Understanding Happiness: A Simpler Look
Most people view life as a journey from unhappiness to happiness, trying to figure out what causes joy and pain. Initially, having the right things—like money, a good job, or a great home—will make us happy. However, many realize that they can still feel miserable even with all these things.
It becomes clear that it's not just about having stuff but about how we act. Doing good things makes us feel good; doing bad things can leave us feeling guilty. This understanding might make someone think 'doing the right thing' will always bring happiness. Still, life often seems unfair—good things happen to bad people and vice versa.
As people dig deeper, they often turn to managing their thoughts, believing they'll be happy if they can just think positively. However, this approach can be frustrating because controlling every thought that pops into your head is impossible. You can't decide what thoughts arise but can choose which to focus on.
Many conclude that happiness can't be directly controlled, and they stop trying so hard to be happy. Ironically, they often feel better when they relax their efforts. Some believe that happiness must be pursued indirectly, but this is misleading.
Instead of viewing happiness as something to achieve, it's more accurate to realize happiness and joy are part of our nature.
We're born at peace, inherently content until discomfort or needs arise, which we initially respond to without understanding. Over time, we start associating happiness with external sources—like parental affection or other comforts.
As we grow, if our actions sometimes don't align with others' expectations and their reactions change, we might start to feel that happiness comes from outside us. But in reality, happiness and well-being are innate. Looking for joy externally is like searching outside for keys inside the house—you won't find them because they're not there.
This shift in understanding can profoundly change how you relate to others and enhance your inner peace.
Recognizing that joy is already within you can transform your approach to life, helping you reconnect with your natural state without relying on external circumstances.
We tend to believe something when it becomes evident to us. However, until we experience it ourselves, it may sound like meaningless words. In such cases, it is essential to concentrate on the emotions behind those words.
Could well-being be present in the same way as air that we breathe?
Does it exist not only within us but also around us?
Is it so innate that we cannot put it into words?
The key to experiencing this inherent joy is to calm our minds and focus on our feelings. Try it now.
Do you feel restless, irritable, or discontent because your mind is still busy, or do you feel at ease because your mind is relaxed?
The constant chatter of the mind can sometimes cloud the truth about your peaceful, loving, and wise nature. Throughout history, the wise sages have emphasized the importance of stilling the mind as the key to unlocking this truth.
To truly understand your authentic self, you must first quiet your mind.
It's not just about gaining knowledge or information; it's an experience that transcends all mental constructs and leaves you with a profound sense of inner knowing.
So, if you want to uncover the truth about yourself, take some time to calm your mind and allow your innate wisdom to shine through.
The truth is not outside you; the truth you seek resides within you.