Happiness – An Elusive Commodity
Introduction: A comment or so will be useful to introduce remarks on the topic today. One, I use the word “commodity” to describe a very intangible trait of human existence. The word usually refers to things material in nature. Familiar to most is the concept of Commodity Trading or the Commodity Market. Much in that area of commerce is foreign to this writer. At the same time the popular 1983 comedy “Trading Places,” starring Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche, reveals many aspects and risks involved in “playing” with the commodity market.
Second, as a disclaimer of what is often claimed in my columns of “writing off the top of my head,” I now affirm that I read – and then read some more (researched, if you please) – and then reflected or gave great thought to what I wanted to say today.
This topic was motivated when I came across an article in National Geographic magazine titled “The secret behind one of the happiest countries in the world.” The article was a story about Denmark and the emotional and mental makeup of the people. Interest did not end with my simple reading of the content. The story led down one road of investigation and after another. That journey has not ended yet.
It would be profitable to the knowledge and enjoyment of nearly all readers if I could share with you what has been read thus far; doing that is not practical. In fact, delving very deep into any of the revelations would possibly not be interesting to most readers. Rather, I have chosen to share some of the shorter and to- the- point statements it is felt would be more edifying to most readers.
Observations and concerning happiness:
Familiar to nearly all are the words upon which our nation is founded: “We hold these truths to be self- evident: All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their statements word is “hygge.” The word is not found in my Webster’s New World Dictionary Third College Edition. That point is made knowing there is no end to what you can find and read about the word. In fact, there have been books written about hygge. The word seems to denote what the Danes feel are the factors which contribute to what we term happiness.
Thomas Jefferson wisely stated “Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.”
A practical suggestion for all of us in today’s world:
The Danish word “Hygge” is all about being present in the moment, so the less distraction the better. Their suggestion is turn off the technology. The option presented was “instead of a screen ( TV, Smart Phones, iPads, etc.), opt for analog ( equivalent) entertainment like reading, journaling, playing board games, crafting, cooking or simply ( non- work related) conversation.”
The utterance many could say to those in the room with them is “Welcome to my world.” This is one about which volumes could be written. Ask any parent how modern technology has separated them and their children. There is no moral implication here, simply a statement of reality as it has become more difficult to capture ( reign in) the attention of those closest to us.
Erin Barnes and the “Happy” award:
This column is to be continued. Before I leave these thoughts today I want to present Erin Barnes with “The Most Happy” award. The young sophomore at Calhoun High manifests the happiest countenance on a constant basis more than anyone I see. My heart is rejuvenated after seeing the glow and smile on her face. If only we all could seem as happy.