When was the last time that you felt a day of unbridled delight – a period of pure glee – it has been a long time, hasn’t it? It is the same for all of us. We are, seemingly, caught in this web of negativity. It is at a point, I feel, that we must begin to reflect on why we are exposed to so much bad news. (1) Is the world in really that dire a condition? The truth is that for vast amounts of people, reality today is, potentially, far more interesting and attractive than in our historical past. (2) The possibilities are endless. Yes, there are challenges in the future. Some even of an apocalyptic nature, but are we to live out our 80 or 90 years in this state of fear? I think not.
That said, we know that in real terms, life is, apparently, an endless struggle of frustrations and failures with difficulties in between. There is a relatively easy position that a person can adopt – that is to be artificially happy and contented – “everything is really OK!” But this is a false way to look at life. This is not a stance that will further your personal growth because it is naive and foolish. It won’t approach Aristotle’s dictum that the purpose of life is to achieve eudaimonia or happiness in its truest state. (3) What is one to do?
There is a perspective to living a meaningful life, that can fulfill the sage’s injunction and yet allow us to experience the “pathos” associated with existence. This is the acute realization that you are in control of how you see the world. Your inner emotions do not have to incorporate the exterior objective reality unless you want them to. I can decide whether it will be a bad or a good day regardless of my outside experience. How then do I have those moments of joy? I effectively look for them on an ongoing basis.
I am, if you will, a fisherman or searcher of jubilation. These moments can be found in day-to-day life or they can be discovered in silent moments of prayer and meditation. These intervals are powerful additions to our pool of memories. They are like little slingshots that fuel our forward movement in life, in time. The individual, Matthew Ricard, (.) for example, has been documented as the happiest man on earth. (5) He believes in the power of meditation to achieve such a state. The monk has, effectively, narrowed those moments of torment and distress that are part of the human condition to a preponderance of happiness.
This is where glee becomes extremely important. So, consciously hunt for your moments of pleasure. They will give you the human strength to fulfill your mission in life and deal with some of the more tedious aspects of being alive. Matthew leaves us with a thought: Start by thinking happy thoughts for 10 to 15 minutes a day. Typically when we experience feelings of happiness and love, it’s fleeting and then something else happens, and we move on to the next thought. Instead, concentrate on not letting your mind get distracted, and keep focused on the positive emotions for the next stretch of time.
A closing thought: Why do we suffer so? When we realize that we are truly alive, we experience the terror of free will. I can virtually do anything with my life that I want, given that I am a man, Canadian by birth, 65 years old, etc. This is as true at 25 as it is at 65. Therefore, taking control of this slipstream and filing it with the alacrity that brings hope to all of us is a positive and probably necessary approach to a meaningful life.
To sum up: This week we spoke about glee and how to retain those joyful moments.
To be noted: From the Buddha (6) — You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
Just for fun: Toni Braxton – Spanish Guitar (Official Music Video)
For reflection: One of the Most Motivational Videos You’ll Ever See (WARNING!!! – Belief Changer)
This week, on your thoughtful walk, please reflect on your own moments of glee.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: I deserve to find the peace that I desire.
Footnotes:
1) Why bad news dominates the headlines
2) 23 charts and maps that show the world is getting much, much better