I'm a fan of Dan Gilbert's happiness TED talk - I've posted it here a few times already but maybe someone missed it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q1dgn_C0AU
Twelve years ago I had my first peak experience (at the time, I'd not touched weed for years) but it may not surprise you that I called it "My Cosmic Experience" (I've since had another). Afterwards I had a period of a couple of days where I was thinking especially lucidly.
At the time I was living in a rented flat with not much savings, no car, no drumming etc. I dreamed of having enough $$ to retire - to get off the 9 to 5 treadmill working with grumpy lawyers. During my insightful period I realised that it would make no difference to my happiness. Even if I won the lottery the next day I would not be happier - I'd still worry and be insecure and generally messy - just that my demons would be put to work on different circumstances.
That's why I'm so into the heady stuff of late. I now have the money, time and freedom and I want to be better able to appreciate it. I feel similar discordance in my inner world to before, despite now being retired and very comfortable. It's nothing dramatic, but worth sorting out IMO.
Most people seem cynical at the idea of doing self work. We spend so much time enaged in activity that the notion of trying to improve your psychological dynamics and internalised philosophical chops seems like an absurd, hubristic, self-focused waste of time. That's the impression I get - adults are just supposed to have their philosophical chops together "naturally".
Just like drumming, eh? It's just a natural thing for a human to do ... the universe is made of rhythms ... easy peasy! You don't need to work at it ... all you need are good instincts to be a great drummer ... right?