ pieces, or restoring tired old organs.  I don't have a lot of the possessions others seem to require,  but I'm having a ball riding my bicycle and the bus everywhere and watching broadcast public television.  If I get struck down by a car on my bicycle, Jesus Christ has a plan for me, thank you.   Classical LP's are down to a quarter, electronic theatre organs are down to $100, the best things in life are free!  And on the internet there are people like you that will talk about things that matter like Bach and Beethoven and Steinways,  I don't have to talk basketball or football or pretend I'm a "normal guy" to converse.  Y'all have fun and hope you get here someday.  

[theholygideons]

No, i am not happy tyvm.

[go12_3]

Wow, tough question...hum... yes, I am reasonably happy in terms of the present.  My situation has been not as happy...lost several piano students for the past 3 years, now I'm down to only 2.  Hence, I don't visit Piano Street for quite a while. Anyhow, I'm embarking upon a new quest which is working for a new jewelry company.  Still struggling to get my artwork noticed in the public.  That hasn't been going as well either.  So....Okay, right now, lets just say, I am content with how life is going for me....for the moment.  Heh...(I'll just pick up my violin and play now!) 

[oxy60]

Wow, tough question...hum... yes, I am reasonably happy in terms of the present.  My situation has been not as happy...lost several piano students for the past 3 years, now I'm down to only 2.  Hence, I don't visit Piano Street for quite a while. Anyhow, I'm embarking upon a new quest which is working for a new jewelry company.  Still struggling to get my artwork noticed in the public.  That hasn't been going as well either.  So....Okay, right now, lets just say, I am content with how life is going for me....for the moment.  Heh...(I'll just pick up my violin and play now!) 

Welcome back and very sorry to hear about your difficulties. Good luck!

[go12_3]

Thanks, oxy60, I appreciate that.  A friend visited me yesterday and she's going to put in a good word about my teaching piano at her church.  I hope there'll be someone to sign up.  In the community where I live, there are several piano teachers.  One has over 45 students!  All I need is a few.  I do have my name in a couple of music stores on their teachers' list.  It's not that I'm not trying, but really, it has been discouraging to say the least.  I hope for better days ahead.  Just got to think positive. 

[m1469]

Yesterday I visited a school out of town where I sang in a competition, and following my audition for that, I went -high on having just performed- and ate some soup from a local market while I watched college-types wander the streets.  I then returned to the school, snuck into a practice room and practiced the piano for awhile.  

As I made my way to where I was supposed to meet my voice teacher, I walked through the halls of the school where, even though it was nearing 9pm, I could hear musicians practicing and "living" there.  In these moments I felt truly alive, fulfilled, and happy, similarly to the very few times I've had similar opportunities to be immersed in music.  

I couldn't sleep last night, my voice teacher let me spend the night at her house.  I had an air mattress on the floor that took about an hour to fill up, but never got truly full.  I was nearly touching the ground through it, and finally fell asleep for almost 3 hours, then woke up at 2:30am and could not go back to sleep.  Finally I got up, packed my stuff, snuck out the front door, and drove 3 hours home in the middle of the night, through the rain.  I was tired (and not feeling great).  

On my way home, I felt grateful for some things that I don't normally think about, like the fact that there were gas stations open at 4 in the morning, as well as a coffee stand.  I found myself feeling grateful every time I passed a sign that indicated there were people awake, ready to serve people like me.  I thought about my time in Europe two summers ago, my time in Costa Rica last summer, and I felt grateful.  

As I drove, it became that time of morning that in the past I often was sitting in an airplane, speeding down the runway to fly to Marik's house for lessons.  No words for that.  The times when I was able to drive there and spend several days in lessons and practicing between ... no words for that.  I thought about that first and second years that I studied with Marik, and the fact that I was able to make any shifting in my life at all that allowed me to practice as much as I did, and take lessons as often as I did.  I felt grateful for that time in my life, and considered how things have changed in my life since.

I thought about the first year I started lessons with my in-state teacher.  That was an inspired year, but a very difficult year, and the first year of 3 increasingly difficult years (and counting).

I am definitely happiest when I feel a sense of purpose.  I am definitely happiest when I have the ability to engage in consistent and focused musical study, when I have an outlet or several outlets to experience my musical study and focus through performance, and land in some environment that supports this (or in an environment that isn't adversely affected by my musical pursuits).  For whatever reason, most of my life has not been spent in these ways.

[vultron]

I am both happy and sad.