Happiness - The ideal way of Living
I have always found dictionary giving complex definitions or
explanation for something simple. Wikipedia defines happiness as “a mental or emotional state
of well-being characterized
by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to
intense joy”. I never knew happiness
could be defined in such a complex way. For me, happiness is personal well-being.
Happiness is not something that is present or given readymade. It actually
comes from one’s own action. In simple terms, happiness is subjective and not
objective. One person’s happiness might be another person misery. We have to
realize that we are responsible for our own happiness and not due to any other
external factors. These external factors are just stimuli. Based on a person’s
state of mind, the stimuli either induces happiness or sorrow.
A look at Vedas and Hinduism concept states that, sukha(happiness) and duhkha(sadness) are two relative
experiences and we need to arise above these states to achieve or experience
real happiness(ananda). Every being is
running behind this i.e to achieve real happiness, some knowingly and some
unknowingly. Hinduism states stay positive in life and approach it accordingly.
It states what we are currently enjoying is temporary happiness but there are
higher and greater forms of happiness as we move forward. We have to keep
pushing our self forward. Till we achieve that state we are just passing
through different states of mind.
The difficult question is how we attain this everlasting happiness.
As our life evolved, our aspirations kept changing and so does, our definition
of happiness kept changing. When we were kids, our happiness meant possession of
smaller goods and presence of few people. As times passed by, possession of
costlier goods, presence of different people meant happiness. So, our happiness has also evolved. Happiness
can be attained only after we understand or know one self. In terms of Maslow’s
Theory of Needs, Happiness is defined as more of any level. For example, if a
person attains physiological level, it actually satisfies his actual needs. If
he gets any more satisfaction in the same level, it gives him a sense of joy
which is happiness and longs to move to next level.
Most of us hail from middle class families. To us, material
success is all we yearn for and it is understandable. But one needs to
understand the fact that money shouldn’t lead us to any decisions in our life.
If money was everything, many Billionaires would have stopped working once they
saw money. They still keep working due to their love of work they are involved
in. Doing that, they are happy. Getting better from their previous output,
generates a smile in their face. We have to put in the extra effort to see us
move to the next level. We may not become Abdul Kalam or Anil sir overnight.
But striving and putting in the necessary effort to make it to next level makes
us move one step closer to what they have achieved.
Each and every one has different DNA and it is god's unique creativity to create individuals with defects. No human being is perfect but
is unique. The day we realize it, we are in right track to achieve happiness. So
we need to set goals accordingly and put in required efforts achieve it. It is
also important to understand that we shouldn’t take our life seriously. It is
fine to get few Beginner or Novice grades in your academics. It is
also completely fine to doze off before the day of your assignment submission. Once
in a while, it is always fine to commit mistakes but repeating it is a sin :) .
To bring out an experience from
my life that gave me happiness was the time I spent interacting with kids. There
is a proverb in English which states
“The soul is healed by being with children".
Time and again, I realize how
true it is!! Their innocence and creativity always moved me. No wonder I wanted
to work with children again and SIP days at SOIL proved me how correct I was. During one of the SIP
days, we had to accompany the kids to an Amusement park. If people think
getting money or promotion gives them happiness, then you must have seen these
children’s eye at the very sight of the rides at the park. No money could buy
you that happiness. Some where I have read that "Time we spent enjoying is
not wasted time”. Every moment at the Park with those children was beyond doubt
worth it.
Life is so short that you spend
most of the time thinking of the outcome. I have learnt that you don't have to
win at life. Life is not always about winning. Life is about participating in the game and
trying to influence others so that they win. It is important to keep your life simple.
Keep your expectations simple and Start Practicing being satisfied. Love people
around you and have a great sense of humor. Tolerate your mistakes and most
importantly forgive yourself. Give your best in all activities and roles and
leave rest to God. Just be happy that you are part of a race called LIFE and savor
each and every moments and milestones you been there. By doing this, you wouldn’t
be sad but more happy.
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