The pursuit of happiness is a frivolous American affair which confuses fun with the greater life of finding joy in mind, body, and spirit.
Fun is often a market driven state of mind with little redeeming quality outside of the extreme state of the moment. Though it should be a part of the enlightened state of joyful living it is often so obsessed over that it must be purchased and often in the form of a chemical alteration to the brain or other parts of the body. It can lead to an obsessive and compulsive behavior attempting to maintain the heightened sense of excitement or pleasure. It can and will be disrupted by most or all things which interfere with the pleasing moment or the perceived attainment of social, mental, financial or physical goals.
The enlightened state of joyful living begins with spirit and moves to mind and body. If the mind and body are dysfunctional the spirit can carry the person who has found contentment. In the Judeo-Christian tradition this state of joy filled spirit and living is found in the simultaneously devoted journey with and toward God. In his/her God given faith the sojourner learns to desire the thoughts and ways of the Creator. The power of well being grows from the experience that the Lord God will care for them even in the absolute worst situation. This confidence of understanding does not depend on continuous pleasures but grows from the very troubles life does contain.
Because God is the ultimate source of life and healing the person does not depend upon purchased or exotic fun for fulfillment. Instead the peace of a God centered life is enjoyed with moments of fun scattered throughout but not depended upon. Life is celebrated because of the loving presence of God, not due to something purchased, perceived to have been earned, or social acclaim.
RD
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