"A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." - Walter Gagehot

Pleasure is a positive feeling and everyone gravitates towards it. It can come from various sources.

Wise people do things to promote their personal growths. They find out what they love to do, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and get started. They may go through some discomforts but they are willing to endure the experiences and enjoy the process. They have visions and are able to visualize the end result of their dreams.

Many others indulge in activities that are temporary pleasing to gratify immediate needs and avoid sufferings like boredom or loneliness. People who feel that there is something missing in their lives sometimes do foolish things for instant delight and to fill the voids. Until they pause and look at where they are heading, they will repeat their habits for immediate enjoyment and avoiding pains.

Both groups of people are going after the same thing but in different ways. But the greatest joy everyone need to experience should be something that nourishes the heart, the mind and the soul instead of causing harm and self-disgust.

Here are some healthy pleasure inducing activities.

• Get a hobby.

Excessive eating, drinking, shopping and smoking are enjoyable activities. But these acts are not hobbies but habits. They are the fastest way to mess up your health, your finances and your self-esteem.

Take a little bit of time to find out what you love to do. It could be photography, writing, active sports or community service. Put your heart and soul into and you will gain fulfillment from your participation.

• Travel and see the world.

Traveling gives you the opportunity to learn about yourself and others. You will see, hear and feel different things that can bring enjoyment.

Try something new or thrilling as you move on along your journey. When you can access a new heightened state that is pleasurable, you have found and additional and healthy source of delight.

• Reading and learning.

Many people don't like to read. They find the activity boring. One of the ways to get you into reading again is to determine a goal you have yet to accomplish or a skill you need to acquire.

This will make you want to read, learn and gather the information. The more you read the more you want to know about a subject.

• Visualize.

Since pleasure is a sensation, you can induce it. You do it through visualization. When you can imagine it you can have it. And a resourceful state of mind and emotions will lead to another of the same thoughts.

You can be wherever you are in the present moment and generate the feelings of joy just by remembering past pleasurable experiences. In your mind you can create any experiences that will produce corresponding emotions.

• Tune in.

Tune in and become aware of your surroundings. Observe nature and people. Watching the sun rising or setting is a joy to behold. Walking in the woods or garden are not only inspiring but will give you a peaceful sensation.

Tune inwards. Listen to your voices. Seek to understand what you are trying to achieve. Ask yourself questions. Are you doing things to avoid pain or to experience pleasure? Then ask yourself, "Is it OK?"

• Set a goal and resolve to achieve it.

The most delightful experience in life would be accomplishing what you have set out to do, have and become. On top of getting the tangible or intangible object of your desire, your self-confidence and esteem will increase.

This will lead you to build new dreams and work towards them. And nothing brings more personal satisfaction than enjoying success from your own disciplines and efforts.

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