All men require happiness because it brings peace and joy. True happiness, comes from within. It depends on our reactions to situations and our decision to maintain happiness regardless of what happens, knowing we are not alone but the power of God is with me. Mahatma Gandhi was not a poor man but decided to be like a poor man and went out to serve the needy. Service gave him immense joy. He would not hesitate to take the broom and sweep and clean the toilet or sit and spin at his charka like any poor laborer. Similarly, Jesus, came to serve and not to be served unto. (Mt.20:28). At the Last Supper before his death, He gave an example of humble service by washing the feet of his disciples! Service to others can only give us genuine peace and happiness. Service may not be a very big task; it can be a token of care and concern; even a look or word of sympathy can be a service to others.
People who do not find happiness within, often search it externally; believing it can be bought with money or achieve through possessions; like wearing fashionable clothes; eating variety of food; partying often, to win lifelong friends; going on unusual holiday in secluded deserts and high-class malls; in amusement like movies, music, watching sports, physical enjoyment, drugs, alcohol and so on. Though these places offer some escape from the boredom of life, they do not give us the lasting happiness. An Indian maxim goes like this: “However hard you search in the mouth of a crow, you will not find any teeth there. “
Happiness cannot come from external objects, people or achievements such as power, prestige, position, education, wealth or marriage. Such things, cannot guarantee happiness. They have a tendency to disrupt inner peace by raising a storm in calm situations and giving a chance for the devil to play in our life.
Happy people live in the present and thank God for what they already have. Unhappy individuals dwell by regretting the past; fearing the future and greedily desiring what others possess; and what they do not have in the present. We should not be jealous at what others have. To cultivate happiness we have to appreciate our current blessings; and we should not be, just a taker, but also be a giver.
Nothing in this world is permanent; except our soul and God. Complete happiness can never be achieved on this Earth; as it is reserved by the Creator in another world. Konkani singer, Avers Pereira, sings: “Sonvsarant konn sukhi” (Who is happy in the world?) It gives this message. So, we have to control our senses to get inner peace. Without which, there is no real happiness.
There are three procedures that can help our mind to come on the way to happiness. First, in times of trouble, saying, — “I give this problem up to the Divine. Let it be, not my will, but Thy will O Lord.” Second, reminding oneself, “My present misfortune shall pass away with time.” Third, deciding to forget the past, enjoying the present and giving the future in the hands of God. With such thoughts in the mind, we can calm our temper in difficult situations. The Bible says, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” (Lk.17:21).
True happiness is not found in external possession or fleeting pleasures; but in the peace that comes from within; by serving others, expressing thanks and living in the present. For happiness is a choice we make every day with the help of God.
