Finding Happiness

How To Be Happy: Poetry by Rian Adams

How to be happy is a question that has spawned thousands of ideas, books, and even religions. Everyone seems to have a simple answer to a very complex issue. We often overlook some of life most important lessons because we are too busy looking for life’s answers.

One thing being a priest has taught me is to avoid the people who have all the answers. The older I get the more questions I have. I’ve learned that the essence of happiness is living in the moment and welcoming the ambiguity of unknowing. Certainty is probably the enemy of happiness.

Joseph Campbell gave an outstanding speech on happiness in the book The Power of Myth. His main idea is that we gain happiness by chasing the thing in life that gives us bliss. So many people wander through life miserable because they never do what their hearts truly desire. The heart’s desire is often freedom.

However, often our bliss isn’t easily pursued because money is such a powerful motivator. We pursue happiness, and often find it, when we live in life’s ambiguity and not chase the certainty of security.

If you would like to read more of my poetry, please visit my poetry page.