The Pursuit of Happiness: Balancing Self-Fulfillment and Global Impact

By Deryn

Jul 21, 2023

Sibelius monumnet Helsinki showing organ pipes that are tree trunks of the forest

Photo Pixabay, Sibelious Monument,

Music becomes a voice for change

I have long believed that the arts serve purposes far beyond decoration. A painting can tell a story. A poem can preserve a memory. A novel can give a forgotten person a voice. Drama and dance are transient vehicles for storytelling. And music? Music can bring people together.  have seen something of this for myself in my travels. I have stood before the monument to Jean Sibelius in Helsinki, Finland, and I have visited Estonia. Standing in those places, knowing something of their history, gives a different meaning to the music. You begin to understand that these were not simply composers writing beautiful melodies. In times of oppression and uncertainty, music can become a vessel carrying the identity of an entire people.

Music when a nation finds its voice

Consider Finland. For more than six hundred years, Finland was part of the Swedish realm. In 1809, it passed from Sweden to the Russian Empire and became an autonomous Grand Duchy. During the nineteenth century, a growing Finnish cultural movement sought to strengthen a distinct national identity. The Kalevala compiled from Finnish oral poetry, became an important expression of that identity. Artists, writers, and musicians began to give Finland a language of its own, not necessarily a political language, but a cultural one.

Sculpture of Sibelious Head, Helsinki

Photo Pixabay, Sibelious Monument

Then came Sibelius. In 1899, during a period of increasing Russian pressure and attempts at Russification, Sibelius composed the music that would become Finlandia It was originally part of a series of historical tableaux presented at the Press Celebrations in Helsinki. The final section, known as “Finland Awakes,” stirred something deep in the Finnish people. Finlandia became a symbol of Finnish nationalism. When I stood before the Sibelius monument, I wasn’t just viewing a memorial to a famous composer. It reminded me of what happens when art helps people remember their identity. Sibelius helped give Finland a sound, and sometimes people need a sound before finding a voice. Organ pipes represented the trees of the forest; forests go deep into the psyche of the Finnish people, a voice that resonated with them.Estonian Music Festival Stand

Estonia sang its way toward freedom

I experienced a similar feeling when I visited Estonia. Domination by powerful neighbors has marked Estonia’s history, and during the Soviet period, language and national identity were under pressure. Yet Estonia had an extraordinary cultural treasure: its singing tradition.

The Singing Revolution of the late 1980s demonstrated just how powerful that treasure could become. Hundreds of thousands of Estonians gathered at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds and sang traditional and patriotic songs together. They sang Mu isamaa on minu arm, “Land of My Fathers, Land that I Love,” a song that had become deeply associated with Estonian identity. They also sang the patriotic songs of composer Alo Mattiisen.Music of Estonian Dancers

Estonian Folk Dancers, Video - Deryn van der Tang

This was nonviolence; they were not taking up arms, they were raising their voices. By 1989, the movement had grown into the remarkable Baltic Way, when people in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania joined hands in a human chain stretching across the three Baltic countries. Music had helped people remember they belonged to something larger than the political system that governed them.

The music that defied ruins

Then there is Sarajevo. During the terrible siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s, cellist Vedran Smailović became known as the “Cellist of Sarajevo.” After twenty-two people were killed while waiting for bread, Smailović returned to the devastated area and played Albinoni’s Adagio in G minor in their memory. Picture a city under attack. Amidst the broken buildings and people living in fear, a man sits with his cello and plays. The music could not stop the bombs, nor could it bring the dead back. But it declared something profound:

Beauty had not been destroyed. Human dignity had not been destroyed, and the human spirit had not been destroyed. That is the power of the arts.

Why do the arts matter?

When we talk about social change, we often think about politicians, protesters, legislation, and movements. And, of course, these matter. But underneath every movement is something deeper: a story about who we are and what we believe is worth preserving. Artists help us tell that story. A composer can give a nation a melody. Poets can preserve a language. Painters can capture a landscape that becomes part of a people’s memory. A storyteller can take the ordinary life of one family and reveal something universal about courage, suffering, and hope.

Perhaps that is why oppressive regimes have so often tried to control language, literature, music, and art. They understand something we sometimes forget: culture holds memory. And memory gives people identity.

The Bible tells us, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).

Sometimes someone speaks, paints, sings, or writes that word.

The arts may not change the world overnight. Yet, they have the power to shift how people view the world. And once people see differently, they may begin to think differently, hope differently, and eventually act differently.

As I think about Finland, Estonia, and many other places I have traveled, I remember that the arts form a vital part of human society. They are part of our inheritance; they carry the stories of those who came before us. They inspire courage in those struggling today and plant seeds of hope for future generations. Perhaps that is why music has such extraordinary power.

A single voice may be silenced, a single instrument broken, yet a song alive in people’s hearts proves much harder to destroy.

And sometimes, when a people begin to sing together, the world begins to listen.

Join the discussion and follow me on these networks!

Happy group of people watching the sunset

To continue with the series on freedom, this month, I am focusing on the freedom to pursue happiness; some call it the American Dream! The reality of this is certainly not evident on the streets of Washington, DC, with its growing gun violence. So, what is the pursuit of happiness, and how free are we to pursue it?

The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human right and is closely tied to freedom. When free, we can pursue our goals and dreams without being hindered by anyone or anything. We can also choose to do things that make us happy rather than being forced to do things that make us unhappy. By embracing our freedom, we can create a life full of joy and satisfaction.

We are all on this quest for happiness, striving to create a life that brings us joy and fulfillment. I want to explore both the pros and cons of pursuing it, how it impacts others, our individual needs, and its interaction with the suffering of others on a global level. So, let's buckle up and embark on this journey together!

Happy Woman sitting with balloons alone

HAPPINESS IS A NATURAL INCLINATION

First and foremost, pursuing happiness is a natural inclination that drives us to fulfill our individual needs and desires. It encourages us to explore our passions, nurture our relationships, and make choices that align with our values. When we prioritize our happiness, we're more likely to experience a sense of purpose and contentment. So, when we are feeling happy and fulfilled, this will, in turn, positively impact others around us; it becomes contagious. When we are genuinely happy, it tends to rub off on others. Our positive energy and enthusiasm can inspire and uplift those in our social circles. By pursuing our own happiness, we can create a ripple effect that spreads joy and optimism to our family, friends, and even strangers. It's a beautiful way to contribute to the well-being of others and create a happier and more harmonious world.

HAPPINESS NEEDS BALANCE

However, it's essential to strike a balance between our pursuit of happiness and its potential impact on others. Sometimes, in our quest for personal happiness, we may inadvertently overlook the needs and feelings of those around us. It can be very easy to become selfish with your time, only looking to your needs and desires and not taking time to listen to others and their journey and struggles. The proliferation of smartphones and earbuds effectively prevents you from interacting with others. You may be feeding your soul, but you are not present to others and their needs. We have to actively look at others to connect and 'see' them; being present to others is a gift to them. Cultivating empathy and compassion is crucial, considering how our choices and actions may affect others. Being mindful of our interactions and finding ways to support and uplift others can enhance our happiness while creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.

ALIGNING OUR HAPPINESS WITH GLOBAL NEEDS

Another aspect to consider is how our pursuit of happiness interacts with the suffering of others on a global level. While it's natural to focus on our own well-being, it's equally important to acknowledge and address the hardships faced by others. This requires cultivating a sense of social responsibility, promoting sustainable practices, and making charitable initiatives. How can we align our pursuit of happiness with making a positive impact on a broader scale? Are we wasting resources that others less fortunate could put to better use? Do we live with surpluses when others have deficits? How do we balance our happiness with that of others?

HAPPINESS IS ALSO RELATIONSHIPS

The cons of the pursuit of happiness lie in its potential to foster a sense of individualism and self-centeredness. In our quest for personal fulfillment, we may inadvertently neglect the collective well-being of society. This can lead to a culture of materialism, where the pursuit of happiness is equated with the accumulation of wealth and possessions. However, true happiness often lies in experiences, relationships, and a sense of purpose rather than material wealth alone. How can we use our wealth, talents, and position to uplift others and provide resources for them to pursue their happiness? Remember that people don't just need money to be happy; they need relationships; how much time do you spend nurturing and building relationships? When a sense of community is built with healthy relationships in that community, it thrives. When people's genuine needs are not seen, it is difficult for them to pursue their happiness, and neighborhoods break down, as we see here in Washington, DC.

WE CAN'T ALWAYS BE HAPPY

It is also crucial to acknowledge that happiness is not a constant state. Life is full of ups and downs, and suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience. Pursuing happiness does not mean avoiding or ignoring the suffering of others but rather finding ways to alleviate it. By cultivating empathy, showing kindness, and supporting those in need, we can create a more compassionate world where everyone has an opportunity to pursue happiness.

Pursuing happiness is a deeply personal and essential aspect of our lives. It brings joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. However, considering their needs and well-being, we must strike a balance between our happiness and its impact on others. By cultivating empathy, compassion, and social responsibility, we can ensure that our pursuit of happiness is not just self-centered but also contributes to the happiness and well-being of others on a local and global scale.

TRUE HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN SERVING OTHERS

Let me conclude with Jesus' words when he was answering his disciples in one of his parables;

 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25: 37-40

So, let's continue seeking our own happiness while spreading love, kindness, and support to make the world a better place for everyone, walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

Happy Deryn with Coc the dachhund

 

 

 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join the discussion and follow me on these networks!

More From Crossing My Bridges

Sibelius monumnet Helsinki showing organ pipes that are tree trunks of the forest

Music becomes a voice for change

A single voice may be silenced, a single instrument broken, yet a song alive in people’s hearts proves much harder to destroy.
And sometimes, when a people begin to sing together, the world listens.

read more...
Man in long grass with dog

THE STORIES OF ORDINARY PEOPLE

What ordinary people’s stories reveal is that true greatness is more than just being recognized. Sometimes it is measured simply by faithfulness in persevering day after day through the grind.

read more...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This