Happines is…
December 9, 2009 by Ed Conley
Filed under The Practice of Being Happy
The Practice of Being Happy. #10
Everyone wants to be happy. Even criminals. No body wants to be unhappy, unless in a perverted way unhappiness is one’s happiness. But what is happiness? If you asked a 100 people you’d get 100 different answers. Most people, however, in our culture would probably define happiness as being some optimum circumstances, like winning the lottery or not having to work anymore or having a perfect relationship. Happiness seems to be dependent upon the world or phenomena suiting our special needs. Our consumer culture depends on this definition so it can sells us the means to happiness.
Today just notice how the idea of happiness works in your mind and in our culture, particularly the media (which is our culture now). Identify the happiness bait being tossed into the pond of your mind. Notice when you mind rises to the bait, to look it over or take a bite. Notice how sensory excitation pulls your mind towards the idea of fulfillment. Catch a whiff of a doughnut shop or some other inviting aroma and notice what the mind does. What does your mind do when it sees some visual invitation to excitement and expectation of happiness? It’s all around us, 24/7. Let’s notice this today.
It would be helpful to make a mental or actual list. Just how many times a day does culture arouse the mind with the promise of happiness? And also notice if you become happy when you grab the bait and swallow. Is happiness lasting or is it just a momentary excitation? Find out today.
