26/04/2022
HAPPINESS - some reflections
Many have tried to simplify this elusive concept. Ghandhi said that happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony. I might suggest that statement describes authenticity though, as we can be going through tumultuous times, not just happy times, when we align like this...π€
So what is happiness? Well, most people are actually talking about joy, when they say they want to be happy. Joy is an inside job π It is intrinsic, meaning it's created by us through our internal world and practices that nourish them. And it's constant. We carry it with us whatever our current emotional stateπβ€οΈ
Happiness is more temporary, fleeting and driven from our external world through all kinds of things - a night out, listening to comedy, playing a game, tv, alcohol, social media, external validation etc π€
Joy might be driven by things like:
π a daily gratitude journal
π meditation
π connection with nature
π understanding yourself more fully
π living in alignment with your beliefs and values
π spending more time in the present moment
You see the difference? However, this suggests the two concepts are separate. Sometimes this can be true. We've all known someone constantly looking for the next experience to feel happy again. The next night out, the next sexual partner, the next stimulant, to bring laughter into their lives...from...outside of themselves...π
But the power of where joy and happiness intersect can be dynamite π₯π₯π₯ This is my hearty recommendation for your pursuit of joy! Experience bouts of happiness that drive your joy! Bundle things together that drive joy but bring happiness:
β€οΈ spend time with people with whom you can be completely yourself AND be in the moment
β€οΈ explore nature, feel it's healing energy and again, enter the present moment
β€οΈ find someone skilled that you trust and connect with, to discover who you are, your core values and identity, to become authentically you
β€οΈ practice gratitude, meditation, journal writing, any time that brings personal reflection
This can look, and be, quite simple. Time with friends. Time in nature without social media. Talking about the things that matter to you deeply with someone who listens and understands without judgement. Doing something you love, just because. Reaching out to people in gratitude or appreciation, including spontaneously with the kindness of strangers...β€οΈ
Be happy AND joyful. You'll find new areas of power and creativity in yourself you didn't know existed π
You are more than you believe...
Peace out, JP
Photo: Beach at Whitfords Nodes, WA