I didn’t know it, but I spent December reading books about happiness. Well, I knew I was reading. But I thought I was reading about how to do no harm, how to surrender to uncertainty, to be kinder and more compassionate. Which, as I discovered, leads to happiness. Not a happiness as in it’s going to be a great day (although that’s a lovely feeling). But happiness as in embracing the world as it is and knowing that nothing need knock you off balance, or turn your great day into a shitty one.
I wrote a Review of my ‘happiness’ books for the Telegraph Journal. Then I noticed how the poem Beginner’s steps I wrote about a collage I did is essentially talking about the same things. So I attached those, too. The collage was done with Coleen Davidson and Sherry Smith at the Hatha Yoga Room in celebration of the Winter Solstice. The proceeds went to Autmun House.
As Pema Chodron says in Living Beautifully, we are all needed. Perhaps this is the year to spread yourself around – your joy, your wisdom, your happiness. We all need it.
So happy you’re reading me. Thanks!
Brilliant! I love Pema, as you know. Here is a line from Anodea Judith’s Chakra Balancing Workbook (which will be one of the resources for my next offering) “an open heart feels compassion and empathy for both self and others. It understands the tender nature of spirit, the delightful joy of connection, and the deep peace of acceptance.”
Thank you, Coleen! Love the quote. “Open heart” came up in my meditation today. Can’t wait to explore that in your workshop!
BTW, ever notice that when your back is straight and your sitting, or standing, in dignity your heart automatically opens?
Enjoyed reading your blog very much (the poem was beautiful).
This past year, I read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben. To be nice about it, the books you referenced sounded far more interesting.
Thanks, Susan! I know a book club who read the Happiness Project and it got mixed reviews. I’m so happy people are reading my blog – “the delightful joy of connection” as Coleen says :)
Am receiving your New year’s happiness wishes with a smile on this white-out night of a storm. Here I’ve been trying to gather in, not spread out, to create a vacuum for the universe to rush in. I might have to re-think that approach.
Here’s to a great ride in ’14
Great review for the Telegraph
Gathering in works for me! Sometimes I feel like pieces of me are scattered over the universe – like my writing, snippets here and there floating in space. One of my goals this year is to pull it all together and see what comes of it – me and the writing ;) Glad you liked the review. Thanks so much!
Hi
Testing to see if I am doing this correctly. It’s pouring here and I just finished The Year of the Flood so really needing some happy reading.
Nice piece. I like the poem/collage set a lot.
Thanks so much!
Tocwodhun! That’s a really cool way of putting it!
So happy to have discovered your blog Cathy. Happy to be on the receiving end of your joy, your wisdom, your happiness. Happy to find kindred spirits on the search of happiness in its many shapes and forms. Happy to know you. Happy to dance with you. Just so damn happy to be alive!!!
And that’s what so damn great about you!