It's time to get your basic ideas on happiness right. Most of us are searching for happiness in the wrong places. We think that happiness is something that we get from the money we make, or from the status we acquire. However, happiness is something beyond what the world can offer. It’s a mindset that can be obtained only by changing our approach to life.
Some incredible men who have found real peace and happiness inspire the rest of the world through their lives and their contributions to the society. Thich Nhat Hanh is one such Buddhist monk who has inspired many people through his life and his books. Here are a few lessons to learn from Thich Nhat Hanh on happiness.
1. Happiness is a choice.
“The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.”
Happiness is a choice each person has to make to be content with life, in spite of all the struggles. Challenges and struggles are common to every person on this planet. Hence, waiting for all our problems to come to an end is not the way to be happy.
2. Happiness is living in the moment.
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
To find happiness, we need to let go of our past, and stop being anxious about the future. The present is the only time that we can control. Hence, paying attention to the present will help you make the best out of it. This way you will find peace in every moment and experience true happiness.
3. True happiness is found in peace.
“Many people think excitement is happiness…. But when you are excited you are not peaceful. True happiness is based on peace.”
At times, we’re happy because of something we have achieved. We are overjoyed, and we get excited about it. However, such happiness is short-lived. We celebrate the moment and then the excitement dies out. True happiness is not about being excited about the temporary things. It depends on the peace that we enjoy daily.
4. Happiness is meant to be shared.
“The source of love is deep in us and we can help others realize a lot of happiness. One word, one action, one thought can reduce another person’s suffering and bring that person joy.”
Happiness is not something that should be bottled up inside you. When you’re happy, you need to share it with the ones around you. The little things you do, and things you say can make an enormous impact on the lives of others.
5. Happiness is a mindset.
“I promise myself that I will enjoy every minute of the day that is given me to live.”
Happiness is how you approach every new day. To find happiness, you need to prepare your mind to find joy in every moment. Whatever be the situation, learn to overlook things that are worrying you and be happy by focusing on the good things around you.
6. Happiness is letting go of what you don’t need.
“Let go of everything that no longer serves you and you will be happy.”
There are many things that we don’t need, but we still possess them. If you can dispose everything that is not a necessity in life, and if you can choose to live with a few things that you need, you will be a lot more content than you are now.