How to Collect Moments of Happiness

I recently read an article for a school assignment that struck me with a point that is highly relevant to prison. This article by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (yeah, try to pronounce that name!) talked about "escalation of expectations." The author uses this concept to explain that material wealth rarely leads people to greater happiness. He claims that when one's energy is devoted to material things, as each material goal is met one's sensitivity to other rewards begins to atrophy. In other words, when someone is singularly devoted to material wealth, nothing else gives them happiness. The irony is that material wealth rarely gives people the greatest happiness either.
In prison it is very easy to become singularly focused on one source of happiness. It may be legal action in the courts to reduce or overturn a sentence, a relationship one holds onto with desperation, or even simply getting a piece of mail. The problem with this singular focus is that one fails to find happiness in other things that are present in one's life. Sometimes these things are simple and easy to miss--like a beautiful sunrise or sunset, a kind compliment someone gives, or even a particularly delicious piece of cake in the chow hall. I find that the more commonly these simple things occur the less likely we are to notice and appreciate them. In other words, we have an escalation of expectation.
It might be an oversimplification to say that we need to get back to the simple joys of life, but as many happiness researchers will tell us, contentment is a significant key to happiness. So maybe a little awareness couldn't hurt. In fact, it might just lead to more moments of happiness and a greater satisfaction with one's life, no matter what the circumstances.
Sure, it's easy to find plenty to be unhappy about in prison. I don't know a single prisoner (or guard for that matter!) who is happy to be here. But even in the midst of adverse circumstances, moments of happiness can be found. When the sum of these small moments are collected, if one is looking for them, it will inevitably lead to a general sense of happiness--even in prison.