Pain and Pleasure

Pleasure is a delightful feeling and everyone gravitates towards it. Some people look for thrills and excitement because they want to avoid pain.

They indulge in activities that are temporarily pleasing to fill immediate needs like when they feel bored, lonely or restless. Some even do foolish things for instant satisfaction to fill the voids in their lives.

The other type of people creates the pleasurable feeling in whatever they do. They choose to make work, exercising or any undertaking a joy instead of a chore. These people don't get lonely easily because they appreciate their quiet time. They use it to do things that bring enjoyment like reading, trying new things and learning.

Both types of people go after the same thing but in different ways. But the greatest joy in life everyone need to experience should be something that nourishes the heart, the mind and the soul.

"The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you're in control of your life. If you don't, life controls you." - Anthony Robbins

Healthy Pleasure Inducing Activities

Get a hobby.

Excessive eating, drinking, and shopping are enjoyable activities. But these 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 contentment 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. It's a healthy source of amusement.

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 want 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.

Use your creative imagination.

Since pleasure is a sensation, you can induce it. You do it through creative imagination. When you can imagine it you can have it. You can be wherever you are in the present moment and generate the feelings of joy just by imagining them. 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 isn't 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 achieve it.

The most delightful experience that brings joy in life is accomplishing what you have set out to do, have and become. On top of achieving your goal, your self confidence and esteem 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.