Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

2011-05-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I came upon C-Span's coverage of a speech, given by a proponent of the Tea Party movement. Not knowing much about the speaker at the time, I quickly felt taken in by her eloquent account on the era of European migration to a new frontier - about the hardships our ancestors endured and the astonishing sacrifices they made to stake their claim in the 'promised land'. Statistics from that era suggest bleak odds for merely surviving the endeavor, let alone prosper upon arrival.

Michelle Bachmann's presentation helped me understand that philosophical divisions narrow, when we look at our common origins. The bravery of those who came before us. The resolve they showed possible when initiative relieves desperation. American history teaches that just about anything can be 'overcome' -- yet we fall short to heed the historical examples at a time when positive change has become more possible - and perhaps more necessary - than ever.

So, here and now and not so sound in the land of opportunity. According to motivational expert Dr. Wayne Dyer, the United States is experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis. Increasing numbers among the young and the old alike are said to suffer from some form of psychological ailment. Clinical depression, addictions, compulsive disorders, not to mention subsequent physical deterioration. Not judging (I've had my share of feeling down), but what lies at the root of these fast proliferating 'issues' that plague the free? What keeps us from owning up to everyone's constitutional right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" for which many an ancestor paid the ultimate price.

Could it be the intangibility of something we cannot 'get' but only be ?

Heeding the notion 'back to front' may yield gradual recovery from this collective rut...and in some individual cases apparently even a spontaneous cure (hence, 'Oprah champion' Eckhart Tolle). When emphasizing - journey over destination - "the happiness to pursue" appreciates the freedom to be (who/what we are) and thus presents a much more empowering premise.

Let there be no mistake. While merely 'changing thought' is certainly a simple proposition, it can be far from easy (we may even - in broad metaphorical terms - think of "the eye of a needle" parable). But, if at the threshold to a new era we can shift a single paradigm and consider happiness the 'cake' (or the foundation) of be-ing so to speak - the pursuit of extras (the 'icing') might just become a breeze... Perhaps, as a result of our unconditional happiness.

Let's make a documentary about it. (--Andreas)

Film, video and photo journalism, including 'change effective' television production make visible where humanity thrives and where progress remains exclusive.

A Work in Progress

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness