finding contentment

I've recently been pondering the following idea: "Whether we are feeling happy...has very little to do with our absolute conditions, but rather it is a function of how we perceive our situation, how satisfied we are with what we have" (The Dalai Lama, The Art of Happiness).


That The Dalai Lama would offer contentment as the source of happiness is not surprising. In fact, we know that wealth, power and possessions have no correlation whatsoever with any measure of happiness (this is true on both an individual and societal scale). However, I find myself uncomfortable with the idea that maximal happiness is always to be found in one's current situation. 


Don't get me wrong, I'm a big proponent of finding the positive in any situation. However, I equally believe in going forth with a calm state of mind and working to shape your life -- that is, actively building your own bliss. At first I had trouble reconciling these two ideas that seem to be in opposition to one another. It then occurred to me that contentment and active engagement are together two of the keys to building bliss.


Take the following tangible analogy: what do you do if your car breaks down? Do you A) find contentment in owning a broken car? or do you B) fix the car? Obviously most people would choose the latter option. More subtle though is the idea that even as we fix the broken car, we should be content with this particular vehicle. In fact, finding contentment with the car you own (e.g. your life) is much more likely to bring you bliss than owning a newer, fancier, more expensive one.


These two complimentary ideas are at the heart of what it means to build your bliss. On the one hand, we should strive to be satisfied with who we are as individuals; we should find beauty in the people and places that surround us; we should always be looking inward for inspiration. At the same time, we ought to actively work to shape our futures -- pursuing formal and informal education; searching for a soulmate; surrounding ourselves with people who inspire us; becoming more caring, giving and mindful individuals.


It is possible to be truly content yet strive for greater contentment.