Moderation – This is the first and most important key. Once you figure out how to moderate it’s possible to enter a zen-like state where worry can’t stick to you. Everything you do is based in the present and intuition is finely tuned. It’s not a perfect way to live because we are human and will fuck up. The idea of moderation brings you back to your center (whatever that is) and facilitates a non-judgemental perspective on all things.
Take it literally, interpret it liberally. Moderation improves communication with yourself and those around you. Moderation enables self restraint. Moderation allows for extremes in balanced systems. Even our self-flagellation can (and should) be moderated. When thrown off balance, lack of moderation brings stress and drama. I use yoga to maintain my connection to moderation but that’s just a personal choice.
Hydration – We’re made of water. It only makes sense so I’ll let you figure it out. Don’t get me started on the moon and the tides.
Collaboration – Playing well with others is vital in the ever-shrinking world we live in. There are only so many places for a recluse to hide before it becomes a village. Everyone assumes eventually we’ll all interface via virtual reality in the science-fictiony future world. It may be true but the smell of the people living near you will remain a real concern longer than expected. I personally don’t want to be cleaned and fed by robots while living in my headspace. I like to be touched and I like to move around. It’s a vital part of my continued happiness. More to the point, creating anything worthwhile in the information age requires input from at least two sources. Usually more. Some work just can’t be done from home.
Gratification – Face it, we all want it. Don’t deny yourself pleasure, whatever form it takes. Some people might seek money while others want a lot of cats. Most of the people I meet want so many things they don’t know what to do. Preventing satisfaction by treading water in their own flood of desires. As the Indigo Girls say, “The sweetest part is acting after making a decision.”
Accountability – (aka Be Nice or Leave) This key is what keeps you honest. Perhaps the hardest to find and certainly the hardest to keep. Without accountability for your actions the rest is essentially worthless. Based on honor and hinged on civility, the approval of society is not necessary to survival. That’s why it’s the most difficult – you have to want other people in your life. It takes time and trust to build a family of people. Not being an asshole is a pretty important part of being truly happy.