The Secret to Happiness
by Chandra Shekhar Tripathi
 

The Secret to Happiness

Assume it is. The main reason we do anything is to make ourselves feel better. We also must understand however, that one cannot obtain happiness and peace in the world until we make peace within ourselves. Happiness is not something readymade. It's a result of our own actions and is an attitude. We have the choice of either making ourselves miserable or happy and strong in spite of the hardships or challenges that we face.

We are living in a technologically advanced world with various insurances and protections ... water proof, bullet proof, etc. In our lives, we should be thinking about developing our own 'grief or tension-proof covers' because no one else will do it for us. In this world, there will always be challenges and ups and downs in life, no matter whether one is poor or rich, educated or uneducated. Grief is a fact of life that inevitably follows the pleasures of life. Accolades and disdain often come together alongside the gains and losses in life.

According to the philosophy of Gita, to be happy in this world one has to make oneself  'grief proof' and learn to pause and search for solutions, without blaming anyone, before initiating any action that will result in an opposite reaction, whether through words, thoughts or actions. Whether we move towards happiness or misery, almost the same amount of work goes into our actions.

Unfortunately, we often complicate very simple things and may even start operating according to somebody else's remote control. The secret to happiness is always within us but we often fail to realize it.

In our lives, we may at times resemble a wild animal surviving by travelling, eating and drinking. We may lose joy, wealth, health and relationships and, then, envy others who seem happier than we do.

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Some of the simple tips for happiness come from the most ancient teachings: always look on the bright side, try to live a balanced life and don't overlook your passions for simple things in life ... the importance of spirituality, smiling, laughing, singing and dancing, giving and forgiving. Treasure friends, family, fun, yoga, exercise, sunshine, children, community and celebration. These things create positive feelings and have been found to strengthen our immune systems, lengthen our lives and make us happy. Most of these things are free but in our busy schedule we fail to focus on them. We can, therefore, commit to being better people by cultivating happiness through little changes in our lives.

May everyone have the merriest Christmas, or the commemoration you choose to celebrate during this holiday season, and may your New Year be filled with health, happiness, friendship and peace.

Happiness comes by balancing health, wealth and relationship and by synergistic resolutions of conflicts in a universal set. May our countrymen overseas find their way through these times safely, soon be able to embrace their loved ones, and may the world find a lesser need for their selfless services as we move towards peace.

May all people of all nations embrace the similarities that unite us and learn to accept and understand the differences which divide us. May we move towards a world that accomplishes good health, happiness, friendship and peace for us all.

In the New Year, we can make a difference by simply watching our Words, Actions, Thoughts and Character and making a resolution to help and love others. Slow down and learn to relax, enjoy the festivities and be thankful. Cherish the time with family and friends, strengthen your relationships and lastly be kind, caring, forgiving and generous.

Peace and happiness be with you all.

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