"Joie De Vivre"
Can the act of living life itself be joyful?
In the pursuit of happiness, we tend to take this approach of viewing happiness as a destination that exists somewhere or sometime in the future.
Definitely, a case could be made for finding happiness through actively searching for it, akin to finding a treasure buried deep within the desert. If we know what we're looking for, then we have a higher chance of finding it.
But we also have to acknowledge the fact that like many other emotions, happiness can be fleeting. Once we reach this proverbial destination and achieve happiness, it's just a matter of time before the emotion starts to fade away.
Perhaps, a change of circumstances happens or a new wanting is established. This is what often baffles me with emotions and thoughts, they're constantly changing without direct interference from us in changing them.
Sometimes, within a week, I can go through a variety of emotions from the heights of enthusiasm to the depths of fear, and everything in between such as uncertainty, motivation, indifference etc. Such a complex psyche!
The Spectrum of Happiness
Experientially, happiness can have different flavours or a spectrum of sorts. There are moments that we find ourselves happy for no apparent reason, moments we are happy for an apparent reason, such as achieving what we've set out to achieve and moments where we find happiness in the simple things.
Perhaps, a delicious cup of coffee, a heartfelt conversation, or the quiet beauty of watching a sunset.
Finding happiness in the simple things is often referred to as joie de vivre, a French expression which means joy of living. This pursues a zest for life through enjoyment of the moment and appreciation of the beauty in everyday experiences.
In my view, finding happiness in the simple things, the essence of joie de vivre, can often feel like a luxury in our modern world.
For instance, the simple act of brewing a cup of coffee can be overshadowed by the complexities(as in overflowing thoughts) of daily commutes, work deadlines, and overflowing inboxes.
In general, the complexities of daily life, be financial pressures, social obligations or work-related stress, all contribute towards overshadowing the beauty in everyday experiences, as if the simple things are now buried beneath a digital avalanche of notifications, updates, and a constant feeling of needing to be 'on'.
That said, even amidst these complexities, finding moments of appreciation and wonder for the simple things can be a transformative practice, from feeling dissatisfied to feeling content.
Besides, cultivating an appreciation for these simple moments is a surefire way to experience joy while we're alive without having to actively seek it.
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