So while reading a lot of teachings, especially "higher" teachings, a great deal is mentioned about dispassion in worldy things, unattractiveness in the body and various contemplations on death. It's quite easy to get lost in these kind of contemplations without developing the Brahmaviharas to feel something positive (especially social positive emotions are important for humans). I'm wondering if positivity is highly stressed in Buddhism? On the one hand the brahmaviharas are not withot reason called "the divine **abidings**". So I think one needs to dwell in them as much as possible. Also the last two points of Right Effort stress the importance of cultivating and maintaing positive emotions. On the other hand though, being non-delighted in things makes this look rather grim. Maybe I haven't read much Suttas on Compassion, loving kindness, generosity etc..

I am thinking about making a practice based on enjoyment to help gain motivation to do stuff - a positive incentive but not sure how to do it (or even if i should do it) - all tips appreciated even if its just one i do correct vipassana meditation finished with a short metta meditation - still i dont enjoy it really not the 1 minute meditation not the 2 hour meditation and i am aware of benefits of the practice from study and from experience but not enough to combat the hindrances - and since i stop practicing for few months try and stop try and stop my motivation is really low maybe if i say i eat a piece of chocolate/listening to music/watching videos etc after i meditate ? but that is to much greed and will probably harm the meditation cause i will think about the "prize" at the end im asking based on an answer i got here on a different topic which made me think about it : > There is a big obvious difference between doing something because you > want it and enjoying the effort, VERSUS beating yourself with a stick > like a horse. In one case you are working hard but you're enjoying it, > you doing what you believe in, you're getting deep sense of > satisfaction from it. In the other case, you are forcing yourself, > breaking yourself, torturing yourself - you don't really believe in > it, you hate yourself for doing it, but you're still doing it. > > My teacher said that the feeling of special enjoyment or satisfaction > is a key criteria for success in spiritual practice. If you're doing > too little, you will not be happy with yourself. If you are pushing > yourself too hard, you will not be happy with yourself. If you are > doing it right, it may be hard and painful - but you will feel happy > and proud and inspired. from : https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/24560/pushing-onself-too-much/24607#24607