From the onset of
humanity we have been trying to find out the ingredients of happiness, but as
rightly portrayed in the movie kung fu panda that there was neither any secret
to become the dragon warrior nor for the soup, we must understand that the
happiness is anything which we derive by giving or receiving from the world. There
is no strict definition of happiness but on generic basis what can be said is
that happiness is anything which brings smile on our faces.
The main source of
happiness lies in ourself.Its only that we don't realize the same. We move here
and there in pursuit of happiness but we don’t realize the fact that the moment
when deep inside our heart is at peace we are in a state of happiness. Even Robin
Sharma in his book the Monk Who Sold his Ferrari has very vividly portrayed how
we can gain happiness. The moment we discover our self our purpose of life we
have discovered the pathway for happiness.
From Ancient
Greeks to Buddhists, thinkers have queried the nature of happiness. Not much
research has been done to inquire the main determinants of happiness, but
broadly can be classified into three
1. The
positive trumping the negative: There is so much negative vibes around us which
always makes us think negative and the critic within our self is always active.
For e.g.: as students we at times tend to crib about why a particular faculty
is acting tough with us or why we have a number of happiness. We do not think
about the flip side that we are been put to test because it would eventually
help us discover our skills which would add value to our lives and contribute
in self learning. For years many scientists have conducted researches on positive
thinking and the concept has evolved and now it has entered a generative phase
called the appreciative inquiry where the main intention is through
appreciating the good deeds of the speaker we tend to help him gain confidence
which thus act as an reagent to fight the negativity in the speaker.
2. Family
trumping materialism: In the present generation we have been lead by a lot of
materialistic attitude. We tend to run behind worldly riches and arrive at a
perception that higher salary or bigger house would bring happiness to us. The
happiness that we derive from these is short lived and will be consumed sooner
or later. But we do not realize that long lasting happiness would be derived
when we are with our family. We would not be devoid of happiness if we respect
our family.
3. Generosity
triumphs selfishness: We have to learn to give than thinking about ourselves. People
who give away more of their wealth, regardless of income, feel happier than
those who give away less. Similarly,
those who did favors for others in the last year felt happier than those who
received favors in the last year. The largest happiness effect is seen when
people do things for someone together with other people.
We cannot be happy at all
times because we do get bogged down due to circumstances and situations. Doing a deep diving would help
us unravel the root cause of unhappiness .These can broadly classified as
1. Unstated emotional expectations of those
whom i care about
2. Regret about the past
3. Guilt that I carry
with me
We must learn to lift ourselves above these causes of unhappiness which
cause unrest in our hearts acting as root cause for disturbing our inner peace .We
must try to de burden the sources of unhappiness so that we can strive in our
quest for the higher purpose of our life. We must look beyond horizons and try
to do things which excite us or activities we are passionate about. Life is too
short and in this short span of time if we live and celebrate every moment as
and when it comes. As Alfred
hitch cock rightly said when asked what happiness was, According to him “A
clear horizon, nothing to worry about on your plate. Only things that is
creative and not destructive. That's within yourself, within me I can't bare quarrelling
I can't bare feelings between people. I think hatred iswasted energy. It's all
non-productive. I'm very sensitive. A sharp word said by say a person who has a
temper if they're close to me hurts me for days. I know we're only human, we do
go in for these various emotions, call them negative emotions, but when all
these are removed and you can look forward and the road is clear ahead and now
you're going to create something. I think that's as happy as I would ever want
to be." Life is a roller
coaster with peaks and troughs and we should treat both of them equally by enjoying
the peaks and be positive when encountering troughs.
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