inspired by | a shaman's idea of happiness

a video link hit my inbox. i rarely open unsolicited emails that swallow my time, but the subject line read The Four Things a Shaman Recommends to be Happy. and it was only 4 minutes.

i was somewhere between agreement and sighing as i watched. it was too simplistic, and the advice seemed obvious.

the clip had been viewed 46 times with 1 like and 11 dislikes.

hmmm.

easy changes are often prematurely judged less effective.

yet. it’s the simple shifts we make that noticeably alter our course.

the shamans believe song, silence, story, and movement generate happiness.

i wondered if something so elementary would really affect a person’s life.

 

as i went to make dinner, the lovelies played outside.

in our backyard, they “cook” with mud. they have restaurants. they are world-famous. they pretend the duck dynasty cast frequents their bakery. imagination flourishes out there.

as i watched, both were immersed in some project. totally absorbed and completely silent in their work.

huh.

after a sliver of silence, they burst out in story about their “new” recipes. details were delivered, tips exchanged, and suggestions made.

since imagination sometimes involves pretending you have your own tv show, they began singing a jingle, while running to and from their playhouse.

and you know what?

i had a full circle moment.

in no more than 20 minutes, they had embodied (while i witnessed) what those shamans prescribe for real happiness.

silence.

song.

storytelling.

and movement.

a friend of mine often says, “it’s only crazy if it doesn’t work.”

she’s right.

when has cranking the tunes and grooving along ever disappointed?

and if warm sunbeams grace you, don’t you feel even the tiniest explosion of gratitude?

what about silence in those unexpected gaps between chaos and hustle?

and if you tell me a good story, i am a moth to your flame.

happiness comes from progress, and simple steps are usually the best starting point. seems the shaman’s recipe for daily doses of happiness was practically perfect after all.

xo