Exploring Happiness

It’s today and that can only mean one thing.? It’s time to share!? Ok, it can mean other things, but tacos are never a bad idea.?

This week, I have been thinking about happiness.? The elusive yet so desired state of being that has captivated the human imagination for centuries and is the topic of so many self-help books, blog posts (here is another!) and thoughts. From ancient philosophers to modern psychologists, the pursuit of happiness has been a central theme in our quest for fulfillment and meaning in life.? Yet we still don’t always know what it means or how to achieve it.? Sometimes, we think “if I could just…” – Fill in the blank – I would be happy.? This reminds me of Jim Carrey’s amazing 2016 Golden Globe speech.? It is never that simple.?

What is happiness? It is not merely the absence of sorrow or the presence of pleasure. Rather, it encompasses a deeper sense of contentment, well-being, and satisfaction with life. It transcends fleeting moments of joy and encompasses a holistic state of being that is influenced by various factors coming from outside and inside of us as people.? That contentment can be brought on by a beautiful sunset, the joy of solving a challenging problem or getting a hug from a loved one.? Its sources are infinite and will vary between humans.? We are all in some way unique, but also very similar.?

The ancient Greeks, renowned for their philosophical inquiries, contemplated the nature of happiness through the lens of eudaimonia, a term often translated as "flourishing" or "well-being." For thinkers like Aristotle, happiness was not synonymous with hedonistic pursuits of pleasure but rather with the cultivation of virtue and the realization of one's potential.? Be all you can be and that will make you happy. It was the pursuit of a life lived in accordance with reason, ethics, and excellence that led to the highest form of happiness.? It was not all smiles, but accomplishments as a human being.? Satisfaction can come from giving so other people can be happy. This is why people who volunteer are so happy.? The giver is also the receiver of the gift.? ?

In contrast to the Western emphasis on individual achievement and rationality, which we have to admit has gotten lots of crazy, Eastern philosophies offer profound insights into the nature of happiness. In traditions such as Buddhism and Taoism, happiness is viewed as a state of inner peace and harmony achieved through detachment from desires and acceptance of the present moment. It makes me think of the concept of being happy with what we have instead of what we might get next.? The concept of "wu-wei" in Taoism exemplifies the effortless action that arises from aligning oneself with the natural flow of existence, leading to a deep sense of contentment.? We don’t have to “be” anything but us, and that is enough.? Just be enough. You are enough.? We are enough.? The tough part, of course, is accepting that of ourselves.

In the modern era, the pursuit of happiness has been increasingly intertwined with notions of consumerism, materialism, and the relentless pursuit of external validation. In a book I read recently, the author says that people want to spend a million dollars and have what that buys, not just have a million dollars.? This is even though they probably know that the stuff will only provide a temporary bit of happiness, while actually having the money in the bank, which buys the most precious gift, that of freedom, will have the long-term impact.? I think the younger generation is getting this concept more than the olds.? They know that their time is valuable and don’t hesitate to express it.? Imagine not being devoted heart and soul to your job.? A job that might disappear at the whim of something as illogical and irrational as a share price.? In those environments, I hope you never hear that “people are our most important resource” because it obviously isn’t unless the people they mean are the faceless investors who only care about the next quarter or year-end numbers.? I get it.? I have investments.? But I also believe in the long-term view that keep great people on the payroll to deliver the long-term vision.? I digress.? ?? Thinkers like Viktor Frankl and Martin Seligman have revitalized the discourse on happiness by emphasizing the importance of meaning, purpose, and resilience in fostering genuine well-being.? Frankl's existential philosophy highlights the transformative power of finding meaning in suffering, while Seligman's positive psychology promotes practices such as gratitude, kindness, and mindfulness as pathways to lasting happiness.? There is also extensive research and training at work that talks about the importance of purpose, learning and autonomy for our intrinsic motivation.? Just think about how much more we enjoy doing things when we do them on our own terms instead of based on someone else’s orders or preferences.? When we get to do things on our own terms, they make us happier and more satisfied with our condition. ?When we have the freedom to choose what to do with our time (See above!), that is a source of happiness.

Despite our innate desire for happiness, many obstacles hinder our journey towards fulfillment. The pressures of society, the pursuit of external achievements, and the fear of failure often obscure our understanding of true happiness. Moreover, the short-lived nature of pleasure and the inevitability of suffering remind us of the impermanent nature of human existence, prompting existential questions about the meaning of life.? “This too shall pass” is often used as a mantra to get through tough times, but it also swings the other way around.? The highs will pass as well, and we are left with either lows or perhaps some well-needed balance if we aren’t constantly chasing the next bright bobble.?

In light of these challenges, cultivating happiness becomes an ongoing practice that requires self-awareness, resilience, and a willingness to embrace both joy and sorrow as integral parts of the human experience. This cultivation involves nurturing meaningful relationships, pursuing activities that align with our values and passions, and fostering a sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures of life. Love what you have, not what you want.? As I say this, thoughts go through my head about what I want in the future.? I realize I need to take several steps back and be grateful for all I have and the great joys in my present life.? I go back to journaling, writing down what I am grateful for, how my life aligns with my values and a little bit of self-compassion, forgiving myself for not always following my own advice.? It’s ok though.? I forgive myself more easily now, so can learn and be ok if I don’t always succeed.?

As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that true happiness lies not in the pursuit of external gratification but in the cultivation of inner peace, purpose, and fulfillment.? And, while we are at it, why not share that with the people around us because we know that People Power Everything.?