Have you ever wondered about what it means to be happy? The United States Declaration of Independence states that all people have the right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” as a self-evident and unalienable right. What does that mean? What is happiness?

First, we must acknowledge that happiness is a very individual thing. What brings me happiness may not bring you happiness seems obvious. Knowing this, how are we ever supposed to be able to define this concept? Some say that the two defining traits of religion, with all the diversity, is the ability to provide for both morality and happiness in both a theoretical and practical way. So, let us see how happiness can be looked at and achieved in Hellenismos.

The ancient Greek word eudaimonia is often translated to mean happiness, but can also be translated to “fulfillment” or “contentment.” The ancient Greeks saw happiness, not in the experiencing of euphoria and indulging self-gratifying desires, but by living on purpose and with intent, living a full and balanced life, and reaching full potential.

Happiness does not come from seeking pleasure. Pleasure, for pleasure sake, leads to vice. There is nothing wrong with experiencing pleasure as a byproduct of our actions, but true happiness cannot be obtained from fleeting euphoria. The basic belief within Hellenismos is a life that embraces virtue will not suffer from grief, will have no master, and will be happy.

To clarify further, Hellenismos does not have an ethical system that is filled with “you shall not.” It is a practical approach that states you are to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons. It is not an ethical system about denial, but of moderation. Even moderation needs to be taken in moderation, allowing the occasional “go crazy” moment, so you can step outside your box, from time to time, too splurge in excess.

If we were to look at this more scientifically, euphoria is created by a chemical reaction in the brain. It is very powerful and very addictive. People who have addictions to certain actions (such as gambling, eating, sexual addiction, and others) become addicted to the chemicals the brain releases to create euphoria. The addiction is caused by the behavior being associated with the high they receive. Why is this bad? After the high there is the crash, a crash as powerful as any other drug. With the crash comes depression, negative feelings, and other physical responses. Over time, the body builds a tolerance to these chemicals, and requires more extreme behavior to bring the same state of euphoria or even to just feel “normal.” Plain and simple, those who seek euphoria to be “happy” run the risk of becoming a slave to the behaviors that cause them to feel good.

There is nothing wrong with

• sexual thoughts, desire, and expression, but excessive sexual behavior leads to sexual addiction, adultery, rape, and other lascivious behavior.
• with receiving pleasure from food, especially with friends and family through the communal nature of meals, but excessive desire for food leads to eating disorders, obesity, and other physical, emotional, and addiction problems.
• acquiring wealth justly and reaping the benefits of hard work, but greed leads to treachery, hoarding, theft, and robbery by any means.
• taking a lazy afternoon or weekend to reward yourself, but excessive laziness leads to apathy, depression, and joylessness.
• being upset because you have been wronged, but excessive anger leads to hatred, rage, assault, violence, prejudice, and discrimination.
• wanting the “good life,” but the desire of wanting what other people have, and the life they live, leads to jealousy and malice.
• being proud of your accomplishments in life, but excessive or empty pride leads to vanity, arrogance, narcissism, and hubris.

If we allow desires to control our lives, we become slaves to them, placing limits on our potential. With reason, we can experience true happiness by living a fulfilled life.

• In wisdom, we are able to distinguish what is true, right, or lasting.
• In courage, we can face danger, fear, or change with self-assurance, and without becoming rash.
• In temperance and moderation, we do not allow our appetites and passions to become uncontrolled.
• In righteousness, we are morally correct without becoming static and unable to experience life.

True happiness is qualitative, embracing what is reliable and namely, living simply, prizing clarity, and control. Genuine happiness can only be found with a virtuous life. This is the true freedom found in the spirituality of Hellenismos. A contented person is never unhappy.

Now, before you protest that “these kinds of judgments” caused you to leave Christianity, you have to understand that Hellenismos does not condemn specific personal behavior. There is no rotting in hell for living with your boyfriend, or because you drink a beer with dinner, or because last New Year’s Eve you met up with a couple for an intimate encounter.

Virtue is found in three words: piety, reciprocity, and moderation. Virtue is not found in the denial of your humanity. Excessive control or limits causes stagnation, and an inability to experience life and honor this incarnation. Moderation means abandoning excessive pleasures, extravagances, and indulgences, but also means taking moderation in moderation.

We all learned how to be happy in kindergarten, but many of us have forgotten along the way: be kind to others, play fair, share your things, keep calm, do your very best, and take a nap in the afternoon. These guidelines still work and are effective in bringing true happiness. Ultimately, happiness is only found from within and in doing the right thing.

Tags: happiness, Hellenismos, vice, virtue