One can get a limited amount of happiness by accumulating things — or by doing things — that one had wanted to get or do. However, acquiring things by way of motive(s) is always circumscribed by a degree of calculated, linear planning, and the result (as an effect) is usually very mundane, secondary, and rather stale. So constantly chasing after happiness is often reflective of a rather immature mind, a mind that falls for the ordinary (being itself, unfortunately, rather ordinary). Does an extraordinary mind habitually chase after the ordinary? … probably not!
Additionally, true joy seldom comes invited (by way of calculated motives). Calculated motives — like clockwork –manifest to bring up what a mind desires… and desire is usually small, self-centered, generic, plastic, and commonplace. Desires are limited reactions (often being robotic, calculated, and dull). True joy and bliss are not what the mind can calculatingly concoct mentally.
So what is an intelligent mind to do? This may (at first) seem nonsensical, but a very wise thing to do — regarding happiness and bliss — is nothing. In doing nothing, the mind is automatically out of the quagmire of calculated, mechanical plotting. Such plottings, with their limitations and mediocrity, are reflections of motives. Going beyond them opens the mind to possibilities that are not limited and are not just fragmentary reactions in the cause-and-effect continuum. Real joy and bliss are beyond the fragmentary known.
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
“true joy seldom comes invited”… “do nothing” – it either makes an appearance or doesn’t – and you nail it! Wonderful Tom! Was thinking about joy two days ago – Beautiful day I decided to take my little dogs with me to see the trees on the mountain – of course their agenda was different than mine and they spent their time with their noses to the ground while I followed them and looked to trees and sky – hours passed meandering -it started to get chilly so we left – it was only later reflecting that I realized I had experienced a joyful afternoon with two tiny beloveds and trees I love…Joy is a gift. Yes?
Yes, joy is a gift…. a blessing. It’s usually very simple (not involving money).
Joy in simple things, is the best joy of all all. Not contrived, not to be explained to us because we missed the point! I like Mr. Grasshopper at his buffet lunch. My goodness, that close-up gives it an almost alien look.
Yes, Linda, joy in simple things (or in unplanned situations) is often the best joy of all. Really young children are full of that magic… but then they grow up and lose that enchantment of seeing things as if for the first time.
Thanks about Mr. Grasshopper! Yes, rather alien-like! 😉
We have to keep that simple joy Tom … one good thing about nature is there is always something to marvel at and be in awe of. I am always amazed at your macros of what the real color of these insects or critters are – the brilliant green and features of this grasshopper amazed me!
Yes, Linda, with nature there is always something to marvel at and be in awe of! When i was a young kid, i often carried a magnifying glass around with me. People would say, “You don’t have to ask where Tom is at… he’s out looking at bugs, frogs, and other critters.” Now I’m almost 73 and i haven’t changed a bit, thank goodness!