The Pursuit of Happiness
Someone on WA wrote about happiness the other day and I remember asking a friend a question that most of us take for granted, “Are you happy”? She then replied with asking what was my definition of being happy. This of course sent me on a self-analysis trek to define what the term/word happy means to me. Knowing my friend I should have used the term “what is your current state of being”. Most of us when asked the question will simply say yes, or I am okay, although that may be farther from the truth than we are willing to admit.
To me, and according to most places I looked for definition, happiness is very much a state of well being. It encompasses your emotional state, physical well being, and your spiritual level and contentment. Now we all know it is rare that all four are at the level that we can say we are really and truly happy, but it is safe to say that the pursuit of happiness is the ultimate objective of most if not all of the human race.
Apparently there are two types of happiness, Transitory and Authentic/genuine. When someone asks us if we are happy the majority of us think of the transitory happiness, which deals with good health, freedom, friends and prosperity. If these things, that are primarily external, are in reasonable good shape we will say yes, we are happy or okay. The problem with this is that any moment anyone of these external things changes so does our state of happiness.
These things do contribute to our search for genuine happiness but because of their transitory nature they cannot be everlasting and should not be our only measure for happiness. The other type of happiness, authentic/genuine, is the one that we all are really seeking but do not fully understand or rarely find. Now what is genuine happiness, according to the Dalai Lama, someone we equate with calmness, and the state of happiness – “genuine or lasting happiness is when you have inner peace”. After doing a bit of soul searching and looking on the Internet, for a definition of the word happy, I decided to look at my state of well being and to see if I had inner peace. The result of my search is that I do not have inner peace, at least not all the time. I do know that when I listen to music, especially R&B and soul music, I do find a source of inner peace and I tend to become productive. For my transitory happiness, that is what WA is all about. I find that in building my website I working toward financial independence and when I am successful I will have achieved transitory happiness. What about you are you truly happy?
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Great comment, I think if you listen to music while you work may give you a more relaxed atmosphere
I am truly happy of what I have been able to accomplish. But I will admit, I can find myself frustrated due mainly to a lack a patience from time to time. I know that I have to instill some discipline on my behalf, but I guess knowing the problem is half the battle.
Thanks Harvey. Great Post!
Greg
What has really helped me is mindfulness meditation, especially through the difficult times. Even just stopping during the day, to take a few breathes, helps me tune into that 'inner peace'. Meditation has helped me come to a state of inner peace, even when things around me are uncertain and chaotic.
Also, 'art' (visual, musical, performing arts, etc.) helps me to find that 'inner peace' - everyone has their different styles and that's what makes this world an interesting place. My preference is zen music, my photography, and crafts such as crocheting for charity. I crochet scarfs for homeless women. Art, when it is positive and uplifting, can reach to our souls and therefore, brings us to a state of inner peace.
What I am finding, as I am sure many others as well are finding - as I am building my financial success, I am also building my self development success. In other words, as I strife to lift up my financial situation, I am lifting up who I am as a person. Being 'successful' is not only a financial situation, but also a state of mind. Which, for me, is finding ways to achieve 'inner peace'.
Happiness is a personal experience and depends on whether the person recognises the happiness in their life or not! Nothing is constant in life and things are changing all the time, so it is transitory but it does depend on ones perspective!
Thanks for sharing an interesting post today! Regards, Lisa
Great post Harvey and food for thought.
Happiness in general is most definitely transitory and we all enjoy periods of it at different times. I think I have yet to find inner peace but continue to work at it.
Thanks for this and I hope you have a wonderful weekend :)
Hi Harvey,
Nice post! I think happiness is a perspective. I went through a really difficult time about six months ago. A load of stress, anxiously looking for a way out of my everyday work; it was not good! Doing a ton of research online I found that happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy everyday. You can wake up everyday and say no matter what circumstances come way, no matter who says anything to me, I will choose to stay happy! And not let anyone take that from you. There are many times when people and circumstances try, but it's up to you to stand your ground and continue embracing happiness. Being thankful for everything you have and are able to do is a big part of it too.
Nice post Harvey. Its true that the transitory (ever shifting) happiness is pegged on the physical, the common senses. Thus , true - authentic - genuine happiness is pegged on the spiritual state.
Listening to smooth jazz and R&B (the older R&B) also brings me some inner peace once in awhile.
Hello Defiant, smooth jazz and even the music called quiet storm is great to just relax and drift away.
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Great post, Harvey. Short answer, yes. Which isn't to say that when life shows up with difficult lessons that I don't struggle with feelings of frustration pain and sorrow. But underlying those feelings is a sense of well being that carries me.