Happiness Is: Ben Howard and S'mores

Songwriter Ben Howard shares an intimate portrait of happiness in 'Old Pine' that's as familiar as a comfortable pair of old blue jeans. Think about what defines happiness. Webster's defines happiness as a state of well-being and contentment. But where does that state come from? How can we achieve it? Can it be as basic as not feeling alone?




In today's modern world, we seem to put up more barriers than ever when it comes to getting to know people. The general consensus seems to be, "I'd talk to you, but I don't want you to feel like I'm bugging you. Because I'm not needy." So instead we randomly stare ahead while riding the elevator with people who literally live two doors down from us. But maybe it's not that random. Maybe social norms and electronic gadgets have made it too convenient and preferable to isolate ourselves. Could we be putting up our own barriers to connect with others and share happiness?

In this human tragedy we call life, certain circumstances are beyond our control. Sometimes these circumstances are big and sometimes they are only big things in our minds. But it takes people who know us to help us get through them. It really is true - we get by with a little help from our friends. Ultimately, our friendships are defined by being in a particular time and place and feeling compelled to share something with someone - to comfort them or perhaps it is they who comfort us.

As humans, we are designed to interact. We are created to connect. You don't create memories by yourself (or at least few worth sharing). That's why I like this song and what I think it captures so beautifully. Happiness is sitting around a campfire with friends eating s'mores, best savored with laughter and storytelling.

Treetops

This poem was written shortly after my nephew passed away. He was five.

Our time here is short

Let's not waste words.

Slip back, slip back,

Deep into the woods.

Run into the woods

Explore and be amazed,

At the giant sequoias

The towering shadows maze

Of thick and broken branches

Older than the scars

Drawn like battle lines

Across your chest.

So many falling stars,

Such little time left.

So go, spread forth

Your wings, little boy

And fly, fly higher than the

Forest creature's nest.

Past the oldest and tallest

Of the redwood trees.

Don't look back,

No, never look back.

We'll look up instead.

Not a branch too high

Nor a tree too tall

Keep climbing, dear boy

And soar past us all.

Are You a Heartist?

If an artist creates art, what does a heartist create?  Heart.

Like an artist, a heartist identifies first and foremost as a creator. We create to feel alive, to share ideas and build community. The world today has a record number of artists, but we lack heartists.

This is a place for givers and forgivers. This is a place for longing and belonging. This is a place where the heart of the matter is the heart.

Let's impact hearts. We can change lives just by sharing joy. By opening up the lines of communication and expressing ourselves in the right spirit - even just in a blog - the world naturally becomes a better place.

As it turns out, the potential to help others has always been just outside our peripheral vision. We can be the change we wish to see in the world, but first we have to see the world fully - with open hearts.

Community service can't be left to politicians. To love and serve others requires building relationships. A garden is cultivated where growth is nurtured. Governments can't do that.

One would like to rely on the church, but lately the church has immersed itself in so much institutional knowledge that it struggles to trust the power of the heart. That needs to change.

Meanwhile, the modern world distances itself from those who walk in faith. Where to turn?

Acknowledging this, the passion of the heartist is to convey God's love through art. And while love isn't all you need, it's probably what the world needs most.

No doubt we all have something to contribute. Nest here a while and share your heart.