What is happiness? Where do we find it? How do we get it? I readily recognize that having enough money for our needs is important, but beyond that, money has little to do with true happiness.
Happiness is the most intangible state that we seek in our entire life. In our search for true happiness in life, we experience too much pain and sacrifice, there are even times when we lose our own source of happiness. But, only a few knew that true happiness is within ourselves.
Happiness does not always require success, prosperity, or achievement. True happiness always has its root in altruism, its flower in some kind of love. The present is a time of seeking pleasure, and men are losing their sanity in the mad race for sensations that excite and disappoint. In this day of counterfeits, adulterations, and vile imitations, the devil is busier than ever in the course of human history, manufacturing pleasures both old and new; and he offers them for sale in the most attractive manner, falsely labelled, ‘Happiness.
What is happiness then? How is it different from mother’s pleasure? Happiness does not leave a bad taste in the mouth, it is not followed by a depressing reaction; does not call for repentance, does not bring repentance, does not carry remorse; Pleasure too often necessitates repentance, contrition, and suffering; and, if given to the extreme, it brings degradation and destruction.
True happiness is lived over and over again in memory, always with a renewal of the original good; a moment of unholy pleasure can leave a sharp stinger that, like a thorn in the flesh, is an ever-present source of anguish. Happiness is not akin to lightness, nor to carefree joy.
It seems that happiness is something that we all want but few find. It’s a race? Is happiness in our ‘stuff’? Seeking happiness in things will never satisfy. In the end, we find ourselves looking beyond.
Just don’t take yourself too seriously. True perfection is really embracing your imperfections. This way, you are not fighting or rejecting yourself. Make friends with yourself. Never beat yourself up for too many emotional problems. It is natural to feel everything, whatever it is.
Try to meditate. There is an overwhelming amount of research showing how meditation changes the circuitry in the part of the brain associated with contentment and happiness and stimulates the “feel good” factor. Meditating on love and kindness makes you much, much happier. And the only way to know is to try it, so don’t hesitate. Just 10 minutes of meditation a day has been shown to cause physical changes in the brain that improve concentration and focus, calm the nervous system, and help you become kinder, more compassionate, and even more humorous.
Let go of negativity. Learn to forgive and forget. See each challenge as an opportunity to continue growing. Express gratitude for what you have. Don’t worry about the little things. Take a lot of “worry vacations” where you train your mind not to worry for a certain period of time.
See the humor in life and in our experiences. Take life less seriously and learn to laugh at yourself. Serve and be kind to others. Treat everyone with kindness. Speak well of others. Truly listen to others. Support them without getting involved. Be careful with your words. Speak more gentle, kind and wise. Respect others and their free will. Put your trust in others and have them trust you in return.
Work as part of a whole. See others as partners in your efforts. Practice generosity and giving without expecting anything in return. Live in the present. Do not reproduce negative events or worry about the future. Accept and celebrate impermanence. Be thankful for your life, for every moment of every day.
Observe yourself in the moment. Choose a healthy lifestyle. Keep a daily routine. Wake up at the same time every morning, preferably early. Get enough sleep. Don’t overeat and try to practice healthy self-control. Exercise every day to the point of sweating.
Laugh more. The laugh is the best medicine. Practice deep breathing and yoga. The body and mind are connected. Take care of your spirit. Strive to always learn new things. Be creative.
Be free forward. Live minimally and simply. Often, the extravagant life brings more stress, not more satisfaction. Order your home to order your mind. Feel good in your own home. Make it your sanctuary by keeping it clean, organized, and uplifting. Do without certain things that you think you need.
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