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by Ramyamala
Dear wise readers, If you would like to read sharing these thoughts
and feel the same way please take a few minutes away from your busy
schedule and sit down quietly, if possible in a quiet place.
Now, think of your whole life upto now. You may be in your prime age
of youth, in the middle age of your life journey or at the age of
retirement. Wherever you are, remember the important incidents in your
life. Whatever you have done upto now you did it to the best of your
capacity.
What was your aim in doing all that? Your education, looking for a
good profession and getting into the best you can, committing your whole
life to a partner, building your own house and owning your own vehicle
and becoming a good parent and so on! Why did you do all that? or why
are you planning to do all that? Isn’t it just for a happy life. I’m
sure your answer is “yes, indeed” Congratulations!
After all what is happiness? Is it to laugh loudly? Is it to be
extremely relaxed and careless, not even realising that someone has
picked up your purse? Is it to crack jokes? Defenitely not. Then what is
happiness?
 This is what I feel about happiness. Hope you will agree with me.
Happiness is an art. It is the purpose of our existence. It is the true
index of the quality of life. Without happiness, life is dry and
meaningless. When there is happiness, life immediately becomes
fulfilling. Happy people keep themselves happy because they know the
little ways to appreciate themselves and to see the humour and magic in
each moment. Happiness is a treasure. It’s the nourishment for the soul.
The ultimate goal in life is to be happy. We pursue this goal in many
different ways.
Very often when life seems dull and meaningless, or when we wonder
what we are pursuing or living for, it is helpful to ask, “will this
bring happiness?” Everyone seeks happiness, but if we realise that we
can never be happy if we make others unhappy, more attention would be
paid to the effect our actions have on others. Sometimes in life, it
seems as though the only way to be happy is to perform selfish actions,
not taking anyone or anything into account. Time, energy and money are
abused through selfishness and although temporary happiness may be
experienced unhappiness is actually increasing. Unless and until this is
realised there cannot be happiness.
Here is a simple recipe for happiness:
Two heepful cups of patience, One heartful of love, Two handsful of
generosity, One headful of understanding, A dash of humour. Sprinkle
with kindness, Add plenty of faith and mix well, Spread over a period of
lifetime, Serve to everyone you meet. Mmmmm...mmmm.. It’s delicious. But
it’s a journey of a lifetime. In this journey I’m not alone. I’m
expected to give happiness to and receive happiness from my fellow
beings. Whatever we do a certain amount of risk exists.
Even while crossing a street, we can be suddenly struck down by a
car. Does it mean we should stay at home all the time? We cannot afford
to be afraid. We have to do whatever we have planned. Worrying about
what will happen in the future robs us of the happiness within.
Definitely a change is needed. What sort of a change? Is it going for a
holiday, doing some aerobics, change of work, change of place?
How long will the new place keep me happy? It is only we, who have
control over ourselves. So I need to take the responsibility to myself
and do something positive to transform the situation. One has to let go
of the memories and effect of past traumas for inner healing to take
place.
That inner healing will allow us to use every moment for a better
purpose. To accept and appreciate the role of each one and yet remain
loving and unaffected is the key to be happy with relationships.
No one can change the past, but you can ruin a perfect present by
worrying about the future. So remember, happiness is not tomorrow, It is
a decision. |
