Happiness...

when it comes to it, is a also a neuro-chemical reaction, a bunch of neuro-transmitters fired up, serotonin, dopamine and all sorts of endorphins having a good time inside the fine circuitry of your brain. Scientists today are discovering, redundantly, that happiness, as opposed to that other state that is generally described as depression, can be attained by doing, making stuff with one's hands, being creative, being involved in something fun, you know... like a child playing with scissors -which some parents might consider a dangerous activity, and since I do not want to digress here, I'll just nod and go back to the main issue.

Zen Bouddhism, Shintoism, Tantra, Shamanics, and many other spiritual paths agree that being completely involved in the moment is an intrinsic aspect in one's awakening. So how does one go about being completely involved in the moment?

Many crowd-pulling philosophies prescribe, acceptance of the now and here, a willingness to be fully present, even through the most mundane of activities. Training to reach this state of conscious being includes, among many other eccentricities, learning meditation, be it seated, walking, archery, running, whirling, dancing...

Of course, this approach can be expanded, and has been, to doing the dishes, tilling the fields, digging a fence, gardening, knitting, quilting, cooking, painting, in fact, anything that can be done, with passion, for long enough, involving making something that is worth making. No wonder I am seeing, (in these times of unfulfilling, and almost, soulless working conditions, of dead-end careers, of great doubts,) more crafts being made and sold than I could ever recall.

Happiness is a marvelous garden with as many entry gates as there are human souls. Only your feet can get there. And then once, you're there, Only your hands can touch what treasures are in it. Only your eyes can... you get the jest. And just to stay in this track of new-aggie imagery, for I cannot resist the temptation, I'll add this last cliché, which may I indicate is a favorite of mine: What triggers the perfect natural high in you is a unique alchemical reaction. It is yours to discover, yours to allow. The paths do not have to be the same for everyone, in fact, they cannot be the same. And so what works for me, may not be what you need.

Long ago, I eagerly accepted Shintoism as a viable template for a spiritual path I could trace. Then came surfing, and surfing was the very medium in which I was destined to meet myself, the serum that would allow me to rise above the thick physicality of life, get a glimpse of how everything is, beyond the chatter of words, clouding doctrines, and all the limited views set by our kind.

Surfing opens the mind, there is no other way to describe it. Yet, I do not believe that it is the one and only solution. Well, for me, it is. As for the rest of creation, we are as unique as snowflakes and seashells are. As you can see, this morning, I am into analogies like Pooh bear is into honey jars. What was I talking about again?

Oh, I remember. So be well, and if you're feeling in a bit of a funk, find yourself a hobby, do something you really like, or, I don't know, make or adopt a child if that is what you fancy -and that would probably work, because kids know how to keep grown-ups busy. Now, if you can't figure out a good hobby for yourself, try this one: Find yourself a nice cozy place where you can sit and ponder a big question, and I promise you it won't take long in this particular case, then, strike your favorite pensive pose, and, think what would I be doing if I knew that this was my final day on earth, among those I love, and let's not forget, those I can't stand. Just do that, because, and I am sorry to head down this downing slope of thoughts, there is no guarantee that this isn't our last day on earth. Now, if you happen to still be here tomorrow, I'd say, just do same thing again -Who knows you might just be on the right track?

Now enjoy the rest of your day, as far as I am concerned, I'll be heading to the Psychic fair -yes, you read it correctly, it isn't a typo... And no need to judge, I'm running out of material.