I lead a Religion and Ethics discussion group at Quail Ridge Books. It is the longest running discussion group at the store; we've been meeting once a month for over ten years.
Several months ago, News and Observer columnist, Peder Zane, came to store owner Nancy Olson with the idea of having a panel discussion on the topic of happiness. Last night he moderated the discussion with two panelists: author Eric Wilson and UNC professor Ben O'Neal.
Over one hundred people came--it was standing room only. At the beginning, Peder asked those who considered themselves "very happy" to raise their hands. Then he asked those who considered themselves "happy" to do the same. A total of approximately half raised their hand.
Peder did a fabulous job, and Ben and Eric were very knowledgeable on the topic, both personally and professionally. The diverse audience was engaged and raised many interesting questions.
Peder asked Ben and Eric about the future of a happiness pill and the effect it would have on society. This brought up an intriguing question for me: I had raised my hand as "very happy" but given the chance to take a happy pill? I would, without a second thought. I asked the question if we ever thought we were "happy enough." I'm still thinking about that and how we already use artificial means to make ourselves happy: legal and illegal drugs, alcohol, food.
Toward the end of the program, Ben provided ten things that have the capacity to make us happier:
1. At the end and/or beginning of each day, recall three blessings in your life. These can be immediate or past blessings.
2. Take risks.
3. Give yourself permission to be fully human.
4. Be a "merit finder" not a "fault finder."
5. Exercise.
6. Meditate.
7. Culivate strong, healthy relationships.
8. Practice self-disclosure in those relationships.
9. Practice being present and mindful. Do not live in the past or future.
10. Practice forgiveness of yourself and others.
It was a great night.
4 comments:
I never realized that bookstore had such events. I knew they had some kind of events there periodically (It's easy to tell when... just look for a parkign space in the shopping center. If you found one, there's nothing going on at the bookstore.)
Ridgewood is only about a mile and a half from my house. Maybe not even that far. But I rarely go there. Sounds like I should. Or should have for this anyway. Perhaps next time...
This was a lovely, inspiring, and uplifting posting Mamie. Thank you for sharing!
:o)
Mojo, I also live a mile or so from the shopping center and am amazed at the number of people I talk to who live in the area and don't frequent the store. In fact, last night I was in my writing class at Meredith and there was a girl who had never even been to Ridgewood!!
If you are a reader, this is one of the finest independent bookstores in the country. The owners are big supporters of the community, and promote our vast wealth of local writers.
And thanks, Allie, for your good words.
Great post. I love the photos and I also love Quail Ridge Books! What a gift it is to readers and writers alike.
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