While reading "The Virtue of Selfishness," by Ayn Rand, I found a quote that struck me with unusual interest.

"To preserve an unclouded capacity of the enjoyment of life, is an unusual moral and psychological achievement."[1]

I read it once again today; perhaps because of the joy I had skiing yesterday, the good night's sleep, or just because my mind was drawn down a little or the fact that I'm still a little tired; but the whole concept of "unclouded" enjoyment strikes a nerve.

Do I do this? I don't honestly know.

I enjoy life. I enjoy hiking and skiing, but it is often true that even in hiking, it has to be long enough that my mind gives up. It has to be long enough to force my mind to give up the junk, the busyness of life, the higher functions of worry, nagging, and thoughts.

Thoughts about the garbage not being taken out, lawns not mowed, weeds not pulled. It takes a while, but if I keep climbing that damn mountain, at some point, it fades, and my mind enters a different realm.

An unclouded realm? I am not sure, but it certainly is a peaceful realm. Of course, people will say my mind is flooded with endorphins, which is purely a chemical reaction. And what they say would be correct. But it "feels" more than a physical reaction; it "feels" more like a spiritual plane.

Marathon and extreme distance athletes call it a "runner high." In either case, it is a profound way to connect. A way to put off the physical man and enjoy being a spiritual being. Unclouded, unfoggy, unhazed by the concerns of the world. Add to that enjoyment, and I picture the above meme. It's a goofy picture, but it has always made me smile, and I think it is the epitome of unclouded joy; enthusiasm.

Reference:

[1] Rand, Ayn (1964-11-01). The Virtue of Selfishness. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition Location 1258.

Written on Jan 22, 2017, 8:25 am.