Happiness Article for Therapist Magazine

作者：Lady Eleanor (Laurie Gudnason)

譯者：Sophie Huang

Question #1: "What is Happiness (your IDEA about Happiness)"

問題 #1: 快樂是什麼 (你對快樂的看法)

I believe Happiness is something that all people seek throughout life. In my opinion, happiness is the only emotion humans desire for its own sake. We seek riches, honor, success, relationships, or health not for their own sake, but because we believe these things will make us happy. I am a dedicated seeker of happiness, and here are a few things I have learned about it through the experiences of my life.

我相信快樂是一樣所有人類畢生都在尋找的東西。我認為，快樂是人類唯一為了這樣東西自身所尋找的情緒。我們尋求富裕，誠實，成功，關係，或者健康，都不是為了這些東西本身，而是因為我們相信這些東西可以帶給我們快樂。我是個忠實的快樂尋求者，這裡有一些我透過生命的經驗所學到有關快樂的幾件事情：

In everyday thought we describe happiness as an emotional state. If we look deeper, it is hard to define happiness because it is most often described as a range of emotions ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense joy. Often, happiness is the term used to describe the experiences that we should call pleasure. I think happiness goes far beyond pleasure.

在每天的思緒中，我們將快樂描述為一種情緒狀態。如果我們看得深入一點，會發現快樂很難定義，因為它常常是被描述為一段範圍之內的情緒，從滿足和滿意，到極樂與滿溢的喜悅。通常，快樂是被用在描述我們應該稱之為愉快的經驗上。我認為快樂是遠遠超越愉快的。

I can easily describe happiness as a state of positive emotions and positive activities. I think what many call happiness is actually a precursors to happiness. These precursors include positive self esteem, a sense of purpose in life, good health, kindness and a sense of humor, social and religious involvement, a good marriage or intimate relationship, parenthood and family life, job satisfaction and income, as well as finding and creating beauty in one’s life.

我可以簡單地將快樂描述為一種正面情緒與正面行為的狀態。我認為許多人稱之為快樂的東西，實際上是快樂的前兆。這些前兆包括正面的自尊，感到人生有目標，良好的健康，親切寬容和幽默感，參與社交和宗教活動，美滿的婚姻或親密關係，為人父母和家庭生活，對工作以及收入滿意，以及在一個人的生活中發現和創造美麗。

I consider happiness to be a path of action, a way of life. Happiness is the result of living a good life. The good life is a lifestyle in congruence with one’s values and beliefs, and where the majority of one’s physical, mental, and emotional needs are being met. To live this way, I teach the philosophy of “Know Thyself,” which is the motto of mystery schools through the ages. Joy results from living the “higher path” with self knowledge and spiritual awareness. Knowing yourself as a divine being or as an extension of God’s essence is the key to true happiness!

我認為快樂是一條行動的道路，一種生活的方式。快樂是過良好生活的結果。良好的生活是一種與一個人的價值觀和信仰一致的一種生活方式，且在那種生活中，一個人大部分的實際、心理與情緒需求都被滿足。為了要過這樣的生活，我教導“瞭解你自己”的哲學，這是多年以來神秘學院的座右銘。喜悅來自於以自覺和靈性覺醒活在“更高道路”上。認識你自己是一個神聖的存在，或者是神的本質的延伸，是通往真正快樂的鑰匙！

Self knowledge is the foundation each of us must have to make the choices that result in happiness. We can validate our choices in life through the Happiness we experience.

自覺是我們每個人都必須擁有，以用來做出能夠得到快樂的選擇的基礎。我們可以透過我們經驗過的快樂來評估我們在生命中的選擇。

Unfortunately there is not a key to happiness or a recipe for joy, but there is plenty of documentation that there are two CHOICES we can make which support our happiness.

不幸地是，沒有通往快樂的鑰匙或者得到喜悅的食譜，但是有很多史實說明了，我們有兩個選擇可以幫助得到快樂。

The first Choice we can make is exercise regularly to support the biological side of happiness! Exercise redirects stress hormones that are triggered in daily life, and releases endorphins the “feel good” hormones behind biochemical happiness. It does not matter what kind of exercise, as long as we MOVE!

第一個我們可以做的選擇是，規律地運動以幫助快樂的生物層面！運動疏導日常生活中被觸發的壓力荷爾蒙，釋放腦內啡，這是在生物層面的快樂背後讓我們“感覺很好”的荷爾蒙。哪一種運動都不重要，只要我們有在動就行了！

The second Choice that produces happiness is Spiritual or Religious Involvement. Spirituality results in better psychological adjustment, more life satisfaction, and better self-actualization.

第二個製造快樂的選擇是靈性或宗教的參與。靈性可以讓心理調整做得更好，帶來更多對人生的滿足感，以及更好的自我實現。

The Mystery traditions teach that the most profound sense of happiness is experienced through living a meaningful life, achieved as we exercise our unique strengths and virtues in a purpose greater than our own immediate goals. Generally this is defined by the term self actualization.

神秘學傳統教導說，最深的快樂經驗是來自於活出有意義的生活，當我們為了一個高於我們自身眼前的目標，練習我們獨特的力量和美德，我們可以達到這個境界。通常自我實現這個名詞就是定義這個狀態。

Explanations of happiness in mystical traditions, especially in advanced spiritual techniques, are related to achieving full balance (conjunction, union, alchemy or the "secret marriage") of the inner energy and outer energy systems that support vital life force. When these energies are balanced, happiness, peace, and potential to achieve self actualization are present. Metaphyiscal and Mystery Traditions offer many “healing modalities” developed to assist us in achieving this balanced state which is said to create oneness with Divinity (our Spirit). I call this state “at-one–ment” (Atunement or Initiation) and consider it is the foundation for all Spiritual Evolution as well as happiness. I believe true happiness can only come from a relationship with whatever we define as divinity.

在神秘學傳統中有關快樂的解釋，特別是在進階的靈性技巧之中，都與支持生命力量的內在能量系統和外在能量系統達到整體平衡有關（連結，結合，煉金術，或者"秘密婚姻"）。當這些能量被平衡，快樂、平靜、以及達成自我實現的潛能就會出現。形而上學和神秘學傳統提供了許多“治療方法”是被發展用來支持我們達到這個平衡的狀態，被稱為是創造出與神聖（我們的靈性）一體的狀態。我稱這個狀態為at-one–ment”（(點化或者啟蒙）且我認為它是所有靈性活動以及快樂的基礎。我相信真正的快樂唯有透過與我們定義為神聖的那個事物擁有關係才能達到。

Question #2: "What is YOUR happiness"

問題 #2: 你的快樂是什麼

The mystery traditions teach “You are who you were in the beginning.. In the beginning you were Spirit, existing in a state of JOY”.. A soul, when liberated from its karma experiences infinite bliss and knowledge, and returns to the natural state of Spirit which is Joy! I describe the journey through life as the path of return to my original state of being. My Guide Archangel Metatron calls this return to Spirit “The Great Work”, and describes the Path “Home” as the Path of Joy. My happiness is the choice to live my life from joy no matter what!

神秘學傳統教導“你是那個你從初始時就是的存在...在初始之時你是Spirit，存在於喜悅的狀態之中”..一個靈魂，當從它的業力中被釋放時，經驗到無限的極樂與知識，並回到它Spirit的自然狀態中，那就是喜悅！我稱這個生命的旅程為回到我們最初存在狀態的道路。我的指導大天使Metatron將返回Spirit狀態稱為“大功業”，並描述“回家”的道路為喜悅之路。我的快樂就是選擇無論如何都以喜悅過生活！

I have found that my happiness results from living according to these physical and spiritual teachings, with the result being a state of joy that is deeper with each meditation and every walk on the beach. My happiness comes from balance between my relationships, the everyday world, and Spirituality.

我發現我的快樂來自於根據這些實體與靈性的教導來生活，結果是處於一種喜悅的狀態中，每一次冥想、每一次走在沙灘上，這喜悅就更加深。我的快樂來自於關係、日常世界與靈性的平衡。

I experience happiness in teaching metaphysical truths. This is meaningful work and allows me to use my gift to teach in a way that supports the evolution of my students and all the people they know benefit. My other great happiness comes from my loved ones and family and the simple pleasures of keeping a home. Physical activities that qualify as exercise bring me joy! These are swimming, scuba diving, skiing, and gardening.

我在教導形而上學的真理時體驗到快樂。這是個很有意義的工作，允許我用我的天賦去教學，這方式支持我的學生和所有知道它好處的人能夠進化。我的其他快樂來自於我愛的人和家庭，以及持家的簡單樂趣。能夠構成運動的實體活動為我帶來喜悅！游泳，潛水，滑雪，和園藝。

Question #3: "The time or the moment that you feel happiness"

問題 #3: 你感到快樂的時候或時刻

There are so many happy and joyful moments in my daily life that I cannot define just one. I view life as a happiness journey.

在我的日常生活中有許多快樂和喜悅的時刻，我無法只定義一個。我將生活視為一趟快樂的旅程。

Happiness Exercise: One of my favorite happiness exercises is to take a brisk walk and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation around me.Whatever we call God, this Divine Being creates Beauty! If you look for the beauty and divinity in everything around you you will find it! When you can perceive the presence of God within every living thing, you will also find yourself to be permanently happy! If we don’t look for Beauty and Divinity, we miss the opportunity to witness it. We become so used to not really “SEEING” that we simply don’t notice beauty and divinity, and miss opportunities for happiness.

快樂練習：我最喜歡的快樂運動之一是來一趟輕快的散步，並欣賞我周遭上帝的創造的美麗。無論我們怎麼稱呼上帝，這個神聖的存在創造了美！如果你在你周遭每一樣事物上尋找美和神聖，你會找到它！當你能夠在每一個活著的事物中看見上帝的存在，你會發現你自己置身於永遠的快樂中！如果我們不尋找美和神聖，我們就錯失了目睹它的機會。我們變得如此習慣到沒有真正在“看”，以至於我們就是不會注意到美和神聖，並錯失了快樂的機會。

My most effective happiness technique is to breathe slowly and deeply as I count my breaths. Breathe in to a count of 8, hold the breath to a count of 8, and breathe out to a count of 8. This is considered to be one breath cycle. Count four breath cycles, then start over so you don’t compete with yourself to count higher. If you loose your focus on the breath, bring your attention to the breath and begin counting again. This exercise should be performed for about 11 minutes. I set an alarm. Sooner or later this exercise will create a higher vibration within your energy systems and body. When this happens, you will find that your senses are sharper, and everything changes!

我最有效的快樂技巧是緩慢深沈地呼吸，一邊為我的呼吸計數。吸氣數到八，屏住呼吸數到八，吐氣數到八。這是一個呼吸循環。數四次呼吸循環，然後重新開始計算，以免你為了累積更高的數字跟自己競賽起來。如果你在呼吸上的注意力渙散了，把你的注意力帶回呼吸，重新開始計算。這個練習應該做11分鐘。我會調好鬧鐘。遲早這個練習會在你體內的能量系統和身體中創造一個更高的頻振。當它發生時，你會發現你的感官更加敏銳，每件事都不一樣了！

This breath exercise is very simple, but highly effective in balancing the inner and outer energy! It will allow you to release stress which is the one thing that makes most of us miss our opportunities for happiness!

這個呼吸練習是非常簡單的，但是對平衡內在和外在能量非常有效！它會讓你釋放壓力，壓力是讓我們大多數人失去快樂的機會的原因！

Another Powerful Happiness Exercise is getting to know yourself. Many of us lose ourselves in the demands of our daily lives. Get to know what values and beliefs you hold. You must live according to your values and beliefs or the incongruency will cause stress! Next evaluate the qualities of life that you must have. Your happiness is intimately connected to these inner qualities. For example, if you require Freedom as one of the qualities you must have in your life, you might find you must also have the qualities of flexibility and opportunities for choice in your life. These qualities will allow you “freedom” in your life and relationships. It will be hard for you to experience happiness if you lack the quality of Freedom!

另一個非常有力的快樂練習是瞭解你自己。我們許多人在日常生活的需要中迷失了自己。去瞭解你擁有什麼樣的價值觀與信念。你一定要根據自己的價值觀與信念而活，否則失調會導致壓力！接下來是評估你必須要擁有的生活品質。你的快樂最終是與這些內在品質相連結的。舉例來說，如果自由是你在人生中必須要擁有的事物之一，你可能會發現你也必須擁有靈活的特質，以及在你生活中選擇的機會。這些品質在你的人生與關係中將會給予你“自由”。如果你缺乏自由的品質，你將很難體驗到快樂！

Get to know yourself! Make a list of the values you must have, then relate them to the qualities that will allow you to feel you have this value in your life.

瞭解你自己！寫一張清單，列出你必須擁有的價值，然後寫出那些能讓你感覺在生活中擁有這些價值的品質。

The next step is to use an exercise is called the “Twin Mirrors of the Self” which is a very powerful metaphysical tool to get to know yourself

下一步是利用一個叫做“Twin Mirrors of the Self”的練習，這是個非常有力的形而上學工具用來瞭解你自己。

Begin by making a list of your good personality traits. Work on linking these good traits to the qualities you must have in your life. Next, make a list of your bad points, and also link these traits to your list of qualities. The point to this is NOT to be hard on yourself or get rid of your negative traits, but to create balance between your positive personality attributes and your negative personality attributes. This will allow you to find out what you must have to create Happiness, to know yourself well enough to know what personality traits you have to work with, and to know what personality traits may cause you stress or difficulty in manifesting happines.

從列出你正面人格特質的清單開始。將這些特徵與你必須在生活中擁有的品質連結起來。接下來，列出缺點的清單，也將這些與你的特質清單連結起來。這個工作的重點不是要苛責你自己，或者擺脫你的負面特徵，而是要在你的正面人格特質跟負面人格特質之中創造平衡。這會讓你找出哪些是你必須擁有的用來創造快樂，以及深入瞭解你自己，好知道你要致力於哪些人格特質，以及瞭解哪些人格特質可能導致你有壓力或者難以快樂起來。

In the end, happiness is a habit we create! Get into the habit by using these simple exercises and all the happiness you dream of will be yours whether you live in “happy circumstances” or not!

最後，快樂是一個我們創造的習慣！使用這些簡單的練習來養成這個習慣，所有你夢想的快樂將會成真，無論你是否活在一個“快樂的環境”！

Question #4: "Your lucky SPOT"

問題 #4: 你的幸運點

My lucky spot that tells me when I am happy is my heart charka. It turns warm and seems to pulse and glow when I am in a state of joy.

我的心輪是我的幸運點，當我快樂時我的心輪會告訴我。當我處在一種喜悅的狀態下時，它會變暖且似乎要跳動發光。

Question #5: "Your lucky ITEM"

問題 #5: 你的幸運物

I have a pendant called the Pentacle of Venus that is a lucky item. It helps me to stay in joy and to make choices that are full of joy! The pentacle of Venus brings beauty into my perceptions of the world and other people. It reminds me of my Spiritual path and the beliefs about happiness that form my lifestyle.

我有一個鍊墜叫做維納斯的五芒星，是一個幸運物。它幫助我留在喜悅之中，並做出充滿喜悅的選擇！維納斯的五芒星將美麗帶入我對世界與他人的認知之中。它提醒我我的靈性道路和有關快樂的信念，這形成了我的生活方式。

I have a beautiful ring that reminds me of my family and those I love. It is a symbol of commitment and the joy that love brings into our lives. Every time I notice it on my finger I have a warm glow in my lucky spot and I feel happy. Simple things can create such joy!

我有一隻美麗的戒指，讓我記起我的家庭和那些我愛的人。它象徵了承諾，以及愛帶入我生活中的喜悅。每一次我注意到它在我的手指上，我的心輪就有溫暖的光，我感到快樂。簡單的事物也可以創造如此的喜悅！

Lady Eleanor (Laurie Gudnason)