John- This is a great topic with an equally great deconstruction (Tucker being the delightful highlight). To your point, happiness is certainly more a momentary state of being rather than a permanent state of life. Happiness is a feeling just as fullness after a meal is a feeling--both aren't meant to last. And going back to your pendulum/Newton analogy, which is fantastic: the goal of happiness isn't to stay happy. The goal of happiness is direction and redirection towards meaning (which often involves lack of happiness). I love the way you interweave all these questions together. So important.
Thanks so much for this, Thalia. I am honored that you took the time to read through.
A note on Tucker: he's been gone for many years now. But as he aged, he slowed down. I was (still am, actually) a pastor and I used to take him with me visiting Assisted Living homes. The people loved him! For years after he died (at a graceful age of 14), some of the Alzheimers patients would ask: where's your dog? where's your dog? for a couple of years after.
I didn't mind playing second fiddle. He was a class act.
Ah, Robbie, you give me too much credit. But thank you. To know, over the course of these many years, that we are still in touch makes my heart feel good.
John- This is a great topic with an equally great deconstruction (Tucker being the delightful highlight). To your point, happiness is certainly more a momentary state of being rather than a permanent state of life. Happiness is a feeling just as fullness after a meal is a feeling--both aren't meant to last. And going back to your pendulum/Newton analogy, which is fantastic: the goal of happiness isn't to stay happy. The goal of happiness is direction and redirection towards meaning (which often involves lack of happiness). I love the way you interweave all these questions together. So important.
Thanks so much for this, Thalia. I am honored that you took the time to read through.
A note on Tucker: he's been gone for many years now. But as he aged, he slowed down. I was (still am, actually) a pastor and I used to take him with me visiting Assisted Living homes. The people loved him! For years after he died (at a graceful age of 14), some of the Alzheimers patients would ask: where's your dog? where's your dog? for a couple of years after.
I didn't mind playing second fiddle. He was a class act.
So sorry to hear about Tucker. He must’ve been quite the friend in need. 🙏
I too have learned the folly of chasing happiness. Contentment is like wisdom. It usually takes decades, if ever, to achieve.
Absolutely right, Ray. I think, at this advanced age, I am only now catching a few glimmers.
"An Overheard Conversation" is lovely and evocative and gently humorous - thank you for letting us hear it!
Thanks, Linda. Birds are many things, even, occasionally, funny.
Happiness is reading your post every week! Thanks for sharing your wisdom😀
Ah, Robbie, you give me too much credit. But thank you. To know, over the course of these many years, that we are still in touch makes my heart feel good.