Promises, promises…
Promises are hard to keep this time of year.
A coast change, a nasty virus,
and hit-the-ground-running
for the holidays.
The Mumford post languishes on the mountain of unfinished
business.
About half-way through, I ran across this article in Christianity Today, which is a better
analysis than mine. Click here if you’re interested:
So what’s the point of writing about a rock concert anyway? Or about
“playing hooky?”
I am researching
happiness.
(Or it is pursuing me.)
I’m not talking about Christian joy, which is a
supernatural gift.
I’m referring to a sense of well-being that may be
cultivated.
Obviously, it’s a hot topic these days. Everywhere I turn,
there are books being published about the science of happiness. Sermons on the
topic. Even a movie.
It’s all got me thinking.
Think about it with me, if you have the time and
inclination.
Some questions to contemplate:
-Are you happy?
-What does happy feel like to you?
-Are you happy with
how happy you feel?
Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
In the meantime, I am going to continue my research.
I’m going to continue playing hooky when I can. I’m going to
expose myself to new experiences. I’m going to go down some different paths.
I’m going to pursue inspiration from unexpected places. Look for hope where I
least expect it. Get out of myself more. Embrace creativity. Cultivate gratitude. Live more intentionally.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
Maybe.
No promises!
Seriously, though, I’d love to know if anyone else thinks
about happiness and the pursuit of it. Especially this time of year.
Posts
3 comments:
What a great idea to talk about happiness! I struggle with being too serious about everything. So when I don't feel happy I do two things: I consciously smile - even when I'm alone. I smile at people everywhere. Then I also find music that makes me "wake up" inside. I recently looked up a version of "Come thou almighty King" and this is the delightful version I found ! It is 7 minutes of pure happiness. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMJ1wCaNtSw
Kim,
I have been thinking a lot about what happiness is. I am most happy when I am both (1) taking care of myself while....(2) reaching out to others. Today at the soup kitchen, we (the women with whom I volunteer) were cooking, chopping, singing AND dancing. We had on hair nets. We were about to feed 125 people in Athens who had no other place to eat. I love it when I can have fun (sing/dance/laugh/cut up) while doing something that might lift up somebody else. My hair looks awful now, but we had a blast-----YES...at the soup kitchen! Go figure. Lots of laughter amidst folks who were just so darn thankful to have a hot meal.
I go back to the basics for happiness; a good night's sleep; a brisk walk; a good book. Simple things, but I sure do notice a difference if I don't take time for those basics.
I enjoyed the suggestions about happiness in the comments. :)
Wishing you the very happiest of holidays, Em
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