Eyes for each other.
Ataraxia.
The only care is a caring Dad.
Ataraxia is peace and freedom from fear and aponia means absence from pain.
The Greek philosopher Epicurus believed the goal in life was happiness and pleasure, he defined pleasure as the absence of pain.
A simple joy for Mum and her boy.
Aponia is the pleasure one has when they are free from want or pain. He advocated a simple life, this is more like Minimalist, than Hedonism.
What a way to spend the day.
A couple of hundred years before Epicurus the Buddha found freedom from pain and suffering in a similar way.
Especially if you catch something.
Epicurus school of thinkers met in a garden and were the first to admit women into their school and he emphasised friendship as an important ingredient to happiness. Like The Buddha he said nothing should be believed till tested by practice and logical deduction.
I feel for the fish but he was trying to steal my bait.
The Buddha never entered into the God debate. Whereas to Epicurus fearing and worshiping gods did not fit in with ataraxy.
This is better than watching some one on TV, having fun.
To quote Epicurous, ‘It is preferable not to commit crimes, even secret ones, since there will always be anxiety over the possibility of detection, and this will disrupt the tranquility or ataraxy that is the chief basis of happiness in life.’ Gods were unnecessary in his opinion, gods were useful only as an example in life.
This is not John Travolta and Olivia Newton John.
Like Democritus he believed in the atomic theory. That matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms, from the Greek word indivisible.
My pommepal miles from home.
Our understanding of atoms has come a long way since then. The cathode ray tube the basis of television, x-ray and nuclear fission.
Creating not spoiling.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki 1945 is a long way from ataraxy.
Enjoying life with loved ones.
Can we get back to Ataraxia, a state of freedom from anxiety and distress, to
tranquility and a peaceful state of mind?
This is how it is done.
It will take some education in understanding the true nature of things.
If we have not got the self-control to stay thinking and acting decently.
We need an ethical personal trainer in the gym of life,
Here is my personal trainer.
May be this is where the God-fearing idea originated.
Together and looking with appreciation.
We should be able to live without fear, fear is a poison that kills loving kindness.
We are made up of atoms that will one day disperse and become part of the cosmic eternal oneness.
All together in the swim
As we all bleed the same colour we all decompose to feed the circle of everlasting life, There is no need to fear death while enjoying life and when dead sentient beings feel nothing. Dead men don’t cry.
Death is going home to where we came from before birth, at one connected with all.
Just take it easy.
Get with it! Live life with respect and appreciation, savour the taste of this passing experience. Delight in friendship, relish the nourishment that sustains you, love life and it will love you. I hope after this somewhat heavy meal you do not suffer indigestion.
Pushing up daisies..
jacksjottings 
Ah, such a beautiful and erudite post Jack; you have combined the two in your own inimitable way. A thousand blessings upon you. Hariod. _/\_
Your comment lets me know, to a knowledgable person my blog was a success. It is the ones that need to understand that I would like to get through to.
That is why I put in the link to the Epicurus quotes and all the photos.
It is difficult to pass on the understanding that has made my life a joy.
Your blog is a joy to me both visually and in writing, it is for this reason I am so pleased with your comment. _/\_
I learn from your attitude and greatly enjoy your presentation Jack. _/\_
Have you always thought this way Jack or is this something new you’re thinking about?
No, it has taken a long time and a lot of life’s lessons and a good deal of reading._/\_
what a positive energy in this flowing and rich “photo – quote” post Jack. The 3 guys fishing at sunset was artsy and definitely is my fav – but all were fun – and has left me actually uplifted – from the dancing to the one of you on a zip slide? ha!
and your trainer photo ❤ ❤ ❤
what a wonderful, life affirming, hit of joy! thank you~
Cindy’s comment says it all: a hit of joy … and peace.
Dear Jack… at long last here I am.. and what a delightful and uplifting post.. You have encompassed it all here within this sentence Dear Jack.
“Live life with respect and appreciation, savour the taste of this passing experience. Delight in friendship, relish the nourishment that sustains you, love life and it will love you.”…….
Thank you my friend.. and also I thank you for the nudges you gave me . For a time I allowed the ‘World’ to cave in on me.. and Not Live in My World..
Which is more often than not living a similar path that you tread.. Another Lesson to be learned and chalked up to experience my friend..
I so enjoyed all your photo’s and You so made me smile as you were swinging down from that tree…
The Sun is out today outside, and also Jack the Sun has awoken back within my spirit again… As I give thanks for each Blessing of every day..
Many thanks again Jack.. and those Greeks knew a thing or two 🙂
You put your post together so very well and I read it twice to savour its message and devour your photo’s..
Blessings Sue _/\_
Oh and lovely to see others with the praying hands here too.. I so appreciate Hariod and her own wisdom..
_/\_
Sue you have the talent and ability to uplift and inspire in your blog. I thank you for the caring effort you put into your posts.
We can have little control over the outside world but we do have the ability over our own mind.
Control this and it will automatically have a positive effect in the world around us.
A break from the PC does us good Sue, Balance is the Way, May the force be with you Sue Dreamwalker. _/\_
Thank you Jack.. the Force is truly within you dear friend _/\_