Sutterfaction

We all want our kids to be happy. We want them to be healthy. To be creative and curious. Interested and interesting. We want them to be liked, to form strong and beautiful friendships, to do well at school, and to have options. We want to hear them laugh, smile, think independently and critically, to be open, kind and full of joy. And, of course, so much of this is out of our control as parents and caregivers. So much is influenced by so many different things. So, we try to control what we can. And, with Christmas just around the corner, the thought of gifts and their influence over our young ones is a pertinent topic. Do we want to bring things into their lives that end up making their lives more difficult? Because things are already challenging enough for them. Will the new iPhone be helpful, or will it end up having negative consequences? Will new clothes or fancy toys lead them down a life of seeking joy in material possessions? Where and how do we strike the balance between what makes them smile now and what will help them lead meaningful and joyful lives long-term? Because, let’s face it, there are going to be presents under the Christmas tree - but what they are could be one of the most important choices we make as parents, uncles, aunties and elders. An interesting 10-minute talk that is compelling listening and couldn’t come at a better time!

In this 30-minute discussion, various relevant subjects will be covered, such as technology, consumerism, capitalism, entertainment, competition, and success. The argument presented is that these factors make it significantly more challenging for individuals in the modern Western world to lead a good, healthy life. Supported by research and ideas from renowned thinkers like Socrates, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Bertrand Russell, the talk advocates for peacefulness and tranquillity over more desired things like happiness and success. Competitiveness is denounced for creating a plethora of unhealthy individuals and interfering with truly admirable human traits, such as collaboration and creativity.The listener is taken on a journey, one that is profoundly interconnected, and leads to tranquillity. Tranquillity is one of the seven precious treasures in Buddhism or one of the seven factors of awakening. The talk connects the dots every step of the way, demonstrating the importance of valuing tranquillity and, more crucially, how to achieve it.