Before we delve into the secret and sacred formula for happiness, let me share a brief story from my native village.
Once upon a time, in the quaint village of KOSURU, lived a humble CHITTEMMA Running a small tiffin center. Every morning, she woke up before sunrise to prepare steaming small idlis along with coriander chutney &ginger chutney with liberal sprinkling of butter. Chittemma had little, but she found joy in her modest life.
One day, while delivering Idlis to her neighbors, she noticed subbayamma, an elderly woman, struggling to gather firewood in the brisk autumn air. Chittemma stopped to help, her heart full of gratitude. "Thank you, dear," Subbayamma said, her eyes sparkling with warmth. In that moment, Chittemma felt a profound contentment that made her smile brighter than the morning sun.
Inspired by this small act of kindness, Chittemma decided to create a community idli and food -sharing program. Every week, she would cook an extra batch of idlis and give it away to those in need. Villagers began to gather, sharing stories and laughter, and few of them get inspired by chittemma's kindness and soon, the entire village felt more connected.
One day, Chittemma noticed a young boy named surya sitting alone on a bench, looking lost. She approached him, her heart swelling with courage. With a gentle voice, she asked, “What’s on your mind?” As they talked, surya shared his dreams of becoming an artist but felt too scared to pursue them. Chittemma listened, offering encouragement and faith in his talent.
“Art is a beautiful way to express yourself. Never be afraid to color your world,” she said. Inspired by her belief in him, surya began to paint, filling the village with vibrant murals that celebrated their lives together.
In the heart of kosuru, these tiny threads of gratitude, contentment, kindness, and courage began to weave a tapestry of purpose. Chittemma found that her happiness blossomed, not from material wealth, but from the quality of the relationships she nurtured and the impact she made in the lives of others.
And so, in the small village of kosuru, the principles of happiness flourished, reminding all who lived there that true joy is found in connection, compassion, and the courage to live a life with purpose.
Two Principles for
Lifelong Happiness
Kindness
In the Bhagavad
Gita (Chapter 12, Verse 13), the essence of true devotion is captured in the
principle of kindness: "He who is free from malice towards all living
beings, who is friendly and compassionate, is a true devotee." This
teaching underscores the importance of nurturing kindness toward others as a
cornerstone of a joyful and fulfilling existence. we all know divinity is nothing but purity and harmony with outer &inner world !
Contentment and Gratitude
The Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes contentment in Chapter 4, Verse 22, stating: "Satisfied with whatever comes spontaneously and one should free from envy."
Satisfaction is closely linked to thankfulness. A mind that isn’t properly cared for can readily fall prey to material cravings and diversions, missing the essential principles that guide existence. As we expand our understanding, our perceptions of emotions can become distorted; for example, empathy might degrade into sympathy, and gratitude could transform into a simple duty to return favors.compassion can degenerate into pity, and gratitude may turn into a mere obligation to reciprocate.
Nonetheless, upon reaching a state of psychic awakening, our compassion and gratitude arise genuinely, unblemished by pity or feelings of inferiority. Some philosophers suggest that our gratitude should mainly be directed toward the divine, but it is also essential to promote understanding, goodwill, and cooperation among humans.
In our everyday lives, we can boost our happiness by incorporating three key practices: genuine acknowledgment and gratitude, sincere apologies, and the celebration of joy and laughter.
The concept of expressing gratitude is a universal theme found across different cultures. Generous acts often go unnoticed until emergencies arise, exposing the inherent kindness within humanity. For example, during natural disasters, communities often come together to assist those affected, showcasing a deep sense of humanity that goes beyond simple transactional relationships.
Spiritual teachings urge us to consciously nurture a sense of gratitude. At the conclusion of each day, taking time to contemplate our blessings, personal growth, and the lessons learned can enhance our appreciation for life. By exploring the various elements of our daily experiences—whether they inspired us or presented obstacles—we can weave these moments into a broader framework of gratitude.
Challenging times, which T.S. Eliot described as "the waste land," often hold essential lessons. Such moments may lead us to take a step back, reflect, and embrace humility rather than pride. While it may be difficult to feel thankful during experiences of disappointment or betrayal, it is vital to view these situations as opportunities for personal development. They often act as significant turning points in our lives.
Cicero once claimed that gratitude is the "mother of all virtues." This acknowledgment inspires us to rise above fear and unhealthy pride, nurturing a more genuine sense of self. Research shows that cultivating gratitude can greatly enhance our health, happiness, and relationships with others. Healthy relationships flourish when there are five expressions of appreciation for each complaint.
Furthermore, studies indicate that gratitude can boost the immune system, stimulate creativity, increase productivity, and improve financial well-being. It sparks an inherent generosity within us and plays a vital role in various cultural traditions that emphasize gift-giving, love, and kindness.
In conclusion, adopting an attitude of gratitude is crucial for keeping our hearts open, particularly in today's fast-paced environment. By dedicating ourselves to this practice, we enrich our lives and reaffirm our humanity in a constantly changing society.
Quality Relationships
The consequences of
loneliness are alarming, with research indicating that feeling isolated can be
as detrimental as smoking half a pack of cigarettes daily. Loneliness
significantly heightens the risk of premature death. Waldinger stresses the
importance of cultivating quality relationships. One can feel lonely even in a
crowded room or surrounded by friends; it is the depth of our connections that
truly matters. To nurture deeper bonds, he introduces the "New-Old" /
"Old-New" framework.
Flow State
The flow state is a thrilling sensation in which you lose track of time while deeply engaged in an activity. Recognizing the activities that trigger this state for you is essential for your overall happiness.
Purpose
A meaningful life serves as a buffer against depression. Consider these questions: What activities bring you a sense of vitality? In what ways do you aspire to help others? Uncovering your purpose is crucial for nurturing happiness.
The Most Important Relationship
The most crucial relationship is the one you have with yourself. Your inner dialogue sets the tone for all your other relationships. It is essential to treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would extend to a close friend. By nurturing this relationship, you lay the groundwork for a richer, more fulfilling life.
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