Is Happiness a Choice?

I. Chalice Lighting & Opening Words

"To Build A Swing"

You carry
All the ingredients
To turn your life into a nightmare-
Don't mix them!
You have all the genius
To build a swing in your backyard
for God.
That sounds
Like a hell of a lot more fun.
Let's start laughing, drawing blueprints,
Gathering our talented friends.
I will help you
With my divine lyre and drum.
Hafiz will sing a thousand words
You can take into your hands,
Like golden saws,
Silver hammers,
Polished teakwood,
Strong silk rope.
You carry all the ingredients
To turn existence into joy,
Mix them, mix them!

~Hafiz

II. Check-In

III. Topic

Do we really carry all the ingredients for joy? How much control do we have over our moods and emotions? How much is out of our control? Are there moments in your life when you have been able to choose happiness in a time of unhappiness? What are some things that help you to make that transition, and what are the barriers? If you could choose to be happy, would you always?

IV. Likes and Wishes

V. Closing Words

"Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of earth."
~Nancy Wood