Life’s Compass Through Faith

Fulfilling Our Desire For True Happiness Individuals commonly considered to be the happiest are characterized by financial stability, strong social connections, good health, low stress levels, and ongoing achievement of personal goals. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that, over time, these factors may not provide as much fulfillment as the deeper concept of true happiness. For many who have pursued and attained these goals acknowledge that they do not meet their previous expectations. In behavioral psychology, the term “baseline happiness” refers to an individual’s inherent level of contentment, which usually remains unchanged despite significant life events. For instance, research suggests that even after winning a substantial lottery prize, individuals typically experience a temporary increase in happiness but eventually return to their previous baseline level. Nonetheless, most people spend their time seeking happiness and security without acknowledging the underlying true purpose of their search. Whether they realize it or not, most individuals are looking for a path back to the present. In other words, they hope to achieve from tomorrow, what they believe would make them happy today. Once we acknowledge that this is a no-win game we are playing with our mindset and it is taking us in the wrong direction, we can choose to change our course. To do this, we must focus our attention on the present moment and what in our lives is most important, right now. For most, that will be something personal versus a materialistic gain in the future. True happiness comes from being mindful in the present and embracing self-transcendence, which is the ability to broaden our understanding of ourselves, our perspectives, values, and aspirations. This involves connecting with others and our surroundings and integrating our past as well as our future, so they give purpose to our current moment. In other words, things may feel pleasurable at the time but are not always conducive to our overall wellbeing, now or in the future. Also, that which is worth doing does not always feel pleasurable in the present moment but is part of finding that desired happiness “right now.” For us to achieve that feeling of happiness now or in our future, we must achieve the following: Autonomy: Our ability to resist social pressures, regulate our behavior from within, and evaluate ourselves based on our personal standards and not those of others. Environmental mastery: Feelings of mastery and competence in a variety of life situations, the ability to take advantage of opportunities, and the ability to craft our environment to suit our personal needs and values. Personal growth: Feelings of ongoing development, the realization of our potential, and observing ourselves changing in ways that signify acquired knowledge and increased effectiveness. Positive relations with others: Possessing warm, trusting relationships with others characterized by give and take, and the capacity for intimacy and empathy. Purpose in life: Having goals and a sense of meaning and beliefs that give life purpose. Self-acceptance: Possessing a positive and accepted attitude toward oneself, including both one’s good and bad qualities. Again, the perspectives most people have of happiness is something that must be sought after. The reality is, happiness in the form of contentment or inner peace are primarily available to us at any given moment, regardless of where we are in life or what we are doing. Unfortunately, even after those who have achieved that so-called “happiness right now” admit having a feeling of “is that all there is?” In other words, they sometimes get the feeling that something is still missing. This feeling is not usually expressed as a sad feeling or one of dissatisfaction with one’s life in general. Whenever it occurs, they try to ignore it, telling themselves they have no reason to want more and should be happy. One analogy of this is the man suffering from tinnitus has learned to tune it out of his consciousness, but it never really goes away. For whenever he relaxes in a quiet, noise-free area, he once again becomes aware of that old familiar ringing in his ears. Similarly, those who believe they have reached that pinnacle of personal and materialistic success in life, may continue to experience that “something is still missing.” it is sometimes described as more of a vague emptiness within our being that comes and goes. We are more likely to become aware of it during those times when we are all alone and not distracted by the hustle and bustle of life’s daily routines. According to a Reddit post on philosophy, most philosophical, theological, and scientific perspectives suggest humans have an innate drive or predisposition towards spirituality and a desire for God, or higher being. This desire manifesting as a search for meaning, purpose, or connection to something greater, often seen in universal quests for the divine, although its specific expression varies greatly. This innate yearning isn't always a clear, conscience "God" concept but can emerge through natural curiosity about one’s existence, leading to an awe of creation, which most traditions say points us back to a Creator. Thomas Aquinas, Dominican friar and priest, theologian, and philosopher, stated: "Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord." This quote captures the idea that humanity's deepest desire is for God, a fulfillment planted in us by Him. From Natural Law: “The capacity for intellect and reason allows humans to observe the world's order and complexity, naturally leading to questions about a First Cause or Creator, suggesting a desire for God is innate.” The Universal Quest: “Across cultures, people express this longing through prayer, ritual, and sacrifice, indicating a universal spiritual hunger that seeks satisfaction beyond the material world.” (Mater Dei Catholic Parish, In Touch Ministries). Scientific & Evolutionary Perspectives: “Some theories suggest belief in God is a side effect byproduct of other evolved cognitive functions, like theory of mind understanding others' intentions or agency detection assuming agents behind events.”