In Happiness Is,
psychiatrist Shawn Christopher Shea, somewhat abstrusely, derives a human
matrix model, from quantum mechanics; and engrossingly uses this model as a
gateway into the cryptic universe housing human happiness.  Shea has practiced
clinical psychiatry for over twenty years, and, employing a highly curious and
unlikely mixture of philosophic musing, forays into mysticism, and quantum
physics, Shea succeeds in insightfully crossing the treacherous, if not
impervious, moat encircling the enigmatic domain of happiness.

  
For some, there may be an opaqueness about the book that will diminish its
intellectual luster.  Yet many will feel enthrallingly enlightened by the human
matrix model, which aims to explain some of the pieces of the mind-numbingly
complex puzzle of happiness.  At the least, the insightful ruminations of Shea’s
inquisitive mind, eyed through a lens hewed by physics and philosophy, may be
help those aiming to decipher the nature of happiness. 

   At its core, the book is
principally about learning how to maintain a sharp, interminable focus on being
happy.  Indeed, Shea unequivocally and unabashedly postulates that a person’s
primal, unrelenting focus should be on being happy.  In relentless search of
strata of soil laden with happiness, the widely reaching roots, of the textual
trunk, extend to a variegated array of sources and an eclectic assembly of
personages.  In style and substance, the book is considerably removed from
being a parched academic tome.  The stylistic informality and looseness of the
book is exemplified by the not uncommon use of slang terms.  Bits and pieces of
true stories are insinuated into the textual body; and these anecdotal
fragments comprise a delectable ingredient of the textual stew.

   Critics may complain that the
book follows a meandering path, in a rather academically unstructured and
scientifically undisciplined manner, and that Shea sometimes appears to be
navigating without a compass, and without any real sense of direction.  But
actually, Shea, exhibiting great tenacity and insatiable curiosity about the
nature of happiness, has constructed an intriguing blueprint, for finding
happiness, interconnected closely with quantum physics.  Importantly, following
this blueprint necessitates plunging headlong into the waters of the human
matrix model, of happiness, as charted by Shea.

   As contemplated by Shea, there
is a distinct duality to "happiness": it is an attitude, of profound
trust, accompanied, as well, by a feeling, of confidence, that one can
effectively handle the good and the bad that life may offer.  The attitude of
trust, as envisaged by Shea, enables one to live in the present moment,
unperturbed about the past or the future.  The crux, for the seeker of
happiness, is to uncover the happiness hidden in every moment.  And the
blueprint for living consistently, in the present moment, is called, by Shea,
the "human matrix".

   Shea believes that a human, in
quantum mechanical terms, can be described as a matrix.  When viewed through
the lens of quantum mechanics, a "matrix" is a myriad of interlacing
processes in constant flux.  From a quantum mechanical perspective, as
envisioned by Shea, a person is the net interaction of five processes: 
biologic, psychologic, interpersonal, environmental, and spiritual.  These are
the five "wings", of the human matrix.  In order to understand
happiness, as conceptualized by Shea, it is necessary to understand the highly
complex interplay of the five wings.

   An exploration of rules
governing the quest for happiness, and the principles that flow from them, is a
task undertaken assiduously by Shea.  These rules importantly appertain to how
the wings of the human matrix interact.   One "rule", for instance,
is that the wings, of the human matrix, are interdependent.  Another
"rule" is that, because the wings, of the human matrix, are
interdependent, a problem affecting one wing may damage a different wing.  The
rules adumbrated by Shea, in turn, imply principles.  For example, one
"principle", delineated by Shea, is that all wings of the human
matrix must be searched before a decision is made regarding where the main
problem resides.

   In the last few chapters of the
book, Shea grapples with how to use the human matrix model efficaciously, so as
to unlock the door opening to human happiness.  Shea believes that shrewd
application of the human matrix principles may be helpful regarding the
remedying of real life problems.  In this vein, Shea explains that discerning
use of the human matrix model requires the devising of strategies for
converting knowledge of the matrix into effective plans of action.

   The vast amorphousness and
inscrutability enveloping the term "happiness" makes it difficult, in
a scientifically disciplined way, to flesh out its bones.  The quantum
mechanical perspective proffered, by Shea, may be appealing for its perceived
consonance with modern physics, but may leave others feeling lost in its
seeming murkiness.  It may be an ineluctable truth that the profundities, of
human happiness, are simply not fully fathomable, and that full comprehension
of the term "happiness" lies beyond the ken of human sight.

   The intriguing blending of
quantum physics, philosophy, and mysticism stirred up by Shea may, however,
resonate powerfully with many readers.  Armed with sturdy quantum mechanical
tools, Shea insightfully probes, dissects, and examines the body encasing human
happiness.  At least for the reader imbued with some measure of open
mindedness, the far-reaching ground traversed by Shea should be a shining
beacon, lighting the way to considerable insight and understanding concerning
happiness.  Psychologists, psychiatrists, philosophers, theologians, social
workers, and persons drawn to mysticism are among those who may be powerfully
attracted by the book’s intellectual magnetism.

© 2006 Leo Uzych

Leo Uzych (based in Wallingford, PA) earned a law
degree, from Temple University; and a master of public health degree, from
Columbia University.  His area of special professional interest is healthcare. 

Categories: General, Psychology