Happiness
In one of my mindfulness groups last night, the subject for discussion turned to happiness. Members of the group noticed that making as association between pleasant feelings and being happy is not particularly helpful. Happiness can occur in the midst of difficult circumstances and arise in spite of - or even out of - painful or distressing events. Happiness is more connected to living life in a meaningful context than it is about piling up pleasurable experiences. It is interesting that this awareness emerges from a practice that advocates being "in the moment." But this practice of paying attention to the moment rather than trying to force each moment to be positive, allows the practitioner to notice that each moment, whether it is easy or difficult, contains within it an opportunity to live life richly and fully. John Weaver, Psy.D.
