Pondering ...

Can everyday happiness (small 'h' - i.e. cheerfulness) have a positive influence or impact on our long-term Happiness (big 'H' - i.e. our search for Truth, Wisdom, and Purpose over a Lifetime) and still allow for reality? Two weeks ago, in the post Uninhibited Happiness I made the case for uninhibited truthfulness and a serious reckoning of reality as opposed to the illusion of 'Rainbows and Lollipops'. This week I am wondering if I was too harsh.

Cheerfulness lessens pain, yet pain and adversity encourage growth which in turn closes the gap on Happiness. Seriousness accounts for reality and pain in order to learn and grow, and in turn (depending on its intensity) can discourage, diminish, or dampen cheerfulness. So perhaps calling for uninhibited truthfulness is the same as calling for uninhibited cheerfulness; an extreme that (regardless of its appeal) does not account for reality. And perhaps this is a roundabout proof that we should strive for happiness (small 'h') just as we strive for Happiness (big 'H'). But if so, does this mean they are connected and important to each other? Or is cheerfulness / relaxation / fun simply a respite from our search for Truth / Wisdom / Purpose?

If they are connected, how are they connected? And then how do we work that synergy to our advantage? And if they become disconnected, how do we go about re-connecting them?

And if they're not connected are there some circumstances that would dictate cheerfulness over seriousness? Or perhaps the question should be, are there some circumstances (other than physical needs such as food, sleep, and procreation) that would 'allow' for cheerfulness over seriousness? And if so, to what extent should we take advantage of that situation?

I would like to find a connection. I'm not sure that I will.

The first and most obvious circumstance that comes to mind, that may lead to a connection, as it appears to be an integral part of both happiness and Happiness, is human interaction. One's behaviour does influence one's perceived state of mind. Human interaction does at times require a certain amount of social courtesy and cheerfulness which in turn can change our outlook and improve our state of mind, which may in turn lead to more balanced reflection on Happiness. I'm not sure if this proves a connection or is simply a lesson that points out the need for balanced thought.

... No! - (Epiphany) ...

I don't believe it points out the need for balanced thought, but rather points out the need for extreme thought, and reminds us of the fact that there is an opposite to that extreme. It only makes sense that to have balance, or even a spectrum of thought that creates the potential for balance, we must first have two extremes. So perhaps human interaction also encourages serious reflection on both extremes, which in turn will lead to greater complexity and depth of knowledge, thus closing the gap on Wisdom, Truth, and Happiness. But then does this prove a connection between happiness and Happiness, or is it just a lucky bounce?

Pondering ...

After several hours of pondering I don't believe a connection between happiness and Happiness has been proven; but I believe we've shown that human interaction does provide a circumstance that allows for (and at times may dictate) cheerfulness over seriousness; and makes the case that cheerfulness / relaxation / fun is more of a respite; unless ...

Unless the connection may be its rejuvenating power. Perhaps cheerfulness refocuses and sharpens one's analytical and reflective energies, allowing for more complexity and depth, leading to a greater or broader understanding, thus closing the gap on Happiness. Or perhaps this is simply a convenient justification for pursuing fun; or avoiding seriousness.

So I'm still not certain a connection exists; or should exist.

And outside of human interaction, I (personally) have a difficult time allowing everyday happiness to intrude upon my seriousness. Cheerfulness is not my natural state of mind; I am generally happy (small 'h') in my seriousness. Yet somehow when I carefully consider cheerfulness (as I have done this week) it feels that it should play a more significant role. If there is no direct straight-line connection between happiness and Happiness I feel (and want to believe) that there is a relationship. Perhaps distant (2nd or 3rd cousins twice removed?), but still, a relationship. If I think of the connection (if there is a connection) in these terms - as a distant cousin - it may keep me from taking advantage.

So, it looks like (in my search for Happiness) I should occasionally meet happiness for coffee and we will continue to see each other at the reunions, but otherwise I think it best we remain at arm's length. After all, I do not want the stigma of a 'kissing cousin'.