After 45 years as a GP, Dr Robert Favaloro ponders what it takes to build a wonderful life. How happiness can be grown and tended like a good crop. It's all about following The Rules of Life.
When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment he replied "Love God and love your neighbour as yourself."
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I've pondered on this over the years and see God especially in caring and sharing.
We all see a higher power differently but the power to lift the spirits of others, and in turn our own spirit, when we care and share is astonishing.
One of my most formative experiences was after the death of my father.
An elderly neighbour friend who lived some distance from my family home appeared unannounced at the back door with a large tray of cakes.
"This will help you with visitors," she said and she left.
My mother was brought to tears and never forgot the gesture. Mum became a Vinnies volunteer for the rest of her life.
The nations with the highest happiness index are the nations where the population feel especially that they: (1) Have a good government support system; (2) Have a sense of community and; (3) Have freedom to make choices.
This all points to a sense of equality across the nation. As we feel more equal we all feel safer - even the wealthy.
From Buddhism we are alerted to how dependant we can become to 'attachment' like wealth, relationships and the seeking of eternal youth.
It's the dependence on them for our happiness, that's the problem.
It has been said that the more we have the harder it is to give.
In my years in practice most of the cakes and nibbles I received as presents came from my pensioner patients.
I remember that they always came with big smiles.
As we shed this dependence on 'attachments' and as our priority in life rises to being more caring, sharing people we feel the happiness and contentment we all seek.
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