The Art of Living: Happiness

I read an article today that is part of a series on “The Art of Living.”

“Whilst stranded in a temple with a friend for ten days on account of rainy weather,” it began and then recounted how Chin Shengt”an, a 17th century Chinese playwright, counted the truly happy moments of his life. He defined these moments as those time “when the spirit is inextricably tied up with the senses.”

I was fascinated by his list. It consisted of a variety of memories that were mere minutes in his life. He would share that memory and simply ask “is this not happiness?”

The memories were moments that many people would miss, and certainly wouldn’t term “happy.” Most would disregard them as insignificant if they took the time to digest the moment at all. Chin’s approach to happiness is so different from what we have typically been taught or come to understand. Not one moment on his list involved a wish being granted, or a prayer answered, or even a goal achieved. His moments of happiness involved surprising moments when the “unexpected” met the needs of the spirit that hadn’t even been acknowledged until it was suddenly satisfied. He savored the simplicity of the moments and defined them as “happy.”

It made me think about moments in my life when the spirit and sense were one, when hidden needs and desires were unexpectedly met. I wanted to take a few minutes to make a similar list, to acknowledge and reflect.

* It was hot. The sweat no longer glistened on my skin, but now beaded into droplets that slid over my body and weighed down my clothes. I was tired, and helpless to fight off the affects of the sun. When I stopped to take a deep breath and move the hair from my neck, a breeze began to gently stir the air. I could here it moving in the grass and trees, stealthily coming toward me. The air was no longer stagnant, but a cool whisper to sooth me. Is this not happiness?
* I am laying on the back porch, connecting dots in the sky to create new constellations. Is this not happiness?
* As I walk along the beach, the tide pushes the water across my feet and I am shaken for a moment, until the sand washes beneath me and my stand becomes grounded. I know I’ll be okay. Is this not happiness?
* During a ten hour road trip, three friends share the laughter that can only come from vulnerability, transparency and acceptance. Is this not happiness?
* My nephew introduced me to his friend by saying “This is the light of my life.” Is this not happiness?
* At a party, the host pointed out that the pot on the back of the stove contained my spaghetti sauce: it didn’t have mushrooms. She remembered I am allergic and considered me. Is this not happiness?
* While canoeing down the Buffalo River, my friend stands like a gondolier and begins singing a nonsense song about Italian food. Is this not happiness?
* The wind in my hair during a sunset cruise, when the pink and oranges that illuminate the darkening sky and clears a cloudy mind. Is this not happiness?