Are there any effective [mental] strategies that can help one become more enthused about / interested in life?
.
For the sake of the argument here:
I’m assuming the person already loves what s/he does for a living, knows how to have (and often has) fun pursuing his/her hobbies, has a loving pet/companion/partner/spouse, and volunteers his/her time to help others every chance s/he gets.
And no, I don’t mean with the aid of illicit or prescription drugs/vitamins & Minerals, and/or alcohol; psychotherapy; running for miles so that an endorphin-induced natural high could kick in; being saved by Jesus; or even practicing certain prescribed meditation techniques, like zazen etc.
I’m thinking something more in line with aromatherapy, self-administered music therapy, active visualization techniques, or self-hypnosis, but with longer lasting (and more potent) results.
Any suggestions?
Then again, maybe "Life isn’t everything"!
.
Sensual pleasure,
in all its wonderful myriad diversities.
Everything from the smell of baking biscuits,
to the Sun’s warmth on your face,
to the feel of your lover’s warm, soft skin against yours.
A good strategy is to experience all of it
as often as you can for as long as you can
because once life is gone,
so is the opportunity to experience..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKuq0rpMvpk
yes
http://www.freemeditation.com/
you say you’re not talking about meditation but that is what i’ve found to work. Exercise is also essential if you’re not getting enough but probably the most important is good friends, people to share your time with.
I find getting plenty of sleep is good. Good American tobacco, and a glass of whisky with an old friend.
I would analyse the souce of my malcontent, rather than try to cover it up with superficial mental exercises. To be honest, I don’t even think dissatisfaction is always such a bad thing. It’s how revolutions and innovations are borne. If there’s a reason why I’m not enthused, I’d rather seek to understand why and figure out how to change and improve, rather than adopt strategies to make me settled and sedated.
Give yourself a goal, then feel enthused at achieving it.
YOGA
I’m serious, yoga fixes EVERYTHING
Do you have any "coffee table books"? Get to your nearest book store and start looking at huge illustrated books. One of my favorite books is a Tree book! Most of the time these books are extremely discounted.
Going to an art gallery will inspire you or it may frustrate you. The frustration for me is the lack of focus on my own passions…and there are many. The exhibited art just makes me want to create everything. It is like a kid going into a toy store and hey that is another idea. The whole point I am hoping to make let your inner kid out! He is the one who will enlighten you and open up blocked interests.
I have found one really useful meditative video on youtube. Whenever I cannot sleep I put on my headphones and listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmA-dWdaI5k
Cameras work too…
Peace and much childish laughter always..
Mudslinger
Oh yeah, don’t forget to give out some hugs too!
The person you described already has enough.
So basically, that person is seeking attachment…in order to appreciate life in its myriad colours!
Beware! What brings pleasure also brings pain…in equal measures!
If it is the lack of energy, then yes, Yoga/meditation helps…wholesomely…without doubt! That’s been my personal experience. In fact, my problem was just the opposite! I needed to curtail my enthusiasm/interest in life to fit in the mould! Yoga would infuse such energy in me, that after coming home from class, I didn’t know what to do with it!!!
Right diet also helps in mood enhancement
But nothing makes a person more interested in life than good old Love! Giving more than receiving!
Adopt someone…a child or an elder…someone who would be able to reciprocate and respond in your language, rather than a mute pet! (NOT undermining pet’s importance/worth…just asking to go beyond).
Life may not be everything…but right now that’s all we’ve got
((((( < I > ))))))
Be well….always!
People who are in general "not enthused" about life are basically depressed and can still function in all the ways you listed. Depression comes in many levels so don’t think suicidal thoughts is the only form of depression.
Lack of "enthuse" as you call it for life is an indicator of emptiness and fulfillment. You can not fill that void with activities that don’t directly address the issue. Yoga, aromatherapy, exercise and the endless list of susbtitute remedies won’t have a positive long term effect.
If the depression is coming from working too much for example the only solution is work less. Also you must accept that life has this ups and downs and you can’t be cheerful all the time. My recommendation, take life at it comes, set long and short term goals, and make sure the things that matter most in life are in place. I personally enjoy exercise so that’s what I do.
Always get up in the morning and get dressed like you’re going somewhere,even if you’re not. Exercise and go outside, preferably in the sunlight. Socialize when you can, be around others. Being alone and in the house all the time increases depression.
just be happy, don’t take anything for granted and appreciate what you have in front of you.
oh and smile (:
You have to find out what your’e good at, but before you do that, I suggest you play a little bit. I think you’ve been abused by society’s all work and no play scenario for males. This is what is making you unenthused and uninterested in life.
In order to heal, you have to (like i said) play a lot until you find that one thing that you excel at better than anyone.
Everyone has talent(s). This talent can be good enough (if you have the ambition) to make your living.
You’ve mentioned most of them. However, I think deep down you may be really depressed… No kind of "magic potion" for that. (Sorry, I am not trying to be rude, just honest.)
Write down all the tragic, sad, or traumatic events that have happened in your life.. from when you were a child. Then, try to work them out one by one in your mind, coming to a good conclusion, that will solve each issue.
If you are unable to do this, cause many people can’t, see a good psychologist, he will most definitely help you… That’s why we have them, they work wonders, and help so many.