Clap Along

I find the question, “what makes you happy?” intriguing and engaging but I am not the first to explore the depths of human happiness. Two thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks spent countless hours thinking and arguing about different paths to living a good life.

Aristotle proposed that Eudaimonia— leading a virtuous life—was the pinnacle of happiness. While I agree with the significant role that Eudaimonia plays in happiness, I find that the pendulum has swung too far in this direction when determining what should make people happy.

Many people today—young and older—are under pressure to build a successful and financially prosperous career, do well in school, be good parents, make meaningful social relationships, and exert positive social influence. Although these goals are worth having, and we all have to live with passion and purpose, the problem lies in that they have become so synonymous with happiness that they exude too much stress on individuals.

I think that happiness is achieved not only through meaningful pursuits but also through distinct types of pleasure, and those pleasures depend on how each person defines happiness and what it means to them.

I enjoy learning, discovery, and exposure to an aesthetic life. But my recollection of having fun is varied. Whether it’s with family or friends, or even strangers, the most memorable and happiest memories in my life go beyond that scope.

While fooling around with friends over a drink at a party or going to a theme park with family may seem unproductive, these times of fun give people the motivation to continue their life journey and make life worth smiling about.

Last week I went to many places but during the week I visited the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) Museum in Downtown Los Angeles. They were showcasing an amazing collection of iconic movie costumes seen recently in the films that were nominated for an Oscar. The display explores the craft of costume design and the talented artisans who aid in cinematic storytelling.

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Tar

Seeing them gave me pleasure; wearing them would have made me happy, especially the strapless dress.

What makes you happy? Do you surprise yourself with any quirks?

Does your happiness involve others? Do you think it can be achieved solo?

I’ll leave you with a song that lifts me up every time I hear it even more than wearing a fancy dress because I would have wanted to dance in this video!

And finally, this quote is taken from the I Ching.

Life leads the thoughtful man on a path of many windings.

Now the course is checked, now it runs straight again.

Here winged thoughts may pour freely forth in words,

There the heavy burden of knowledge must be shut away in silence.

But when two people are at one in their inmost hearts,

They shatter even the strength of iron or of bronze.

And when two people understand each other in their inmost hearts,

Their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.

Confucius