The Element of Happy

element1. a component or constituent of a whole or one of the parts into which a whole may be resolved by analysis.: bricks and mortar are elements of every masonry wall.

2. Chemistry. One of a class of substances that cannot be separated into simpler substances by chemical means. 

3. a natural habitat, sphere of activities environment etc.: to be in one's element; Water is the element of fish.
​Dictionary.com

I am writing this is a taverna in Skala Eressos, Lesvos;  sitting on a comfy sofa looking out to sea with a cat purring at my side and, of course, free wifi.

My day began with a walk followed by a swim in the Aegean and as I bobbed about in the water looking back to the awakening village I felt a wave: literally and metaphorically, of feeling that I was truly in my element.

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When I returned to our apartment and gazed out to the mountains across fields, olive trees and flowers I experienced the same feeling. It then occurred to me that when I am at home in the UK; walking barefoot on the cool dew-damp grass in our home on top of the hill, overlooking a patchwork of countryside that resembles a child’s drawing, I am in my element there too.

What’s going on here?

There are all kinds of formulae for working out one’s element. You can calculate numerically using birthdates, you can use your name, star signs, moon position or whether you like cats or dogs. I’m not sure about the cats or dogs but I could probably make a case for both.

I then realised that elements change and that maybe it is all about inner contentment rather than a set list of rules. I am as content in the sea as I am in a plane.
It there a formula for that?

Yes, there is. And here it is – make your choice. If life has thrown you a curve ball don’t break your neck trying to catch it – throw something at it to change its trajectory. 

Because I write and coach others to write plus all my hypnosis related stuff (technical term) I can do these things anywhere and my working element is wherever the wind takes me.
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​Mick and I have had some of our best ideas in the sea.
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