The Call of Happiness

As stated on my ‘Periodic Happiness Table of Elements‘ page, Consistent Long-lasting Happiness (CLH) is hopeless, while Relative Momentary Happiness (RMH) is not only hopeful, but likely. The question is, how long do the ‘moments’ last and how frequently do they come? When considering the range and variability of RMH, and our desire for CLH, and how to represent this relationship, we may at first be tempted to think in terms of a spectrum from unhappy to happy. Yet if you accept the premise that true Happiness (CLH) is hopeless or impossible, then CLH and the uppermost range of that spectrum cannot exist. So instead of that open system of infinite impossibilities, we are better served to consider a closed system with a single element – RMH. This can be represented as the ebb and flow of a tide; or perhaps the inflation and deflation of a balloon; or maybe the undulating, echoing (WheeeHoooo-WheeeHoooo-WheeeHoooo) circularity of an approaching or receding siren.

Yes! I like the siren. After all the call of Happiness is enticing-charming-tempting-beguiling-inviting-alluring-enchanting-mesmerizing, and (if we’re not careful) provocative, dangerous, and destructive. CLH is the Element we strive for (in vain) and because of its siren song, it definitely impacts our Happiness; yet RMH is the reality, and it has a much more down-to-earth siren call. We will always be somewhere in the midst of Relative Momentary Happiness and its unpredictable undulations. The best we can work toward is longer, more frequent moments.

Don’t continually cast yourself against a rocky shore for the sake of a seductive illusion.

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