Why do they think that "now" such a bad place to be? Why be 'lost in the present'? This makes no sense to me, especially when I read the following chapter in the book "The Way Of The Small, Why Less Is More" by Michael Gellert.
"Many people today, particularly in America, suffer from what can be called a happiness complex.
The happiness complex is fundamentally an illusion. The illusion is not the belief that one is happy when she is not, although some people will go to great lengths to convince themselves and others that they are happy when they are not. The illusion is rather in the beliefs of what happiness is. Many people today assume that happiness implies the absence of suffering and struggle, as if a life of meaning, service to others, or tormented but creative accomplishment is not a happy life. Another misconception is that happiness must be sought and acquired, as if it were something special and that is apart from ordinary, everyday life. It must be attained by fulfilling some requirement - perhaps making more money or finding a new spouse - or by following some prescribed method or program of self-improvement. But happiness is right before our eyes, immediately available to us if we surrender to what this very moment offers, to what fate has put on our table right now. The happiness complex consists of the hope that happiness will come if only...."
This is powerful! It makes one stop and think about what they want in life. The pursuit of happiness is in the Constitution isn't it? But why just pursue it when it is right in front of us, if we can just let go of some of those misconceptions.
I guess what makes me think of this, is a conversation with a friend last night who happened to comment that I seemed happy, what was I doing different? I replied, "I'm just enjoying the moment!"
3 comments:
Much truth in that and easy to do, but most people are to hung up on getting "happiness" through material things.
Also, with religion, too much focus is on regretting the mistakes of the past and making plans for your after-life future, that we don't enjoy the 'now.'
And now is all that matters.
I somehow realized at an early age not to put off for later the things that I wanted to do in life. I've been very lucky, but also smart to recognize what I call the "change moments." They're the times when you know you need to make a change. I think a lot of people hesitate, or never make the changes they need to, and regret it later or are very unhappy as a result.
Still, I went to school, had a short career, and left it before it took me over.
I retired at 43, am on the poor side of "doing ok," but I own my house in France, have a terrific partner of 26 years, and I don't think I could be happier.
I could be richer, but not happier!
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