I think all of us would find it somewhat strange to say that the natural “human condition” is to be in a state of happiness: but it is. Numerous studies suggest that we live longer and in a higher of contentment when we have a positive view of our reality than if we eke out our sunset days in a morose and embittered state.
“Being happy doesn’t just improve the quality of your life. According to a new study, it may increase the quantity of your life as well. Older people were up to 35% less likely to die during the five-year study if they reported feeling happy, excited, and content on a typical day. And this was true even though the researchers took factors such as chronic health problems, depression, and financial security out of the equation.
‘We had expected that we might see a link between how happy people felt over the day and their future mortality, but we were struck by how strong the effect was,’ says Andrew Steptoe, Ph.D., the lead author of the study and a professor of psychology at University College London, in the United Kingdom.” (1)
Most great mystics and individuals who have achieved enlightenment (2) speak of a state of peace above worldly concerns. As the Buddha tells us: “To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all: one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.” I would never claim to be an expert in the area of happiness, but I know that the times I have declared that I intend to be happy and content, I am. Happiness itself, therefore, would appear to be a choice analogous to playing Bertarido in Rodelinda. (3) After a series of machinations, not all positive and good, you receive what you are due: your good fortune, peace and satisfaction. What is the fountainhead of this joy-filled emotion? I believe that it is the honest realization of your humanity, your mortality, at least on this plane. Once you know that you are going to physically die, you are free to live. The bitterness of age is a taste that cannot be mitigated by false images of tranquility and eternity. I think, I feel, I understand – all of this will be terminated by my death. I know this, but I truly do not understand. I like this perception or concept for it allows me to remain in a state of innocence towards my finality. I do not fear nor welcome death. It will present itself one day and I will accept it. Ones tears should not be in regret or sadness, but in empathy at the pain of others that will remain. Death, like birth, is a solitary pursuit. What does this mean: to live in a state of happiness? On a practical level, it entails that you remind yourself that the little travails that we all face are mostly insignificant in the “grand scheme” of your life. The rudeness of another human being, the stupidity of a politician, the rancor of a malcontent: these incidents are to be documented and, if necessary dealt with, but you must not allow these events to affect your overall mood, your positive disposition. None of us is asked to be meek and forgiving in the face of injustice, but if you allow yourself to descend into a psychological state of endless hopelessness, nothing redeeming will result. Much like any beaten army, you must stay effective to “fight another day.” Reality is placed in my hands through my five senses: I see, hear, taste, touch and smell. The sixth sense, the ability to look inwardly, is where your connectivity to the universe exists. Here exists our true state of peace. Sadhguru (b. 1957) leaves us with a thought: It is only when you become aware of death that you want to know what life is about. Once you come to terms with death and you are conscious that you will die, you will want to make every moment of your life as beautiful as possible. … Inward is not a direction. Inward is a dimension.
A small joke: Bob was a rebellious young man. He refused to follow the acceptable practices of hygiene, for example. He bathed when he wanted to, brushed his hair as he saw fit and generally “was his own man.” One day he succumbed to a nasty cold: though again his better nature, he was forced to see a doctor. The doctor, after great deliberation, handed him a prescription, “What is it for?” The young man inquired. “Soap,” was the learned reply.
This week, please reflect on “your” magnificent life.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: I must strive to complete my mission in the time that I am allotted. False discontentment will only inhibit its completion.
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