Tom Quigley Responds to Happiness

Tom Quigley attended the KCTS film Measuring Happiness and has this to say...I am printing with his permission:

Trish, 

I personally relate to the idea of well-being or satisfaction more than to happiness.  For me, well-being or satisfaction are about a general state of my condition whereas the word 'happiness' seems about a particular moment and seems more superficial.  One might say they are generally happy but if they have a sense of well-being or satisfaction, I would feel more confident about the depth of their feelings.  I do not see where the term sustainable is part of this disussion unless you are talking about your sense of well-being as a feeling that is sustainable.
 
My sense of well-being comes from spiritual energy within and has less to do with exernal forces and more to do with the health of my spirit. 
 
Perhaps the simplicity of the notion of happiness, a more childlike expression, is the core to this initiative.  If we can capture the simple happiness of childhood are we better able to disregard the tension that keeps us from a sense of well-being and staisfaction?
 
Good luck with this.
 
t-

Tom Quigley, Arborist
Tree Sales, Fine Pruning
Landscape Appraisal
www.TomQuigleyArborist.com
206.850.2643