Chinwag #11 The Meaning of Happiness, with Jake Mackenzie
Welcome to the How To Die Happy podcast, where we explore the many facets of what it means to truly live and die happy. In this episode, Martin O'Toole talks with Jake Mackenzie, cosmic wizard and co-founder of Uluwatu's surf mecca, Drifter. They discuss the meaning of happiness, its different facets, and how we can achieve one of life's most sought-after prizes.
The discussion begins with the most obvious question: what is happiness? Is it owning material possessions and having a healthy bank balance? Or is it living a simple, minimalist life with no attachments? The truth is the definition of happiness is subjective, and it varies from person to person. As Martin and Jake explore the topic, they discuss the psychological and spiritual definitions of happiness and how Eastern philosophical ideas on this complicated aspect of the human experience differ from Western perspectives.
The conversation then shifts to the concept of unhappiness. What makes us unhappy, and can we learn how to switch our happiness on and off? Martin and Jake delve into the idea that happiness is not entirely within our control but rather a combination of internal and external factors. They explore different techniques on how to be happy, including the practice of gratitude, self-compassion, and mindfulness.
Martin and Jake believe that in mastering the art of living, we can also perfect the art of dying (happily). They discuss the importance of acceptance and embracing life's duality to find happiness in both the good and the bad. As the discussion progresses, they touch on the connection between life and death and how understanding their relationship can help us find true happiness.
Throughout the episode, the question "What is happy?" is asked multiple times, each bringing a new layer of understanding to the topic. The conversation touches on the importance of accepting ourselves, letting go of our attachments, and finding happiness in the present moment.
In the end, Martin and Jake conclude that true happiness is a journey, not a destination. Happiness is not about owning things but rather about owning your emotions and finding contentment within yourself. It's about finding joy in the simple things in life, cultivating meaningful relationships, and embracing the ebb and flow of everyday existence.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of the How To Die Happy podcast. If you have any topics or guests you'd like us to cover or questions for an upcoming guest, please leave us a voice message. Remember, happiness is within your reach, and it's up to you to grab it. But don't cling. Whatever you do, don't cling.
