My views about ecology and life are constantly being tested and
this can be uncomfortable. The discomfort increases as one
approaches key beliefs, and this topic is one of those.
Most of my actions and those of others are at some
deep level tied into beliefs about contentment and happiness.
Mostly i talk with the dog about this topic because the arguments
are shorter and the risk is low. I don't get pushed into a corner
or jump on a soap box and start preaching. The dog ignores my
strong arguments and tries to turn everything into a game.
Probably a better approach than constant introspection and
discussion of philosophy <grin>.
What prompted me to ramble on about all this is a
new book was published this year (1999) with the title:
Contentment, A Way to True Happiness, by Robert A. Johnson
and Jerry Ruhl. It is a small book of 115 pages and
almost fits in my pocket. The discussions are brief
and it follows a well ordered outline. In other words,
the authors seem well organized and have given the topic
some thought. I didn't find anything new in the book,
but a review of the topic is always useful. Here is
a complete outline of the book. Skip, the rest of
this if in a hurry, it goes on for a few pages.
The Tragedy of Modern (Industrial) Society.
mistaking pleasure for happiness
Our society has embraced advertising and the message
that "having" is happiness. Marketing reaches into
every phase of life, it learns what works, and controls
how we think. Most of us think being content is having
it all.
the search for contentment
The problem with consumption or "having" is that it
can never be satisfied. You scratch the itch and
that only lasts for a short period. Obviously, there
is more to happiness than consumption, and it is a
mistake to be distracted by the those marketing
products.
the fall from eden
The belief that life was simpler at one time or
that a eden exists somewhere is another trap. We
carry most of our problems inside and that is what
needs most of our attention. Thinking that a
eco-village is the answer or a eco-community will
be enough is a mistake. There is no eden.
This is an old story known to Shakespere
Understanding the nature of contentment isn't new and
we won't find a new science to explain it. We have
not progressed much beyond the writings of old authors
such as Shakespere.
the story of King Lear
King Lear in Shakespere story gave his kingdom to
two daughters who said they loved him the most. It
was a disaster.
There are many possible messages in this story, but
one i found is that the kingdom (things) and promises
(words) are secondary to beliefs and actions. In
the end we have nothing except memories. The joy
in life is in the present moment. We need to live
today as if it is the last day of our life.
The Psychology surrounding contentment
Contentment isn't out there, it is inside.
It is important to not strive for perfection
and accept ourselves.
It isn't getting what you want, it is more
often, wanting what you get.
The simple act of learning to enjoy what you have
can lead to downsizing and a simpler life.
Suffering
The presence of suffering is everywhere and often
we can not avoid it. If we accept it is part of
life some peace is gained. It may even be possible
to find contentment and accept suffering at the
same time.
The gifts we can accept or ignore.
(What follows is a long list of attributes which
we can view as gifts rather than "should" or
"rules" which one follows)
Personal energy
Awareness of the present
Ability to stop and slow down
Compassion from the heart
Nature
Sense of place (home)
Dreams
Purpose
Change and "letting go"
Chaos and confusion
Paradox
Simplicity and importance of ordinary
Myth
Skills and talents
Adventure, quest, and Pilgrimage
Spontaneity
Reparation
Forgiveness
Compassion
Detachment
