The traps of happiness is trying to buy it. Thinking of happiness as a particular psychological state. When we become attached to a particular experience then we can lose sight of our Self. When we become overly attached to material 'things' we forget our own living humanity and perhaps the humanity of others.
Isn’t happiness doing a good job?
Falling in love?
Buying a new pair shoes?
People identify themselves and confuse their worth in the emotional currency acquired through these experiences. They do not realize that projecting themselves in a role, possession or another person, they have abandoned themselves and the authentic pathway of Self-Connection, Self-Realization and Self-Actualization.
People come to the false conclusion: “I do X and I feel good. If I was really good and worthy I would feel good all the time.” This has become the epitome of western capitalistic “pursuit'“ of happiness.
I explore two metaphors to simultaneously hold a space for happiness in the temporary sense which occurs at the level of ego and roles and a related dimension of being, our roots, where the existential connection to Self allows for a grounding in our humanity that does not depend on external rewards to be valuable or worthy.
When we can return to our Self, the ground of Being, we let go of attachment to things and material happiness. We reclaim our projected energy and we enter into a state of silence where we are not bought into a delusion of happiness.
A simple reflection on the topic of happiness might be the way you language it.
Do you think about “What makes you happy?” or Who makes you happy?
Do you see yourself as the agent for the creation of happiness? Do you see yourself as capable of creating happiness before an event occurs or possession acquired? Is it possible to nurture positive mind states? The reflection of what and who makes us happy comes down to one’s sense of agency or locus of control. Is it internal or external? What is the relationship between what occurs and what emotional states we create?