the courage to be happy

​What if understanding and learning to embody and live from true happiness is the most reasonable, practical, and responsible activity we could possibly undertake at this time?

This week, I will continue to explore the thematic elements of unconditional happiness, being “happy-with,” and the frame of seeing unhappiness as an unconscious strategy for getting something we want.

Happiness can be a challenging concept to use in this context for many people and for many reasons. However, I choose to use it because I find it to be the most powerful way to locate hidden resistance to what is.

It has finally become undeniable to even most in the mainstream that we are truly in a time of great crisis and great change. Happiness might seem to be an unreasonable, unattainable, inappropriate (or even selfish) aim at such a time as this. If you would agree with this consciously or unconsciously, I suspect that you might be missing a very crucial understanding of the true nature of happiness.

Why do we value personal and environmental health, economic prosperity, equality, and good leadership? Values that are all being currently threatened. Ultimately, because we want to be happy and at peace, or we want that for those we love. And, as we actually experience happiness in abundance, we may realize we want happiness and peace for all beings, for real happiness rejects nothing and includes everything.

Truly doing what we can to respond to the crises and challenges we are facing individually and collectively has two aspects. First is discerning what is ours to do and doing it. Second is doing what we must to return to the deep well within us from where ever-present happiness and peace spring forth. This is not a casual return, but a sacred return. It involves facing whatever we have turned away from. Owning what we have disowned. Feeling what we have refused to feel. And seeing what we have tried to keep hidden. This is often a painful process, and at times may require every bit of strength and courage you have to keep going. But what is the alternative?

Look around at the insanity of the world we are now living in. What if this is the result of our collective refusal to confront our shadow? If we aim for true happiness, or true love, or truth itself (ultimately they are all one essence) we have to go back to our Source the way we appeared to leave it. We can unlearn the ways of unhappiness, unforgiveness, and the belief in separation. We can come home to our Self.

I don’t know how this great drama of our time is going to play out, and I don’t believe anyone can know absolutely. But some constants will remain. Everything that is born will die. Everything we can know with our senses is temporary and ever-changing. And, who we really are is forever unborn, a silent witness to all of it. And, everything that happens in this human life can be the call to take a stand for what is most important, inside and out.

Blessings on your sacred return.