Blog 3267 – 10.12.2024

The Secret to Happiness

About fifteen years ago and about five and a half years before I began this daily blog I began a particular quest to find more satisfying answers to some pretty important questions in my life at the time regarding in particular one of those inalienable rights enumerated in the U.S. Constitution – the pursuit of happiness. I find it quite appropriate that that very wise document does not predict or promise our ultimate happiness, but only points out our unalienable right to pursue it.

It was during this period when I was especially open to new ideas in my life and was looking into new and different things that I came upon Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret – The Law of Attraction one of several similar New Age or New Thought ideas that captivated my mind then and continues to.

The Law of Attraction or The Secret simply stated is that what we think on with emotions and expectation comes to us, or in more nineteen seventies lingo whatever vibrations we send out into the world or the universe draw to us like results.

Rhonda Byrnes particular emphasis is upon obtaining and maintaining an attitude of gratitude for that she says is The Secret to finding happiness in this time and space theater where we find ourselves. The Western culture’s emphasis is on obtaining things to find satisfaction but like the early Rolling Stones hit song “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” we often find that even after getting what we thought would bring us ultimate gratification that we still are unsatisfied.

The Eastern culture’s emphasis on the other hand is trying to find satisfaction in whatever state one finds oneself. I am reminded of the words purportedly written by the Apostle Paul, “I have learned to be content in whatsoever state I find myself.” The old joke in these parts is that Paul must have never lived in Texas. You may feel the same about where you live.

Yet till we find ourselves in a place where we are content or at least resigned that all our desires will be fulfilled at just the right time and in just the right way by our loving and infinite source, we will think of ourselves as incomplete and therefore unsatisfied. Happiness they say depends upon what happens while there is a joy in accepting everything that comes as a gift and being glad and grateful for everything.

In my daily mantra I try to remind myself of this truth with the lines: “This is the day that the Lord and I have made. We will be glad in it.” It is my hope and dearest wish that everyone will find the secret to contentment and happiness.

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David White