Happiness, Freedom, and Monastic Spirituality
This week two friends, independent of each other, sent me articles about happiness. Each was written by a professor. One teaches at Harvard the other at Yale.
The timing was curious. Last week I took on an extra project, adjusting my rhythms to accommodate the work. I even worked through the one day a week I keep for rest and restoration.
I finished the project feeling good about the work. And then the sadness came. It started with low level resentment. Why was I so tired? It wasn’t fair that I had so much work to do this week, was it? Then there was dissatisfaction. Did anyone really appreciate the extra work? Was it even meaningful? By the time the articles came I’d transitioned to low level despair.
How did I get to this place? More importantly, why do I keep returning?
The science of happiness intrigues me. The more we know about the brain’s biochemistry the more it seems our wisdom traditions were onto something. Our brains and bodies want, just a little, more of everything. We tell ourselves lasting happiness is just around the corner, in the next job, raise, relationship, or recognition.
I took the extra project because a part of me believes that a little more recognition will bring lasting happiness. It’s a lie I seem disposed to believe.
Monastic spirituality is an ancient wisdom tradition that offers freedom. This freedom is unlike the modern American conception. The American idea of freedom emphasizes freedom from constraint, accountability, and limits. Within this American ideal of freedom, we pursue happiness in the form of acquisition. We believe, if I have more… I am more. Conversely, monastic spirituality embraces limits, accountability, and discipline in order to experience freedom to love extravagantly, forgive radically, and give generously. These things, combined with gratitude, are much more likely to lead to happiness than the pursuit of more.
I was reflecting on all of this when I read John 21:15-19. Three times, Jesus’ asks Peter, “Do you love me?” Years of familiarity with this story kept me from seeing it from the perspective of happiness. Interpreters often see this story as a reversal or restoration. Three times, standing by a fire, Peter denied Jesus. Now, three times, Jesus standing by a fire asks for Peter’s love. Some see the foreshadowing of Peter’s death as in the same light. Peter had promised to lay down his life for Jesus but had abandoned him in Jesus’ moment of need. Now, Jesus receives Peter’s life, telling him in advance how he will offer his life for Jesus in the future. But what if Jesus’ words and wisdom were pointing Peter towards true happiness?
Monks and modern academics agree that true happiness is to be found in embracing limits, in loving deeply, and in giving more than acquiring. Jesus’ words grant Peter loving union, a community to care for, and a context to give himself without reservation. It seems like Jesus is offering happiness.
How do you pursue happiness?