23rd of February

 “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

As I think about this quote, I think it is fundamentally spot on. Not surprising, considering its source. The man generally knew of what he spoke. But, to really get in there and run through the last week or so, with this quote in mind... there may be some other types of Happiness, sure, but essentially, these three things being in harmony, equal being comfortable in your own skin, I think. And that is definitely a brand of Happy, for me.

And, I suppose you could have think/say/do in alignment for the negative, which would probably not make for a whole boatload of happy, but let's forego that particular interpretation for the moment. Thinking horrible things, saying horrible things, and doing horrible things, would make for an aligned human of sorts... and maybe there are those who would find happiness in that state, but I don't think I want to hang out with those people. 

I certainly think that the absence of harmony, regarding think/say/do, results in no happy. If I am talking pleasantly to a friend, customer, client, or family member, but am riled up inside my head, agitated about them, or something else, I am effectively split into parts, and on some level, being false to myself and to the situation. No happy.

When I am surrounded by what is meaningful, and focused on what is meaningful to me and to others... working toward some meaningful goal, big or small... this is generally when I find that I am in alignment, that what I am thinking about, what I am talking about, and what I am doing all are in-step.

It helps to focus on my part in things, as I can occasionally be distracted by other people's business... if I allow myself to get up in other people's stuff, or speak ill of other people, it chips away at my alignment, my serenity, my happiness. Chips away at me. 

If I can manage to set my default to kindness on a daily basis, then what I am thinking about, talking about, and, most importantly, doing... is rooted in kindness. This generally makes for the happiest me... and as has been noted before, here and elsewhere, me being happy, being aligned and comfortable in my own skin, generally spreads to those around me. 

This is a good thing.

the Keeper (word to think about/keep with me for a bit): 

“Alignment” - n. 1.) arrangement in a straight line, or in correct or appropriate relative positions. 2.) a position of agreement or alliance.

I hope to be aligned in the most positive, productive, and ultimately satisfying way for myself and those around me.

19th of February

  “The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating – in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life.”

- Anne Morriss (“The Way I See It”)

You very likely have seen this quote recently. It is actually from a Starbucks cup - #76 in the “The Way I See It” series... Which a part of my brain is dead-set against quoting... it's on a coffee cup, for crying out loud! And not only that, but it's decidedly not a cup from one of the uber-excellent independent coffee house in out fair city of Portland... but from the monolithic coffee empire of Starbucks. But, if I close my mind to the things around me, whatever they may be, then I am pretty hosed. Plus, I love coffee and am committed to it, no matter the outlet for said liquid black nourishment.... not particularly monogamous when it comes to the bean... And Anne Morriss seems to be a insightful person who is committed to making good things happen... from what I can tell she is a facilitator an advocate for the planet and it's many peoples.

And, on this day, some years ago, I got married. So there is not a lot else on my mind today other than love and commitment. 

This quote reminds me that commitment is a type of surrender and is one of those paradoxes where by giving in to something, you actually gain a kind of power, a freedom. I am thinking about relationships today, but this is true of a commitment to yourself, a project, or even an ideal or cause. When you throw your whole self into something, there is much to be gained. Obviously, commitments can be hard work - that's why they're called commitments. But from what I have experienced, and what I have observed, the things that bear fruit, require work. Consistent work. And the yield is directly proportional to how much I am willing to put myself into the commitment. 

You combine commitment with the selflessness and levity of love (love in relationships, yes, but also in the broader sense), and you have a powerful combination indeed. 

the Keeper (word to think about/keep with me for a bit): 

“Commitment” - n. 1.) the act of committing or the state of being committed. 2.) Dedication; application. 3.) A pledge or undertaking. 4.) An act of pledging or setting aside something. 

I hope to revel in the commitments I have made, to stay dedicated, and treat them with the respect that any serious endeavor warrants.