Global instability reminds us that we are all connected. Devastating faraway events have local effects, such as rising prices. Naturally, we have feelings about it; perhaps anger or despair. Happiness seems inappropriate. It seems cruel to be happy when others are suffering, and naïve not to focus on our own impending losses.
In our relatively stable society, we are most familiar with a passive version of happiness: the feeling we get when good things happen. It’s like watching a movie and letting it determine our mood. Feeling powerless to change anything can lead to complaining and worrying – both powerful actions that inadvertently serve to make us, and those around us, feel worse.
In real life we are a participant rather than an observer. We can make a difference, both to our situation and our inner state. When things go badly, we have a choice about how we respond.
Eudaimonia is the kind of happiness that connects us to a sense of purpose. It’s an inner state that can survive and even grow in hard times. Inspired by the desire to make a positive difference and mindful of the greater good, we can ask ourselves, “In these hard times, what am I being called upon to do?” The answer might involve having the courage to speak up, to help others, to withstand our own troubles, to hold hope by not giving in, or simply to cheer others up.
In hard times, we have an added obligation to contribute to the world’s wellbeing. That doesn’t mean ignoring suffering, but responding with compassion and courage, mourning where appropriate, but without losing the inspired motivation to lighten the load. Not to change the world; just to make what difference we can.
Stephanie Hills ©