At the behest of well-meaning friends, I have purchased books on how to be happy. I have tried to turn my chronic scowl into a bright smile. I have attempted to become more active, to get away from my dark house and away from my somber books and participate in the world of meaningful action. … I have contemplated getting a dog. I have started eating salads. I have tried to discipline myself in nodding knowingly. … I have undertaken yoga. I have stopped yoga and gone into tai chi. I have thought of going to psychiatrists and getting some drugs. I have quit all of this and then started again and then once more quit. Now I plan to stay quit. The road to hell is paved with happy plans.
-Eric G. Wilson, author of Against Happiness, argues for the vital need for sadness in the world.
As a "textbook" melancholy, I enjoyed this article from NPR.com, and makes me interested in the book Mr. Wilson has written. Think of all the art, the music, the Psalms, that wouldn't have been written if the authors would have been jacked up on Ritalin or something else that was supposed to make them less unhappy.
I'm not taking a cheap shot at those who do truly need meds, but Wilson points out that human society wants to squash out unhappiness, and create a false happiness. I know that I can be a cranky, crotchety person sometimes when I'm in one of my moods, but sometimes I'm in those moods because I'm actually contemplating life, and not caught up in a false sense of happiness.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Melancholy
2 Comments:
Right on, Scottie! Totally understand where your coming from. I go through bouts of sadness from time to time. Not depression; I know too well what that is. Just a feeling of sorrow.
During those moments I don't look for sympathy or pity. I'm still working towards relying on the Holy Spirit for comfort. When it happens I'm lifted out of that & honestly become very optimistic. I will not feign happiness, nor wave my sadness like a flag. My immediate family knows this (God bless 'em) & lets me go through the process. I don't get the Eeyore syndrome; you're right-alot of contemplating & pondering is involved.
Rich
From one melancholic to another, I feel ya, bro. :)
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