This morning we got off to a very early start taking my wife to work.

During the day I got very focused fixing my son's bike. I got too fixated on it and I didn't do anything else. I regretted this. This was selfish even though I was doing it for my son. I didn't do other things that I should have. It was also selfish because I was wrapped up blindly in this project.

I got kind of stressed out on the way to pick up my wife. The kids were all hungry and complaining and crying and yappin' with each other. When we picked up my wife she helped me get them under control and she made me very happy.

Tonight I turned on the TV at a really bad time. I began watching a program that drew me in. The program was about seeking happiness. I went through a scientifically based study of the concept. They spent some time with a guy who won the lottery. They spent some time with a guy who lost his job. They spent some time with a lady who has cancer who has fear and anxiety. Her main focus on anything besides chemotherapy was on whether it would cure her not on her happiness. 35 minutes into they mentioned religion and morality in passing as strong attributes of those who survive difficult trials like prison in Viet Nam. The program spent a lot of time talking about self help. One hour into it it took an interesting turn and talked about AA as the path to happiness for many people. The son of Bill Moyers was interviewed. They then focusing on a program of positive psychology. The guy who lost his job tried this with little improvement to his happiness. Then they showed a scientist who studied the minds of buddhist monks and showed that his research found that their minds did not get relaxed but got very focused and active. The Dalai Llama supported thins because he would like to help people build more healthy minds, compassionate minds.
Toward the end they gave the conclusion that happiness is what you make it with your mind. They cited a host of naturalistic conceptions including altruistic pursuits as a means of recovery from grief.

This Emotional Life
Wednesday, January 6 -- 8:00pm KLRU
Rethinking Happiness
A look at happiness, what it is and how to attain it, featuring the stories of people facing major events in their lives, including a cancer diagnosis and the death of a child. Also: why people often are wrong about will bring them happiness.

This morning I thought about the spiritual experience some more.

Thanks be to God.