Happiness, a state of mind

Happiness is definable only by the person experiencing it. Happiness is an attitude or perception.

by Patricia Rutledge, Ph.D. — 

An epidemic of boredom surges through the nation. Teens and young adults are most prone to this self-perpetuating condition, but therapists are finding many adults lingering in the realm of boredom, too jaded to seek excitement or happiness — giving up. As a whole, we have seen and experienced all the thrills that are electronically provided through television, computer, virtual games or pornography.

Commonly, physical challenges are experienced and conquered, and higher degrees of excitement are necessary to stimulate our feelings until nothing but boredom exists. This leads to chronic desensitization and the inability to feel happiness. Compare it to a wake-up cup of coffee that morphs into the need for additional caffeine boosts to make it through the day, or the way the high obtained from a little bit of ephedrine turns into the need for higher doses of similar drugs to achieve the same euphoria or energy. Where does it stop?

What is happiness? Happiness is definable only by the person experiencing it. Happiness is an attitude or perception. Happiness is a choice to observe or participate in a joyful spirit.

Happiness means simple pleasures, such as watching golden retriever puppies romping in the early morning sun, chewing on each other’s faces, tugging tails and cascading over one another. Happiness is sunshine caressing an upturned face, spinning, wide-armed, in circles, glorifying the Creator on a hill on South Mountain. Happiness is dancing through a grocery store with a daughter or a son. Happiness is observing an elderly couple holding hands or looking into a baby’s eyes. Happiness is baking a pie and sharing it with loved ones. Happiness is a state of being we can embrace daily.

Happiness comes in various forms from exuberant joy to quiet contentment. Happiness does exist and is attainable.

Patricia Rutledge has a Ph.D. in natural health, holds certifications in hypnotherapy and source integration and specializes in psychoneuroimmunology. She utilizes trauma resolution, desensitizationm relaxation techniques, BodyTalk, HMR and other modalities including healing touch and energy work. 480-283-5451 or www.BeyondCounseling.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 25, Number 2, April/May 2006.