Within minutes of putting my status as ‘Happy’ on FB, I was flooded with a volley of questions asking why or what it is that was making me happy. Frankly, I was happy…for no specific reason. I was at peace and that translated into happiness. I was doing nothing, there was nothing that I had achieved; I hadn’t reached some place nor was I headed anywhere.; There wasn’t anyone special I’d met nor had any disturbing person left. I was simply happy.
The volley of questions got me wondering…is it necessary to have a reason to be happy? Can’t we be happy for no reason at all? The Upanishads shout out loud that happiness is our true nature. Of course, that’s literally a far cry from our daily experience. But there are times when we experience that inner happiness, for no rhyme or reason, it is when we reach somewhere deep within and are totally centred in the moment.
If at all we need reasons to be happy, one look around and we’ll find a million reasons to be happy. The very fact that we can breathe effortlessly, we can walk with ease, view the colours around and hear the sounds in the air…aren’t these reason enough to be happy? Focussing on what we have and being grateful for it, we cannot but be happy.
And then there is happiness in nature…the glint of the
rising sun as it peeps from behind the hills, the sight of the eagle gliding in the sky its wings spread out wide, the shiny green foliage in a variety of shades, the twittering of the birds heralding a new day, the golden sky made bright by the bright orange setting sun, the fragrant flowers dancing in the caressing breeze, the silvery moon glimmering against the dark sky, the foaming white waves crashing with a thundering melody…ah! What beautiful sights! They silence the mind. The chattering stops and you’re left without a thought, lost in the beauty of nature, unparalleled, inexplicable, inexpressible. The joy of those moments can only be experienced not described.
It is in those silent moments that we experience true happiness. Let us look around and become aware of those million reasons to be happy. Many such moments will make for a happier day. And many such days will make for a happier life. And therein will end our mindless, frantic search for happiness, for we would have found happiness wherever and however we are.
The volley of questions got me wondering…is it necessary to have a reason to be happy? Can’t we be happy for no reason at all? The Upanishads shout out loud that happiness is our true nature. Of course, that’s literally a far cry from our daily experience. But there are times when we experience that inner happiness, for no rhyme or reason, it is when we reach somewhere deep within and are totally centred in the moment.
If at all we need reasons to be happy, one look around and we’ll find a million reasons to be happy. The very fact that we can breathe effortlessly, we can walk with ease, view the colours around and hear the sounds in the air…aren’t these reason enough to be happy? Focussing on what we have and being grateful for it, we cannot but be happy.
And then there is happiness in nature…the glint of the
rising sun as it peeps from behind the hills, the sight of the eagle gliding in the sky its wings spread out wide, the shiny green foliage in a variety of shades, the twittering of the birds heralding a new day, the golden sky made bright by the bright orange setting sun, the fragrant flowers dancing in the caressing breeze, the silvery moon glimmering against the dark sky, the foaming white waves crashing with a thundering melody…ah! What beautiful sights! They silence the mind. The chattering stops and you’re left without a thought, lost in the beauty of nature, unparalleled, inexplicable, inexpressible. The joy of those moments can only be experienced not described.It is in those silent moments that we experience true happiness. Let us look around and become aware of those million reasons to be happy. Many such moments will make for a happier day. And many such days will make for a happier life. And therein will end our mindless, frantic search for happiness, for we would have found happiness wherever and however we are.
5 comments:
Dear Ruks,
Totally identify with what U have written. Its amazing to be happy..no reason required to just be!
Love,
Sumedha
Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not material wealth...
Happiness comes from giving, not getting.
If we try hard to bring happiness to others, we cannot stop it from coming to us also.
To get joy, we must give it and to keep joy, we must scatter it.
Hi Rukma, Always a nice feeling to read your blogs. "Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not material wealth...
Happiness comes from giving, not getting.
If we try hard to bring happiness to others, we cannot stop it from coming to us also.
To get joy, we must give it and to keep joy, we must scatter it." Regards, Gautam
reminds of something Tripti had gifted.. its a wall hanging from Chinmaya Mission which says - "Work From Happiness.. Not for Happiness.."
Your thoughts are crystal clear as ever. You seem to have gone beyond a point where something can bother u.. I know, its impossible. however, u know how to change d way u look at things..
and before I sign off (a short comment since its already late), Would like to reaffirm that ur writing still inspires me..
more will follow soon.. for d time being, keep writing..!!
Rukma, couldn't agree with you more, being 'alive' is just about the only reason one needs to be happy! As you so rightly say, "If at all we need reasons to be happy, one look around and we’ll find a million reasons to be happy":-) Period.
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