The Path Toward Happiness
Where can we find it?
The immediate answer to last question, Where can we find happiness? is that it is found inside of us, but this is incomplete.
This emotional pleasant feeling is a response, not a cause, and it isn’t just the presence of certain stimuli, it’s also the absence or diminishment of others. For example, if someone is experiencing strong physical or emotional pain, the production of a happy emotional response will be different and more challenging compared with someone not in pain and waking up on their birthday, especially if there is a big party planned later. And of course, all of this is individualized. We can only generalize or be completely specific, but not both at the same time. (See: Schrödinger's cat).
For right now let’s together take the Generalities Path and see if we might find what I think is true in my life to be true in yours as well.
Let me start with this.
Happiness, as a desirable emotional state, is better than pursuing sadness.
In fact, these two emotions are found, as far as I can tell, by heading in opposite directions. Some are drawn toward seeking happiness and others, for their own reasons, toward sadness.
Yes, circumstances determine which direction at the moment is uphill and which downhill. And yet, even if circumstances make the pursuit of happiness more difficult, many still choose to make the climb.
Now let me add another concept.
The direction toward happiness is also the direction toward community.
The opposite direction is toward isolation and avoiding others.
This not the same as solitude which is a healthy discipline.
As an introvert myself, I recharge by finding times to be quite and with God apart from crowds. But once recharged I always want to go back and be with others.
I think I know why this is the case; why community and happiness go together and sadness is a place of aloneness.
We need encouragement to travel toward a state of happiness and celebration, because the journey, no matter how much at times it is desirable, is not easy.
Remember, I am talking in generalities.
Of course there are exceptions.
It is possible to find happiness while alone, but l believe we do this by bringing into our minds connections with others.
We remember those we care about and focus on conversing with God about them.
We stay connected through prayer.
This is how it is possible for the prisoner locked in solitary confinement to still find a peace and joy.
Another component linked to happiness is gratitude.
When people find things to be grateful for in the midst of their suffering and pain, their minds can walk into lush green pastures.
And when we are down, and yet at the same time decide to stay connected with others, their expressions of joy and thanksgiving become available to us. We then have sources outside ourselves from where we can fill and encourage our souls.
This is why the laughter of children playing nearby can make adult hearts lighter (again, generalities people - a crying two-year-old is like fingernails on a chalkboard).
This is why multiple generations living and interacting in a community like a church is such a beautiful and life affirming thing.
To Review
Happiness is a path worth pursuing and it is made easier in a community of fellow happiness travelers because we can encourage one another.
Sadness may be where we start our day and may most accurately describe our circumstances, but sitting alone in the shadows too long is unwise.
The first best step I can think of to move myself toward the light is to begin giving thanks to God for Himself, my life, and all of you.
I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.
From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him.
The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD!
May your hearts live forever!
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.
For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.
All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive.
Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.
