Concerning Happiness

Happiness. A three syllable word that contains the corners of the mouth lifting, the elated feeling in the chest, and memories bathed in light.

However, this word does not show the struggles we all face to obtain it: the times veiled in grief, or anger. Annoyance or envy. But don't fear, happiness will always resurface as a dolphin does to get a breath of air. It will come to cleanse our minds and souls and leave an imprint of joy. And if you struggle to bring that happiness to the surface: close your eyes, breathe deep, and remember you best moments. The times when you felt as if your heart would burst by how full it had been filled, the times when tears ran down your face because your laughter was unending. Let the memories fill your cup, and breathe a breath of pure, light air. 

Now, how do I make this real to you? I will practice my vulnerability and share that which is most dear to my own heart, and I hope it will stir your own desire to practice bringing happiness to the surface in your own life. 

When I close my eyes, enter my mind, and walk the path illuminate by a golden light that outshines the darkness around it, I find myself walking towards a medium-sized RV. The trailer hitch kind. It's old and stained with dirt with orange lines curve along it, briefly breaking the off-white of the exterior. Oak leaves cover the encrusted carpets sitting right outside the door. The carpets are shaded by the sun cover, despite it being nighttime. A wheelchair sits on the carpet, occupied by a perfectly healthy person. It is accompanied by upside-down, filthy, yellow gotts and a lopsided table which leans against the RV. Sweaty people with greasy hair and easy smiles use the gotts as seats. Most sit on the carpets. There is soft chatter broken by the occasional booming laugh or excitement in a story. Everyone is tired from a long day in the sun and water, but they still sit around into the late hours of the night and chat about everything and nothing. With the sun down, the blistering heat has finally left, leaving the air a refreshing 80 degrees. That is cool weather to these people. Who are they? My coworkers. My friends. This relaxing scene is something that brings me immense joy. It's not a wild adventure that makes my heart pound with elation. It's not a beautiful sight that leaves me awe-struck in wonder. It is a peaceful joy. One of contentment, and belonging. Sitting with these friends who have become family and listening to their voices, feeling the shared love from one person to the next. I don't feel pressured to talk in order to be included. I don't have to make an effort to look engaged. It is a time to unwind from the long day. To kick your feet up and let the idle chatter lull your running mind into a lazy, content walk. This memory is surrounded by a golden light, even when the silvery glow of the moon is what really illuminates it. 

This memory, though small, creates an orb of light that fills my head and shoots down to my heart. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it. And what I recognize from this memory is a way to find happiness in real time. In this case, I am reminded that though I value my 'me time', I find such joy in being surrounded by my close friends and family. It reminds me that I have to seek out community and stay connected to those I love. It reminds me that I don't need to do some grand adventure, or have a perfect, happy moment, but that I just need a small company of people with casual conversation that I don't even need to participate in. And so, I encourage you to look back on your happiest memories, and learn from them. What brings you joy? Does it have to be the spectacle you thought it was? How can you incorporate that which brings you happiness into daily life? 

"A joyful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22