I'm reading my way through Seligman's book "Authentic Happiness". I'm older and thinking of retirement, but now I see that retirement is not an option. Contributing, using your strengths, is the way to be happy. By not retiring, I don't mean staying in paid work, by the way. I mean still doing something that feels useful.

Siimon Reynolds about flow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwWXN0WyplI

I am reading Finding Flow, The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and he explains beautifully how we can all engage meaningfully regardless of life circumstances. We are one and we are all connected so the consciousness that we bring to everything seemingly big or small affects everything else. This is good news because we have the potential to turn things around in any moment. :)

ahaha,

Meaning, translates to me like Jan Stewart said "the betterment of our world and universe" the greater good, life purpose for more then self. And Eddie Harran your saying almost a super humanness can come with this path. Sounds like ego to me, but hey "ego is not a dirty word" (Skyhooks 1975)

But if it is for the betterment of mankind then I don't believe I am included in that plan, that meaning. one word breeding, you breed 3 generations of fox and the things change colour and shape
Even Mandela come from a royal family.

There is probably a lot of people with a 'greater purpose' that does not include anything wholesome. That is the only way I can explain to myself the world if this philosophy of Patanjali (what eloquence) were true.

Its all about the big fish and the prep work, self created purpose and applied knowledge, with an understanding of risk & self. Humanity is a game to be capitalized on at this point in time for most.

But yer if your doing it for someone else then your journey can possibly bypass insecurity and doubt. Shit man we're all the same person any way.

"Give me Money fuck the fame I'm a simple man" (tupac 90's)

Thanks I've enjoyed reading all this.

Legacy is greater than currency.

Meaningful engagement is the key to happiness. Thanks for starting this conversation Ross. I'm with you, engaging around something for the betterment of our world and universe seems the most important thing. Flow and happiness seem to follow when you give yourself over to that.

You rock my world @edwardharran! Well orated. #thevoice

Happiness: provides temporary feeling of pleasure, but as with any emotion, it is impermanent and inevitably changes.

Flow: The conditions when challenges and skills are equally high; creates a feeling of engagement when time feels as though it has stopped. Being 'in the zone' as we affectionally refer to Flow on a colloquial level. But, as with its younger twin, happiness, it is impermanent. You cannot stay 'in the zone' forever. Your body can only handle so much.

Enter meaning. Meaning is different. Happiness and Flow are great, but in many ways, they are driven by ego. They are about yourself. Meaning is bigger. When you are doing something that is more than just about your own goals, obstacles not longer remain obstacles, they transform into a stepping stone for a greater purpose. Reminds me of what Patanjali once said, "When you are inspired by a great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wondeful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far you ever dreamed of."

Happiness is great. Flow is fanastic. But I don't want to be driven strictly Happiness and Flow, for as much as they are powerful, yet will always remain fleeting as they are inherently impermanent. I want something greater. I want meaning.

Ross some great points here from Seligman. I think Meaningful Engagement ties in closely with building Real Relations that I harp on and on about all the time (See link below).

http://mikeboyd.com.au/35/wheres-the-love/

"Pleasure is ephemeral and contributes very little to real happiness… but meaningful engagement brings lasting contentment." I love this quote, I think it really sums up the whole point of scratching away at the surface of life and replacing material items with meaning, purpose and passion.

I'd love to read some more of his stuff, will have to look him up.

Mike

I agree with the not un-happy thing coz we swing like pendulums (some more and faster then others) but if you disire nothing why would you get out of bed?

Happiness is snake-oil. Not being "un-happy", and desiring "no-thing", is a beginning.

yep I'll back that,
coz you only realy carry with you the stuff on the inside everything else can be lost, right?
thats why I've really started to get into music production and my depression is starting to slip away, good stuff cheers Ross.

Dave