Happiness

    There are some core philosophical topics that have been explored and re-explored generation after generation. What is "love"? What is "time" and how to embrace it? What is "happiness" and where is it found? These questions are explored over and over again because there is no definite answer. Each individual needs to discover an answer that suits them; an answer that gives them that serene feeling that all is well with the world. 

    

    Of these age old reflections, I have been thinking about and feeling that abstract thing called happiness. The pursuit of happiness is in our declaration of independence. It is our right and by being included as a right, it reflects our desire for it. But what is it? Where will the pursuit lead us? 

    I have thought before that by comparing peace and happiness, I could gain a better grasp of happiness. I decided peace was an inner process. Outer reality can be in disarray, but finding peace is finding contentment and calm within oneself. Happiness on the other hand, I decided was when the orchestra of life came into the right balance; that life elements such as friendships, family, love, work and daily activities would balance and complement each other impeccably. This idea of happiness I conjured held the notion of "perfection." No wonder our right is the "pursuit" of happiness if I find myself, and others are likely too, to be seeking an only imaginable, flawless reality. 

    Life is ever changing and so are our perceptions and conceptions. I've thought lately how there are so many people pursuing happiness; there must be a way to find it in the reality of life rather than in seeking the optical illusion of the perfect life. I was walking up the stairs in my home the other day, and it hit me: my new conception of happiness. It hit me that I have a nice home to live in and that I have a wonderful man to share life with. Those realizations hit me and I felt happy. It's that simple. It doesn't take having everything in your life being perfect to make you happy. It takes realizing the elements in your life that are ideal and wonderful, and embracing them as reasonable and remarkable cause to pause, to smile, to sigh with contentment, and to say, "I'm happy."

Space to Grow

     There is a saying that a plant will only grow to the size of its pot. I believe that saying can be applied to people and the settings we put ourselves in. By nature, some people are okay with limited growing space. Some people though, thrive on new experiences, personal development and the ever present potential for growth. Well, I'm one of the people in the second group.

    I'm a reader, a writer, an analyzer. I am intrigued by people. I meet new people frequently, and when I step away from a conversation with them, I feel as if I've just conducted an interview. I ask questions, I listen, I am so interested in their stories and experiences. Growth comes from personal expression and personal exploration, but its also gained through the expression and exploration of others.

     In my job training horses I can sometimes become tired of the same daily processes. It stimulates me though, when I find a new hurdle to overcome with my training projects. When a new horse arrives for training, it gives my mind something fresh to wrap itself around as I try to understand how the horse processes things and what the best training process would be for it. Some days my boss will teach me something new or push me to view something I do every day on a more detailed level. Some days I will see a fellow worker having trouble with something; I can assess the situation and offer my aid. I crave these windows of development like the seasonings that enhance an ordinary dinner.

    These thoughts of growth all stem from the process Phillip and went through recently: we searched, found, and moved from a small one bedroom apartment into a two bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse-style duplex. It has a small patio and deck out back, some gardening area and trees that I can't wait to see come out of dormancy in the spring. Basically, inside and out, this place has the space to make it our own through how we cultivate it. In the searching process, Phillip said to me, "You need space to grow." How right he is. A tree will always flourish in adequate space and conditions. Its time to flourish!

Vibrant Energy

I'm a positive energy spokesperson. In part because energy affects me so greatly, and in part because I strive to leave a trail and create a foundation for the future that are both positive.

     Today has been a great day. When I tend to my energy needs, I end up with a sense of calm and satisfaction.

     We went to church today. For me, going to church is like setting aside time to calm my mind, to center myself and to focus on how to proceed. The sermons I appreciate the most are the ones that are applicable to reality. Today, based on Bible verses, I listened to life encouragement:

-Do not worry. Do what you know to do and do your best; the uncontrollable
  will be taken care of.
-Respond to an aggravated person with a gentle tone and kind words. The
  aggravation will lose its strength.
-Think excellent and praiseworthy thoughts. Make the glass half full.
-Rejoice. Be thankful and happy for the abundance we have in both material
  wealth and the wealth of time and relationships.

     That's a good dish of positive food for thought that can be packed up as I prepare myself each day and can nurture me throughout each day's events.

     Beyond church, I spent time today organizing, arranging and cleaning. It soothes my mind to live in a space that is tidy and pleasantly decorated. I like coats to be hung up, tables to be clear, plants sitting on the windowsill, incense burning, green tea brewing and a cat lounging watching me make it all happen.

    Clean and pleasant space leads me to the next element of my energy needs: applying and expressing my mind and creativity. With soft lighting in the room, music playing, a cup of tea beside me, a carrot/celery/grape snack in arms reach and Phillip contentedly near, I can think and write. And I can feel content and happy. Oh, the power of positive energy and all the ways to cultivate it!