Interconnected Happiness

Chicken/Egg Question: Does sensory input result in actions identifiable as behaviors ultimately creating character? Or does character determine behaviors that in turn impact one's interpretation of sensory input?

My initial thought is that the in-your-face senses of sight and sound are more likely to influence one's actions and reactions thus having a greater impact on one's character; whereas one's character is more likely to call on and interpret the more subtle senses of touch, taste, and smell. The extended suggestion is that if one were less reactive and more proactive towards the in-your-face senses a stronger case could be made for free-will; (some may argue that it would still be an 'illusion' of free-will, but nonetheless, most of us act as if perception is reality, so ...).

I have taken these thoughts on the hierarchy and significance of sensory input and applied parallels to the Ingredients of Happiness as originally identified in 'this previous post' and on the 'Periodic Happiness Table of Elements'. Pleasure, Enjoyment, and Human Interaction are the in-your-face Ingredients; the others (Learning, Growth, Attention and Focus, Complexity, and Depth) are more likely to be called upon by you, granting a deeper sense of satisfaction and a greater opportunity to close the gap on Truth, Wisdom, and Happiness. This is partially (perhaps largely) because of the greater efforts and by association the greater rewards inherent in a proactive process. I believe we are potentially more reactive and/or spontaneous with Pleasure/Comfort, Enjoyment, and Human Interaction though these three Ingredients can (and should) be a thoughtful, proactive process whenever possible. The nature of the other Ingredients (I believe) is more conducive to thoughtful planning and appreciation (much like the more subtle senses), though Attention and Focus can at times be a result of 'getting caught up in the moment' and in these times can be a pleasant surprise. It is a fact that the greater the effort, the greater the value placed on the reward(s) or outcome of a particular set of actions or behaviors; thus making the case that proactive efforts are more likely to close the gap on Truth, Wisdom, and Happiness than the reactive efforts more commonly associated with Pleasure and Human Interaction. That is not to state that one should avoid Pleasure/Comfort (tempered by moderation) or Human Interaction as these are valid, necessary, unavoidable, and potentially productive elements; it is only to suggest (again) that one approach all elements with as much careful thought and consideration as is possible given the circumstance.

Sensory input in this empirical existence impacts all aspects of one's search for Happiness and with proper guidance is relevant to all of the aforementioned Ingredients. That guidance begins with understanding, and in that vein it helps to know how sensory input is processed. I'm certain these thoughts are not new, but their organization is, (for me), helpful.

I have identified five pathways through which sensory experience travels in order to influence behaviors, become subject to interpretation, and potentially impact one's character. I believe the art of transforming a sensory experience is accomplished through one or more of the following:

  1. primal instinct
  2. emotional reaction
  3. foolish or creative reflection
  4. rational thought
  5. intuition
It is interesting to consider various sensory experiences and the path or paths they may take. For example, the process of food preparation/cooking to consumption/eating could potentially run the gamut of all five. Regardless of which pathway(s) the sensory input initially jumps on, transformation must travel through an empirical, cognitive, or transcendental center housed within the individual. And (continuing the cooking analogy) much like the heat in cooking, these internal centers (mind/body/heart/spirit) serve as a catalyst for transformation by reducing the sensory experience into more palatable thoughts, resulting in instinctive, acceptable, or calculated actions and behaviors. Similar or like-minded behaviors over time then identify one's individually, recognizable, consistent demeanor or character. And as one's character solidifies through Learning and Growth, one becomes capable of guiding/controlling the sensory input in order to maintain consistency in behaviors and be true to oneself; or true to one's facade as the case may be.

When I find sensory input controlling or guiding me, more so than I am interpreting and guiding sensory input, there are certain activities I turn to that are helpful in reversing that flow. The following are activities that calm my senses and encourage generative transformations:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Cooking
  • Music
  • Walking
  • Swimming

There is a lot of interconnectedness going on in this week's thoughts, with the overriding theme seemingly 'transformation'. From an accumulation of small bits of empirical data to activities, behaviors, and formation of character, via instinctive, emotional, reflective, rational, and intuitive processes, transformation appears to be an unending process flowing in and around all aspects in all directions. I have found it more difficult to control or guide these processes in the midst of numerous and/or overwhelming inputs; hence the need for the activities listed above and the mental structuring of the processes.

I have found myself turning to the calming activities from above frequently of late, and unfortunately have also on occasion turned to mind-numbing, futile, or destructive activities that only provide a short-term illusion of tranquility, (lower-case) happiness, or control. I need to avoid short-term illusion and oblivion, and continue my quest for Truth, Wisdom, and Happiness via the more thoughtful, structured, proactive, and constructive processes that actually contribute to the search. I need to consistently and continuously heighten my awareness; and that is my (contributory) hope with each new, weekly post.

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