Streamlined Happiness

Last week I discovered a renewed, streamlined Purpose having shed the heft of heavy garments worn to protect me from (what I had perceived as) the cold indifference of other's judgments. I discovered that these judgments (that I believed were cold) were (for the most part) simply an apathetic narcissism on their part combined with a narcissistic uncertainty on my part. Our Humanity dictates a certain level of self-interest to protect and advance one's personal well being, but if one is careless this self-interest may bruise and swell, becoming narcissism.

These thoughts have led me to a better understanding of the purpose of Purpose. Purpose is defined as 'a reason for existence' and also as 'an intended result, aim, or goal' which illustrates how it serves to layer an hour within a day within a month within a year within a decade within a Lifetime within a moment; the most important of these (perceived) time frames, being the moment. I have frequently said, in various ways, one should learn from the past and look to the future to live in the moment. The moment is also the focus of meditation, and (I believe) a key to Inner Peace.

Movement, synonymous with progress or forward movement, is often associated with Happiness. I believe 'forward movement' is redundant in that any movement (that does no harm) is progress. A lack of movement leads to stagnation, making growth impossible. It is up to the individual to determine the line between stagnation and progress. And this line is the minimum standard from which one derives Purpose.

If you imagine this line stretching in both directions further than you can see, this leaves innumerable possibilities for forward movement resulting in growth and helping one to find Purpose. Last week I said that 'intuition is why we pursue Happiness to begin with', and I believe it is also intuition that will lead us to our proper place (or at least its neighborhood) at the starting line that divides stagnation and progress. The starting gun was fired long ago.

In the previous post 'Knowing Unknowable Happiness' I defined and described 'Intuition' as follows:

Intuition is defined as 'direct perception of truth independent of any reasoning process'.

Intuition occurs in that magical (mystical) moment when one has transcended a particular aspect or (in rare moments) the whole of oneself, but has not yet consciously realized it. In this moment, there are no words. Once the moment becomes tangible (known), the magic is gone; and we cannot re-mystify the mundane. Through words though, we can (and do) glorify these leaps that (we feel) pull magic from beyond. These leaps and the effort expended are 'learning', and this magic made tangible becomes personal growth. 'Learning and Growth' is important and (in a worldly sense) magical, but still, once words are applied...

Intuition also occurs when one transcends, yet never consciously realizes it. This intuition (I believe) is/(is not) identifiable as a teasing vexation that resonates yet is easily ignored or dismissed. This intuition is like a beautiful butterfly seen fleetingly, yet not captured, pinned down (with words), and put on display. This intuition is elusive, therefore thought by some to also be illusive. This intuition is encouraged by solitude, thoughtful reflection, Love, pain, work, and Goodness; but this intuition can also stop us in our tracks on a crowded sidewalk, or in the middle of a busy workday, or (most rewarding) in the middle of a meaningful conversation, but we only stop momentarily, pause to look all around, and wonder "What was That?" This intuition is fleeting, unknown, and yet, somehow, known.

I think it is important to connect Intuition and Purpose. I look around and too often see one's Purpose dictated by circumstance and/or (worse yet) a parent, a mentor, or an influential other. I have been guilty of dispensing strong advice. Regardless of how one is led astray, and regardless of the circumstantial necessity that may result, one can still follow their gut/heart/spirit to find personal, intuitive Purpose. It is hard work and as discussed last week it will likely not lead to widespread or content-specific validation, but as I am learning, it can lead to personal fulfillment. A simple respect and tolerance is all that is needed from others. The Purpose is mine; and my intuition (as an often-overlooked, vital aspect of my internal essence) has led me here.

This entry was posted in Philosophy. Bookmark the permalink.

One Response to Streamlined Happiness

  1. Pingback: Minding Happiness | hopelesshappiness.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *