Before I speak about happiness, I want to mention a few occasions recently where amusement parks have been mentioned in ministry. One of my brother priests mentioned that life had been “like a roller coaster” over the past month. I think we all hear something like that on occasion—when a person has had both high highs and low lows. Sometimes you just have to hold on! Also, I heard a priest mention in a homily that one time when he was growing up, he went with other altar servers to an amusement park. He ended up getting sick on the tilt-a-whirl.
I was just at a large, several-day gathering of priests who serve in my diocese (i.e. my city and surrounding area). Although the time was largely focused on socializing, there was also a series of talks focused on happiness (everyone desires happiness). The Spitzer Institute speakers detailed “4 Levels of Happiness” (for more information, see https://spitzercenter.org/what-we-do/educate/four-levels-of-happiness/). At one point when discussing Level 1 happiness, they put up a picture of a roller coaster. Although I think that was a rather helpful example for us priests to understand low-level happiness, I couldn’t help but think there are ways for roller coasters (and theme parks) to touch on the other levels of happiness. This post will explore the Four Levels and explain how roller coasters could be found at each level. Level 1 happiness is Immediate Gratification (key word is immediate). It looks to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Although some people find roller coasters painful, most people who ride them find most roller coasters to be fun, exhilarating, and thrilling. There is a euphoria when a rider comes back to the station. That pleasure can be achieved by riding another roller coaster. Most roller coaster rides fall into this level. Level 2 happiness is Personal Achievement. This is a short-term happiness. Often, in the negative sense, it means doing whatever is good for me (or feeds my ego). On the healthier side, it can lead to greater confidence in self or a greater sense of self. When someone hasn’t ridden a specific coaster before and then works up the courage to go on it, that seems like Level 2 happiness to me. Level 3 happiness is Good Beyond Self. This is a long-term happiness. Decisions at this level are made for the greater good. As far as roller coaster riders go, it might mean giving a first time rider the encouragement needed to get them on to a coaster that they were afraid of. Alternatively, it could take the form of donating one’s time or finances so the less fortunate can experience an amusement park. Finally, Level 4 happiness is Ultimate Good. This is an eternal happiness that is directed toward God. Going on a roller coaster can be a prayer. First, out of a sense of fear of what lies ahead, a rider can repent of sins and promise to do better going forward (assuming one survives). Second, it can be a prayer out of gratitude for the gifts received and wanting to offer those gifts back to God. Thirdly, it can be a trust that even as scary as the tracks ahead are, the rider trusts that God will always be with and keep them from the worst dangers. I hope this has been helpful in thinking through roller coasters and how they can bring about different types of happiness, depending on the person involved. Whether you find Levels 3 and 4 happiness in roller coasters, I pray that you will find them in some way.
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