List 30 things that make you happy.

Connection makes me happy. Connection means a lot to me, whether it is connection with others, with me, with Spirit, with nature, with ideas or objects. I see the world through connections and I organize my world through connections. It is because of this drive for connections that I value metaphor, writing, doing things with others and by myself, I value music, math, spiritual life, nature. I have grouped my list of what makes me happy into sections (not surprising because I like connections). some sections I have elaborated on and others I have not.

Music

I am very intentional about what I listening to and when I listen to music, in other words I don’t listen to music all day because I appreciate it so much that I find it distracting. I learnt to play the recorder, guitar and the piano; and I also learnt to write music. I enjoy the connections between notes and how different notes are added together to make chords (theory of music). When I left South Africa I had to sell my piano and I miss not being able to sit down and play. For me music is like doodling.  When we move into our new home I hope to buy an electric keyboard. ( I am extatic to add that after my first draft of this post I have been given a piano, by my new neibhour, which will be in my new home when I move. I can’t wait!)

1. Listening to music
2. Playing a musical instrument
3. Singing and using my voice to make sounds.

Rhythm

I could have put rhythm with music but for me it is a different section because it covers movement as well.  I enjoy rhythm and tempo in the routine cycles of the months and days in nature and my own personal life. Think of how the sun slowly rises, getting brighter and brighter and then finally emerging at the zenith in the sky, then receding down the other side into night; this is how I live my days, slowly rising in gentle dream time and by lunch time I am in full swing in some activity, by the evening I am slowing down again. Movement has slow and fast tempo, gentle and powerful movements; there are rests and activity. I believe my body holds all expression of my experiences and I can use my body in movement to find the depths of these expressions. So for me the following movements bring me great satisfaction and joy.   

1. Walking/ hiking/ isometric exercise
2. Dance
3. Yoga /stretching/ sitting

My sacred habits

Let me give you an idea of what I mean by sacred by sharing some Merriam-Webster synonyms for sacred: violable or sacrosanct– not to be violated, criticized, or tampered with; and hallowed – deserving of honour and respect.

The word Sacred is normally associated with religion, but although it is, I also mean that these habits are meant to be protected and not taken lightly, they are to be honoured and respected in my own life by myself and by those who value me as the importance of these habits or actions are what feeds my soul or spirit. Without this feeding or filling up I will be an empty individual left wanting for more from everyone else. They also are reminders to me that I am a precious being worthy of respect; just as everyone or living thing should be honoured and respected. I believe we have The Breath within us that provide us with life and it should be nurtured and valued. Words fail me in my endeavour to express my opinions on this matter. I appreciate being connected to myself, others and the Divine.  Here are some of the activities that bring inner happiness and peace when I make the time for these things:

1. Hanging out in a body of water (river, sea, pool, bath)
2. Burning candles
3. Meditation
4. Grounding myself
5. Sitting in the sun
6. Prayer
7. Writing
8. A cup of tea
9. Listening to the still small inner voice

Mindfulness

In being mindful I become more aware of all the connections in life around me and within me. In mindfulness I train my mind to be more intentional in observance and awareness. It brings me happiness and joy because I begin to appreciate the beauty around me. Being aware also teaches me where to grow or change and how I have already grown or changed and so I am filled with gratefulness and ultimately happiness.  

1. Observance through listening to the birds sing and other surrounding sounds; seeing, smell, and touch are also important ways to be observant.
2. Awareness through watching and noticing myself and others. I like to make notes of the things that I become aware of.

Relationships

1. Talking to a wise friend
2. Hugs
3. Being affirmed
4. Connecting with friends
5. Family
6. Playing games

Connection with Nature

1. Walks
2. Watching animals
3. Forest bathing
4. Gardening

Crafting

1. Fabric and yarn crafts such as crochet, knitting, sewing
2. Drawing
3. Working with colour (art, floral arrangements, gardening and cooking)
4. Cooking

These are 31 one things that make me happy but I would sum it up as connection to many things.

What makes you happy? What do you value?

Take care