Ancient Chinese poetry, tells us that poets didn’t need material thongs to be happy, all they needed was a pleasant scene, a poem and alcohol. This so-called “pleasant scene” was really just Mother Nature and their poetry and alcohol were the same as self-reflection and friends. To recite the words from an ancient verse, “I pick the Chrysanthemums below the fence, leisurely setting my sights on Mt. Nan.” Chrysanthemums and Mt. Nan represent the pleasant scene and “leisure” is a frame of mind. This sort of simple happiness is worthy of a poem.

Here’s another, “The clouds are light, and the wind gentle, as it approaches midday, the flowers beside me bend and sway with the willows, passing the village ahead.” This sort of light, gentle description of nature creates a calming mood, and captures the essence of a happy life. The people of ancient China were amazing. They only needed some scenery, with poetry and spirits to be happy.