The Pursuit of Happiness

The other morning I was pondering happiness-what defines it, do we create it or does it just happen?, and the pursuit of it. I decided to check out of what most might consider the primo pursuit-my work, my "job", that which brings me money-and spend some time outdoors, where I tend to gain, if not happiness, at least a sense of grounding and connection to a higher source.

It was a beautiful day, and the normally dry hills behind my house were lush with verdant green life from the abundance of monsoon rains we have gotten this year. The whole high desert seemed to be smiling with happiness. Ocotillo are fat, fresh green leaves shading the normally visible sharp thorns. Prickly Pear is hosting plump fruit ready for harvesting. A plethora of vines crawl across the gravel trail way and several varieties of grasses were swaying in the breeze. Wildflowers dot the landscape with contrasting colors of purple, yellow, pink and white.

The critters were quite prolific as well. Crickets and cicada's of extraordinary color combinations were everywhere, all seeking the next plant to nibble on to satisfy their momentary pursuit of happiness. An unidentified, and rather fat, snake slithered away as I approached a wash, still moist from yesterdays rain. A Horny Toad basked in the sunlight, oblivious to my presence. As a sat under a tree hummingbirds danced above me.

Not everyone who passes through here is able to relish in the natural beauty, for they are on a different pursuit of happiness. I live 3 miles from the Mexico border, and these hills are the passing grounds of UDA's -otherwise known as Undocumented Aliens, as if they were from Mars or something. One area is strewn with clothes, backpacks, toothbrushes, deodorant sticks, kids shoes and various other personal items-left behind to presumably lighten their load, or perhaps the Coyote's require they not carry anything for the next leg of their journey. These journey's they embark on are dangerous, physically challenging, and often life threatening. All in the pursuit of a new happiness. Each time I come upon one of these area's my heart fills with compassion for the people who pass through here and I feel immensely grateful for the abundant life I live, where I am able to freely pursue that which I choose to determine my happiness.

As I sat under the tree, I looked out upon the tailing remains of copper mining in this area. This huge mountain in and of itself obscenely exemplifies how one man's pursuit can severely impact the lives of others. The miners received little pay for their hard work, while the mining company made away with a pretty bundle, leaving the earth raped and destroyed. I wondered how my own pursuits might effect others.

As the day got warmer, and the afternoon thunderheads began to build I wandered slowly back home (and to my work). As I pondered serious questions about my own happiness at this time in my life, it occurred to me how vast is the definition of happiness, and that we all set about our pursuits in a kaleidoscope of possibilities. My happiness might raise someone else's eyebrows, while someone else's pursuits raise compassion and wonder in me, as the many critters, plant beings, and humans that pass through this landscape do.

What brings you happiness? How do you pursue it? Are you living a life of Whole Health by understanding what brings you happiness and actively pursuing it? What happens when you don't? These questions are excellent for long walks in the hills-feel free to leave your computer now and get out there to find out for yourself!