Chapter 123
The Magic of Being Fully Present
After Prince Andrew, Borís came up to ask Natásha for a dance, and then the aide-de-camp who had opened the ball, and several other young men, so that, flushed and happy, and passing on her superfluous partners to Sónya, she did not cease dancing all the evening. She noticed and saw nothing of what occupied everyone else. Not only did she fail to notice that the Emperor talked a long time with the French ambassador, and how particularly gracious he was to a certain lady, or that Prince So-and-so and So-and-so did and said this and that, and that Hélène…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Joy Response
Think of three people in your life who seem genuinely happy or content. For each person, write down your honest reaction to their happiness. Do you feel inspired, annoyed, curious, or something else? Then consider what your reactions reveal about your own emotional state and what you might be seeking or avoiding in your life.
Consider:
- •Notice the difference between people who perform happiness for attention versus those who simply live contentedly
- •Pay attention to whether certain types of happiness trigger stronger reactions than others
- •Consider how your own mood affects your ability to appreciate others' authentic joy
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when your genuine happiness seemed to make someone else uncomfortable, or when someone else's contentment made you question your own life choices. What did you learn about the power of authentic emotions?
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