Happiness is an elusive thing; we know when we are happy but when we try to explain it, we fail. Sometimes we do things that we think must make us happy and only our misery increases. Happiness theories are evidently weak. But there is hope.
I have a biodigester that produces gas which we use for cooking; a fairly innocuous and simple system of tanks and a variety of pipes. Not long after the system became operational I have been overcome by a deep sense of happiness. At first I was surprised; surely something as silly as a gas system cannot be the road to eternal bliss? But the symptoms persisted; spontaneous whistling when I switch on the stove; a smile appears on my face every time I pass the digester (started this annoying habit to greet the digester every morning too); going to the toilet became a meaningful experience; a purposeful activity. I look at my stomach with new eyes; not just an organ that has to get rid of surplus stuff but a wonderful energy creating machine – a high tech thing in the same class as the most modern nuclear generator.
But it certainly is the source of my happiness. Perhaps because I feel useful; I am both a producer (with the help of the digester) and a consumer. I am also not wasteful (save lots of money for one thing) and I am self-reliant. The digester does not allow me to think that my actions are inconsequential. My sewerage used to be someone else’s problem; so was the energy I used. I myself was not important in the system; now I am a central agent! I used to be a small consumer in a linear model of input and output. Now I have a role in this cycle; the consequences of my actions are clear and my relationship with these things around me is one of caring and love. I know that the digester, stove, pipes and toilet sense this change of mind on my part and return my caring by behaving well.
What makes me happy is that I am connected; I am living with the things around me in a productive and harmonious way. I am not the stupid little inconsequential consumer being exploited by energy companies and municipalities anymore; my dignity has been restored.
Happiness is an elusive thing; we know when we are happy but when we try to explain it, we fail. Sometimes we do things that we think must make us happy and only our misery increase. Happiness theories are evidently weak. But there is hope.
I have a biodigester that produces gas which we use for cooking; a fairly innocuous and simple system of tanks and a variety of pipes. Not long after the system became operational I have been overcome by a deep sense of happiness. At first I was surprised; surely something as silly as a gas system cannot be the road to eternal bliss? But the symptoms persisted; spontaneous whistling when I switch on the stove; a smile appear on my face every time I pass the digester (started this annoying habit to greet the digester every morning too); going to the toilet became a meaningful experience; a purposeful activity. I look at my stomach with new eyes; not just an organ that has to get rid of surplus stuff but a wonderful energy creating machine – a high tech thing in the same class as the most modern nuclear generator.
But it certainly is the source of my happiness. Perhaps because I feel useful; I am both a producer (with the help of the digester) and a consumer. I am also not wasteful (save lots of money for one thing) and I am self-reliant. The digester does not allow me to think that my actions are inconsequential. My sewerage used to be someone else’s problem; so was the energy I used. I myself was not important in the system; now I am a central agent! I used to be a small consumer in a linear model of input and output. Now I have a role in this cycle; the consequences of my actions are clear and my relationship with these things around me is one of caring and love. I know that the digester, stove, pipes and toilet sense this change of mind on my part and return my caring by behaving well.
What makes me happy is that I am connected; I am living with the things around me in a productive and harmonious way. I am not the stupid little inconsequential consumer being exploited by energy companies and municipalities anymore; my dignity has been restored.