What is happiness? The possible number
of answers to this question could be as high as the number of planets in the
universe. As there are various answers to this question, it takes a lot of time
for a person to realize where they find real happiness “consistently”. I am no
different from those people. Sometimes it could be while hearing the sound of
waves at sea shore and another time it could be in the crowded queue at Golden
temple where people are waiting for their turn. I wonder, is it the
unquenchable thirst and the insatiable hunger of all humankind. Happiness is
what we all seek for, what we long for. But can such bliss be nothing but an
elusive state of mind or is such a positive outlook attainable for a lifetime?
As per my understanding, there are typically two types of happiness; one
being temporary which lasts for a very short period of time and other which lasts
for the lifetime. As the name suggests, temporary happiness is associated with
the temporary things which could be the materialistic needs. As this is easy to
get, people tend to run behind the things which could give more and more
temporary happiness. And like a rat race, life ends without realizing what real
happiness is all about. On the other hand lifelong happiness could be achieved by
learning the art of giving – The most difficult thing to learn in life.
There are three
forms of happiness as explained by Martin Seligman: Pleasant life, Good life
and Meaningful life were thoroughly explained as below.
1)
Pleasant Life- This talks about having as many pleasures as possible and having
the skills to amplify the pleasures.
2)
Good Life- This means knowing what your signature strengths are, and then
recrafting your work, love, friendship, leisure and parenting to use those
strengths to have more flow in life. A good life essentially means living your
dreams and passions.
3)
Meaningful Life- It is one which consists of using your signature strengths in
the service of something that you believe is larger than you are. Understanding
the purpose of one’s existence to serve mankind is the underlying thinking of a
meaningful life.
And as it correctly
said by Akash,
The bottom line
remains, if our whole life revolves around finding happiness, the most
important question of life becomes:
"Are you
working on the most important thing in your life which makes you or will make
you happy? And if not, why Not?"
Think about it.
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