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Along the Lycian Way December 13, 2013

Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Mindfulness, People.
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After completing a 300-mile hike along the Lycian Way, Warren Talbot wrote a post, A Sense of Loss at the End of a Big Adventure, that speaks volumes about the human condition and the continuing cycle of Desire:

Desire ~> Fulfillment ~> New Desire ~> Fulfillment ~> New Desire

As soon as we satisfy “one itch” (and experience momentary elation at our “success”), we feel let down . . . until a new itch arises to take its place and garner our attention.

We hurry from Point A to Point B thinking that happiness lies behind Door #25 of the Advent Calendar.

Xmas-Cat

But when we get there, after the brief sugar rush subsides, we find that happiness is NOT there after all.

As long as we believe that happiness requires reaching X, Y, or Z, we keep “looking forward to . . .” which causes frustration and impatience to arise.  

We suffer whether we attain the object of our desire (and realize ephemeral happiness) or see it hanging just out of reach, never realized, like those proverbial grapes.

At first, writers want to “write a book.”  Then they want to “find an agent.” Then they want a publisher. And readers. Fans. Sales. And more sales.

Then they want to write a new book. And they want to . . .

But we can end the never-ending cycle of Desire, Satisfaction, New Desire.

Infinity

Lasting happiness is found when we enjoy the journey in the Here and Now, letting life unfold without insisting on reaching a set destination or goal.

When we enjoy the journey in THIS moment (and THIS moment and THIS moment), the adventure NEVER ends.  We realize that something amazing can happen around ANY corner ~ in the middle of a crowded city bus, at a ball game, or while chopping wood.

Instead of anticipating “beginnings” and mourning “endings.” we enjoy the gentle flow from “where we are” to “where we are” to “where we are.”

Mindful of the present moment, we find the abiding happiness yearned for since the advent of Advent Calendars by looking within . . . where Peace, Hope, Love, Joy, and Laughter reside.

Aah . . . that’s better!

Thanks to a mad twist of Hamlet’s Shakespearean soliloquy, Col selected me to host Haiku Monday this week ~ Enter at Haiku Monday ~ (A Twist of) Fate