Life, Liberty and ...

The pursuit of happiness, what does that mean? What is pursuit: the act of pursuing to catch or attack; accomplishing a goal. This definition implies a thing that is outside the self; an otherness to attain. What is happiness – ah, that is the question. Defined as “the state of being happy,” (a bit of a rabbit hole huh?). We know happiness as a state of elation on a spectrum from content to ecstatic. In Western thought, happiness is often attached to an external stimulus, an idea, an adventure, a purchase. “When I get __________ (fill in the blank), I’ll be happy.” The late Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh wrote extensively on happiness (Happiness by Thich Nhat Hanh) and addressed it as a way of being in the world. “There is no way to happiness – happiness is the way.” As we live our life from a state of happiness, we are better able to address the uncomfortable moments in life with ease and grace.

In my research for this post I encountered eudaimonia (u-day-mOn-Ee-a), n. “human flourishing’; a contented state of being happy, healthy, and prosperous. This feels like a more attainable right; “Life, Liberty and Eudaimonia.” Nothing to pursue there. My internet search on happiness also yielded a fun glossary of international words for various states of happiness. English is so limiting. I’ve posted them here for enjoyment, the article is linked here. How are you investigating your happiness? Are you aware of your happiness in all parts of your day? Let me know what you think.

1. Shinrin-yoku (Japanese) - “Forest-bathing.”

2. Charmolypi (Greek) - “Sweet, joy-making sorrow.”

3. Fjaka (Croatian) - “The sweetness of doing nothing.”

4. Pretoogjes (Dutch) - “Fun eyes.”

5. Sólarfrí (Icelandic) - “Sun holiday.”

6. Tarab (Arabic) - “Musically induced ecstasy or enchantment.”

7. Sprezzatura (Italian) - “Nonchalant effortlessness.”

8. Mamihlapinatapai (Yagán) - “A look between people that expresses unspoken but mutual desire.”

9. Etterpåklokskap (Norwegian) - “After wisdom.”

10. Engelengeduld (Dutch) - “Angelic patience.”

11. Orka (Swedish) - “Requisite energy for a task.”