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Studying the Art of Happiness

10 February

Do you ever think about clarity?  About how nice it is when you are clear about your purpose, clear about how a task is to be done at work or even just being able to breath clearly. I love and appreciate those moments of crystal, pure clarity.

I was quickly reading (because at this point I tend to do everything quickly) an article in the new ODE magazine about a French psychologist, Christophe Andre’, who has written a book about how to achieve happiness. I’ve yet to read the book, but the part that struck me was his comment that “happiness takes effort; you need to do your best to see happiness, experience it, absorb it.”
So much of the personal growth message these days is about how effortless your life will be when you learn “this” technology, when you practice “this exercise”, or even when you buy “this” product.  When you are in the groove, what I call flowing with the river of energy, this is true. Happiness is effortless and things that you want do magically appear. Energy is clear and so are you.
But inevitably some combination of challenges eventually knocks you off balance. Suddenly, what was clear yesterday is questionable today. I’ve yet to meet anyone that this doesn’t happen to at least occasionally. For me, this is like becoming debris that bangs into to the riverbank and gets stuck in the vegetation there.  You still know that the mighty river is moving, but you just can’t quite get into the flow yet. I feel anything but clear.
And for me, this knowing that I am stuck becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. I get frustrated that I’m not in that flow. I get in my head trying to figure out how to get unstuck.  I become profoundly disappointed. I believe that I have some control over this whole thing.  Since I am able to create my own reality and manifest so many things in my life, I tend to get stuck in the belief that I can control the flow.
Evidence tends to suggest otherwise.
So back to the French psychologist and his theory that you have to work a bit to stay in happiness. Here are his six lessons for a happier life, slightly paraphrased.
1.  Accept that there will be unpleasant or disappointing things in life.
2. Open your eyes to the good stuff that IS happening.
3. Move slower.  Put yourself on pause.
4. Put your attention on family and friends and make time everyday to either think about,        see or talk to at least one person in your social network.
5. Get in touch with nature every day.
6. Express gratitude.
These all sounds like good things TO DO.  Yet, the essence of each of these is an energy. When you really accept anything – you can feel it.  The energy starts to move through you again. When you open not only your eyes, but also your heart to all of the good stuff, you can feel it. Going outside is a good first step, but really getting in touch with nature is an energy.  You can feel it.
So when you’re stuck in the bushes on the side of the river, watching all of the good stuff float by, how do you get TO the energy of acceptance? Good old fashioned PRACTICE. Moment by moment.  To be really excellent at anything, you have to practice. And practice. And practice.
Because at some point, something is going to cause a little wave in the river, and you will suddenly be free and in the flow again. And who knows, perhaps your effort and practice is what caused the wave that set you free.

2 Responses to “Studying the Art of Happiness”

  1. VisionForce February 11, 2008 at 7:01 pm #

    Hey Nogie –

    Awesome stuff. Thank you for putting yourself out there, being vulnerable, and leading the way. I am grateful for your friendship. 🙂

    See you soon!

    Shawn

  2. Eurynome Dances February 15, 2008 at 12:41 am #

    I listened to the audio of The Art of Happiness – I loved it!!!