Alchemy of Happiness

P.Natarajan.

Happiness is a state of joy, a state of well being. Pursuit of happiness is an individual’s right. Happiness can mean many things to many people.


When others say a few words in praise, we feel happy. This indicates fulfillment of esteem need to an individual. Events when happen in favour unexpectedly, it gives us joy. Happiness is a common noun for emotional states like joy, amusement, satisfaction, gratification, euphoria and so on. It begins from the state of contentment itself.
                                                                            


                                                                                          
Money will not be a main criteria for more happiness especially when we have enough to meet the physical requirements. In Buddhism, overcoming cravings in all form, leads to happiness. They call it  ‘Nirvana’. Acquiring wealth by right endeavours, maintaining good relationship are worthy goals of lay people.

Dictionary.com give the meaning for a German word ‘Eudaimonia’ as a contented state of being
happy and healthy and prosperous.  Aristotle, the great Greek polymath, was first to use the word eudaimonia and said that happiness is an activity rather than an emotional state. “Happiness is the virtuous activity of the soul in accordance with reason ” - Aristotle .  Behaviour
of individuals should bring happiness in others which automatically ensures joy to the self. We feel proud when we realize that we belong to a group that is revered in the society. ‘Satisfaction of belonging need’ brings happiness. Belonging is something dear indeed.

                                                          
                                                               
Cloud nine is an idiom referring to a state of elation or happiness.  Cricket fans were in cloud nine when Dhoni square drove the ball in Ferosha Kotla grounds in Delhi to clinch the ‘ 2013 - Test series ’ and give  Australia a clean, whitewash 4-0 .  Ashwin also was in cloud nine when he heard his name declared as the player of the series. IPL- 6 starting on April 3, 2013 will provide cricketainment, excitement and joy to the viewers.

Religious people are happier as they are less stressed. They learn to cope up with stress. They don’t use substances which are considered as abuse. Being happy doesn't mean, you are perfect. It just means you have decided to look beyond imperfections. If you think sunshine brings you happiness, then you have not danced in the rain.

Contentment is the basic tenet that leads for ultimate happiness. The three ultimate wishes of Alexander the Great and who was the student of Aristotle,  throws immense light in the philosophy of life. It is worth reading as it is so much straight and simple. Here they are:-

(1) “ I want the best doctors to carry my coffin to demonstrate that, in face of death, even the best doctors in the world have no power to heal”

(2) “ I want the road to be covered with my treasures so that everybody sees that material wealth acquired on earth stays on earth”.

(3) “ I want my hands to swing in the wind, so that people understand that we come to the world empty handed and we leave the world empty handed after the most precious treasures are exhausted and that is TIME.”

Why complicate life - here are the means to solve them and to be Happy.
(i) Missing Somebody  --  Call
(ii) Want to meet         ----  Invite
(iii) Want to be understood  ---  Explain
(iv) Have a question  -----    Ask
(v) Don’t like something  -----    Say it
(vi) Like something   ----        State it
(vii) Want something   ----  Ask for it
(viii) Love someone    -------    Tell it

SAY WHAT YOU DO, DO WHAT YOU SAY.

Develop the traits/habit to be happy (ways and means):-
(1) Be Content  --  lead a simple life, exercise and keep yourself healthy
(2) No worrying  --  be hopeful
(3) Dream Big  --  cherish little things
(4) Laugh Loud - let go ego, be humble , make new friends
(5) Cry -  listen to your heart and experience joy
(6) Forgive - free yourself from hatred, no use of angry
(7) Expect less -- give more
(8) Be kind -  seek good in others, be trustworthy
(9) Share  --  develop broadmindedness
(10) Express gratitude  --  be grateful
(11) learn from mistakes --  but don’t rue
(12) meditate - contemplate & seek within


Happiness is a journey and not a destination. Your happiness is hidden within you, just  remove your worries. It is like making a cup of Tea. Boil your ego, evaporate your worries, dilute your sorrow, filter your mistakes, get the taste of happiness,  just as you drink a cup of hot and filtered tea.

When you help someone,your happiness last long. Happiness consists of three things. Someone to love, work to do, and a clear conscience. Happiness is when what  you think, what you say and what you do, are in harmony. Remember happiness doesn't depend upon what you are, what you have, it solely depends what you think.            

                                              
                                                                     


Not what you have, but what you see; not what you see, but what you choose; not what seems fair, but what is true; not what you dream, but what you do; not what you take, but what you give; not as you pray, but as you live; these are all things that threaten or bless the sum of human happiness..

pn