Coffee & Conversation: If It Makes You Happy . . .

Happy Up Here from Röyksopp on Vimeo.

“I have the nerve to walk my own way, however hard, in my search for reality, rather than climb upon the rattling wagon of wishful illusions.”
– Letter from Zora Neale Hurston to Countee Cullen

It’s a right, right? Happiness? Or the pursuit?  A right from institutions? The earth? Or – better yet – the Universe?

If it is the pursuit, then there’s no guarantee I’ll find it.  I’m not sad, my pursuit often includes hanging with people who want to laugh, sing, and have lots of hope and ideas. I’m happiest when I can celebrate – food, drink, and joyful conversation – with people I dig and love.

Does the pursuit demand a whole lot of nerve?

Apparently, I’m not as happy as I can be because I’m overwhelmed and under a lot of stress.  I’m not alone. Americans, apparently, are not as happy as we can be because we have high expectations and always want more. (We can’t even make a decent showing on a happiness list – surprised?) We try to catch dreams.  Which one? Is there a collective dream of happiness? Is it you momma and your pop’s dream? Should it be?  Should we measure the happiness of nations as a new economic system and a way to save our selves? Maybe the dream and the pursuit is the source of my unhappiness? Are you happy?  Should we all be happier?

What makes you happy? I’ll bring the cookies and the coffee to the Howard Thurman Center.  See you there between 3 and 5 p.m.  You bring your conversation and a smile.

Peace.

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