Everything feels dull. How to be better and see beauty in the world?

Hey, this spoke to me on a variety of levels, particularly the self-deprecating stream-of-consciousness introspective aspect of it. I think you are onto something when you discuss recreational drug users, though you are misperceiving the source of their contentment. What drugs allow you to do is better appreciate sensory experiences or stimulate novel thought connections. It shines light on the beautiful and sublime things that you become dulled to due to daily exposure. I imagine (MJ in particular) strips back that sensory memory, and that is why everything is so incredibly delightful (music, food, etc functions as a brain massage of sorts). Anyway, I've dealt with endless existential episodes as I've grown up, and the one thing I keep coming back to is that happiness is ultimately a very transient feeling. Most people base their happiness on false conceptions of their past or the future. They're not directly enjoying anything at the moment, but the idea of something, so that they can shore up whatever doubts they have about the meaning of their lives. I'm rambling at this point, but I did smoke some MJ a little bit ago, so, please forgive me. Anyhow, my point is, the secret is in the details. Sensory experiences - art, music, nature, beauty, etc. Appreciating and recognizing how good everything can feel if you are mindful of it and allow yourself to recognize these things; how warm the sun can feel on your skin in summer, stepping in wet sand, blah blah blah. Intelligence, coupled with acquired wisdom, leads us through this circuitous path back to simple pleasures and happiness. Ironic right? They say ignorance is bliss, but it really is. All intellectual search for meaning beyond that usually arrives almost "back" to the realization that you are seeking to retain the wonder and curiosity you had as a child - that is how the world should be experienced and how one can find bliss, and at least, contentment. Once you know how to do these things, you don't need drugs. Sure help though, if you're lazy as fuck like me.

/r/DecidingToBeBetter Thread