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Drama


II

Shining sharp, bright, cold, the comfort of the moon, a constant cycle keeping me from being too much day to day, and reminding me how short the lifespan of such drama can be. I see her every 2 weeks, waxing, waning or hanging full 'above'. As my day started last Wednesday, the moon's was setting in this hemisphere. She accompanied me to work, giving me more than the day ahead, the people snoozing around me on the bus, and my own fatigue, to ponder.

I've been pondering happiness, and how simple the pleasure of looking at the moon is. I found that one of the countries/regions in Asia claiming to be the inspiration behind Shangri-la, has been moving toward's happiness as a primary goal in governance. Bhutan's ruler was a monarch until a few years ago, and peacefully and willingly converted the country to a democracy. They are known to be the happiest people on the planet, and their happiness was planned. As I think about this, I find it terribly difficult, being the concerned citizen I am, being unconcerned with my self, to avoid identifying reasons that one country can mindfully pursue happiness, while another cannot. Materialism naturally pops into my mind as a potential culprit, and materialism came about because of the choices and the abundance we found 350 years ago in the 'new world'. For whatever reason, our system of living, even the 'pursuit of happiness' have become a euphemism for pursuit of wealth, which results in more unhappiness.

The value placed on materials is artificial. I've been thinking for years now about diamonds, and how they are so valuable, not because they're rare, but because they are artificially controlled AND beautiful objects. Diamonds are a prime example of misplaced pursuit. One does not need a diamond, and yet not long ago, they were ubiquitous expressions of love and success.

Every time I hear a value ascribed to an object now, I think of whether that object is part of a commodified happiness, or is it a need that facilitates happiness.

Onward, into the next moon cycle, our own diamond constant in the sky.
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