If you ask someone what happiness means to them, chances are they would say: money in the bank; the car of their dreams; or a big house.
Unfortunately, western society keeps perpetuating the illusion of, The American Dream, when in fact, obtaining, maintaining and protecting assets can create just the opposite result--unhappiness.
Western style societies are riddled with stress and all the physical manifestations of it. A great deal of this has been brought on by excessive debt and very little time to enjoy family, friends, having “me” time or getting to play with our toys. Why? Because we are working so hard to keep the illusion alive.
Picture a juggler that has 20 balls in the air at once. He has no time to rest because it is a full time job keeping those balls from falling. This is what I call existing. It is not really living.
A friend recently made this statement, “here I am almost homeless, jobless and the happiest I have ever been”. Crazy? Not really. It’s amazing how happy we can be when we don't put requirements on it.
My philosophy in both my practice and personal life is this…Keep it simple.
I won’t define what would make me happy, but I can tell you what has made me happy. Happiness has come in many shapes and sizes in my life, from what I would have expected to the unexpected. They include:
Following and honoring my path
Yoga
Meditating
Making a difference
Coffee with friends
A good meal
Doing things that feed my soul
Thought provoking conversation
Being out in nature
Laughing, dancing, singing and playing… just to name a few.
How about you?
Four Legged Friends
Energetics: the science that deals with the laws of energy and its transformations.
Hello again Kate - I really look forwards to reading your SUNDAY UPDATES and this one HAPPINESS touches the sport 100%. I once had a job that I really enjoyed, the pay was great and the challenges inspiring - then it ended BUMP just like that ! I was worried about bills, clothing etc, then one day our eldest daughter - Kerry - gave me a hug and said " Dad, no need to worry about anything, all our needs are met " - she was only 14 at the time, such wise words on a young head.
ReplyDeleteSo YES, I take time now to enjoy the FREE things that money just cannot buy - IF I am finding myself awake really early ( 03:00 AM ) I listen to the birds chirping or the foxes scampering around outside - but, and best sound of all . . . I listen to my loved ones, my wife and three children and our dog Jack sleeping and making the sounds that only contentment and happy dreams allows to be made.
Thank you for reminding me of all the happiness that surrounds me - Oh and I forgot one really IMPORTANT aspect of my happiness -- IT IS HAVING YOU AS A DEAR FRIEND
David
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