...And the Pursuit of HappinessB recommended a book to me and now that I am going to have a bit more free time I am looking forward to reading it. The title is Happiness. It asks the questions "What is Happiness? What makes us happy? Why do we strive for happiness? And how might we achieve it?" I had French Professor in college who frequently asked the question "Qu'est ce-que c'est ca? D'etre Contente?" What is this thing we call happiness? Good question. We always feel this is just the next step, once we get this or that done or achieved we will be happy. Last night I kept thinking, if I only had a better job.... if I had money I would... I wish my hips were more open so I could do Karanda Vasana... I wish I could take a trip to .... What I do know about the job issue is that I need a jobby job that gives me enough money to live and not feel like a mooch off of B and so that I will be more independent. I can't wait to start teaching once I finish my MA. I can't wait to have enough money to go out with my girlfriends and to be able to buy fresh flowers every once in a while.
It's not like I want a lot. If I had enough money I would....
buy a comfy, modest home
buy all organic food
get my oil changed in my car
Lander needs a new collar
take a little vacation here and there, nothing extravagant
take my mom out to dinner while she is here next week rather than her having to take me out
Is that too much to ask? I am greedy when I compare myself to others. So many people have it so much rougher than I do. But would these things provide happiness. I doubt it. It is always the next thing. And that is why we have our yoga practice. I strive, we strive to be in the moment, to open ourselves to the world that surrounds us NOW, not when I do this or that. Not when I can afford a vacation or when I can buy a house. But my life is good NOW. Family, friends, yoga, and B. I have a great life. Why am I still in The Pursuit of Happiness... ??? Don't I have it. It is a condition of the mind. At times I feel so happy, others I feel very frustrated.
I just opened my Happiness book randomly to see what would be the message trying to be conveyed at this moment, "We come to the world believing that there is such thing as an achievable happiness, that it is desirable and important, and that the things we desire will bring it about. It is not self-evident that any of these things are true..."
What do you think is happiness? At this exact moment my definition of happiness is
A day when I have a great yoga practice, a yummy breakfast with a gingerberry komboucha, a nice phone conversation with my mom, a cuddle with my man, a session with a good book, a walk with a friend in the afternoon, and cooking a yummy dinner to share with someone I love.
Maybe I do have happiness.... hmmmmm. Or maybe a BMW would equal happiness? Who knows. A lot of people seem to think so, maybe they are right?
posted by liz at
3:11 PM
6 Comments:
Nice post...I think we determine our happiness. Like we've talked, money won't buy you happiness. I think it's something that starts from within and emerges out. I would say I'm happy to have you as a friend... :-)
yes, i agree.. its to each their own... i know what u mean about money making you happy, to a point, it is depressing when u cant afford to do anything, especially when u live in such a beautiful place.. that new waiting job should put you there
Isn't it comforting to know we all think about this time and again? although we know we should be happy and satisfied with our lives that we've created and work so hard at everyday...somehow we are our own biggest critics. yes, possessions make us momentarily happy, but ultimately it's those other more important things-those moments you experience-that make you happiest in life...that is if you take the time to notice and cherish them (preferably as they happen)...
hey liz, im stealing yer fish tank!
The fishies are all yours babe, I actually liked having them, just wish the tank would have been inside and that I knew how to clean that mo-fo. Fun to watch, the big one looks super fat, think I may have been over feeding them a bit!
No- they aren't right. A Beamer does not happiness make. Nor does a mansion on a hill or a million dollars in the bank (although that last one wouldn'tbe so bad!). Happiness is a choice. It's a decision you make in each moment to fuly appreciate all the blessings in your life, like the chance to do yoga each day (your body responds to you when you command it...that's pretty awesome!). It's the love in your life (your dog, B, your friends, your family). It's a roof over your head and food on your table (even if it's not 100% organic). It's the sunny weather that usually blesses SoCal and the palm trees and blue sparling ocean.
I agree with Missus O...cherish these moments! Choose to be Happy!
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