Last week one of our own, Dr Lloyd Thomas, spoke on a subject that should be of interest to all members - Rotary and the Pursuit of Happiness. The information was supported by quotes from wise men, from Socrates to present-day cartoonists. Perhaps a surprise, cartoons may contain thoughts to live by. Lloyd started with a quote from E. E. Cummings…” Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human heart”.
But how did we become ourselves? We come into this world with a blank computer, and we must recognize that everything we know was taught to us by someone else - language, values, specific knowledge etc. The first cartoon tells us that happiness can be complicated or just “donuts” (Pearls before Swine). In the next, we hear about the “cynical psychologist” (Born Loser).
Programming or reprogramming the mind involves several connections or progressions.
- Memories create Words
- Words create Thoughts
- Thoughts create Emotions
- Attitudes create Beliefs
- Beliefs create Perceptions
- Perceptions create Choices
- Behaviors create Your level of Happiness
The majority of brain activity (85%) is used for maintenance of bodily functions (we don’t need to remember to have another heartbeat). All of this works well without our interference. However, many of these functions can be conditioned and our mentation can be controlled to achieve happiness or not.
Helen Keller knew that happiness came from our internal self, not external experience, and, a love of service was the best way to find lasting happiness. Most of our brain programming occurs during childhood. When children are raised in a supportive family they find happiness is a birthright.
Helen Keller and Albert Schweitzer both knew that happiness was derived internally and the most reliable way to achieve happiness was through service to others (We are a service organization). Telling the truth to oneself and to others builds integrity and honesty.
This leads us to the Four- Way Test.
- Is it the Truth? Quotes from Mark Twain and William Shakespeare remind us that telling the truth is easy and essential to our interactions with others.
- Is it Fair to all concerned? Do we treat others and other entities with collaboration or competition?
- Will it build Goodwill and better friendships? Think of those who have made your life better or love that lasts for years.
- Will it be Beneficial to all concerned? It’s easier than you think (illustrated by a Pearls Before Swine cartoon)
Next Lloyd shared 15 activities that create happiness. Each of these were supported by quotes from wise men, but I think we all have had personal experience with each (and perhaps all) as sources of happiness.
- Stay focused in the immediate moment
- Meditate
- Humor
- Move your body
- Sleep
- Sexual activity
- Music
- Eating
- Creating
- Thinking positive thoughts
- Playing
- Working to achieve desired outcomes
- Get outside
- Gratitude
- Continued learning
A quote by Roy T Bennett (The Lighting in the Heart) was offered in summary - “If you want to experience ‘Happiness’ in life…accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.”
And treat yourself and others as you would treat a loved child. Patsy Cline sang – “If I could See the World (Through the Eyes of a Child)”.