Daily life can be made happier. It is a matter of choice. It is our attitude that makes us feel happy or unhappy. It is true, we meet all kinds of situations during the day, and some of them may not be conductive to happiness. We can choose to keep thinking about the unhappy events, and we can choose to refuse to think about them, and instead, relish the happy moments. All of us constantly go through various situations and circumstances, but we do not have to let them influence our reactions and feelings.
Happiness is not something far away and unattainable, and it does not depend on circumstances, objects or events. It is inseparable part of our consciousness, but hidden and covered from sight, by our thoughts, desires and worries. The experience of mystics down the ages has been that happiness is inherent in our souls; it is something to be gained anew. If we can silence the chatter of the mind, we will experience this inherent happiness. It is dependent only on one thing, the silencing of thoughts. This means that in order to experience happiness intentionally we have to make our mind silent, calm and relaxed.
Everyone desires happiness. One who doesn’t want it is either God or a mad person. Though happiness is a universal wish, yet only a few are lucky enough to get it. Different people have different ideas about the ways and means through which they can enjoy it. Many people fail to differentiate between pleasure and happiness. Pleasure is short lived, while happiness is lasting and permanent. Pleasure is divided through a satisfaction of the desires of the senses, while happiness is matter of soul.
Different people suggest ways for getting happiness. Some people think that happiness can be had through wealth and worldly possessions. But if this were true, kings and millionaires would be perfectly happy. They would then know no sorrow. All religious teachers have emphasized the ideal of a simple life, for such a life alone is conductive to real happiness. We must always try to minimize our wants. Jesus Christ, Lord Buddha, Mahatma Gandhiji, all emphasized the importance of voluntary renunciation of worldly wealth as a way to happiness.