Saturday, March 22, 2014

HAPPINESS - THE ELUSIVE


I chose to write about this topic due to its overwhelming presence in our lives, or the lack there of.  Consciously/Subconsciously our thoughts & actions are seeking the attainment of this concept. Even the U.S. Declaration of Independence reads:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Would you be happy if:

You were given millions of dollars?  You found the perfect job?  You met your ideal mate? Purchased your dream home?

Could you be happy if you didn’t have any of the above?

How is happiness obtained or acquired?  Is it elusive and periodically grasped or experienced only to fade leaving one to wait for the next time it comes around?

Researching this topic has revealed there are many definitions for Happiness ranging from it being an ‘emotion’ to ‘a state of being’.  At times, it would appear that the definitions were created to fit the context in which it was written.  It’s no wonder many feel ‘Happiness’ is elusive.

I’m not going to define it directly, instead I am going to state some of its components (sounds like I’m defining it…).  In retrospect, I’m probably ‘moon walking’ my way into a definition…

In observation and self-reflection, one is ‘Happy’ when they are at ‘Peace’ with themselves.  Taking it a step further, one is in a ‘state’ of ‘Happiness’ when their ‘Spirit, Mind & Body’ are in harmony with the Creator, Universe, God, Allah, Jesus…If it’s that simple, then how is it so elusive?  It becomes elusive due to us being distracted. Distracted to the point where we don’t recognize the connection, much less the importance of being in harmony through said connection.  Recently, I posted this saying on my Facebook page:

You are not a human being in search of a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a human experience.  Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

We’ve been mis-educated to who we are and the nature of our purpose.  The above saying reveals that we have been taught ‘azz backwards’.  Our purpose is to be in harmony with the Creator (Inclusive of all of the descriptive names above).  This harmony connects us to all things manifested and un-manifested.  It’s like being drop from an Ocean.  If one was to extract a drop from an ocean, examination would reveal the drop had the same properties as the ocean but not the same vastness, volume or power.  Each individual is like that drop of water that has been removed or not recognizing the connection to the ocean (the Creator).  Not realizing that by becoming conscious of the harmony that exists, we would be able to in-sperience (from the ‘Breathing’ Post) the full power of the ocean (the Creator) through the drop (individual).  This in-sperience would allow us to be in a constant state of happiness = peace.

This may sound like I’m stating we wouldn’t have to deal with other emotions that are triggered by situations and circumstances that happen.  Also, it may seem that I’m inferring we should not seek to improve ourselves or our current situations.  On the contrary, when presented with obstacles there are many ways to address them.  I’m advising to address them from a foundation of happiness (peace), being conscious to remember to utilize the full power of the Creator by being in harmony through your Spirit, Mind & Body connection. 

In order to effectively improve self/current situation(s), first acknowledge your blessings.  Recognize them and utilize them as fuel to achieve your desired goal, be it losing weight, being healthier, getting a job, a new relationship, earning more money, continuing your education, moving to a better home, obtaining a new car, etc.

Remember to ‘Breath’, which is essential to establishing your Happiness (Peace)! With practice, one will be in a constant ‘State’ of Happiness (Peace) which will allow you to maximize your ability to address all circumstances (in your favor) that are presented in your life.

Quick Update: In reference to my fractured foot, I was released from doctor’s care in late February and scheduled to resume playing basketball in early April!

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Hotep!