Is Happiness Possible?
Contentment is the real key to happiness. To be content with whatever we have, with whatever situation we happen to be in is the secret to happiness. Contentment is a virtue that gives one peace of mind. In the search for happiness, nothings gives greater results than contentment.
Here's a tough exercise for you to work on: Try to always be contented with whatever happens to you. Watch the mind; watch the mechanics it goes through in this attempt. Don't give up; success is golden.
Intellectually, we can understand that what God (or the universe) has chosen for us is better for our growth and evolution than what we would choose. It is, however, difficult for us to see how our present experiences fit into the grand scheme of our lives when we are so caught up in our own lives. We can't see the forest; the trees are in the way.
Happiness is not something grandiose, but it is actually something rather simple, something which consists , not is possessing much but in being content with what you possess. If you want little, you then you will always have enough.
As your wealth increases, then so your cares, worries and anxieties increase. Sounds a bit un-American? Think about it. How has this worked in your own life.
Somehow, we have been conditioned from birth to think that there is a correlation between wealth and happiness, that the more one acquires, the happier one is. If this were the case, the very wealthiest people would lead the happiest, most harmonious lives. The wealthiest would experience no divorce, no mental anguish and no mental turmoil. There would be no problems in their lives. They would be saints! Even with so many examples continually coming to us in the media, we somehow tenaciously cling to this notion that wealth brings happiness.
If you are not contented with what you have, you will definitely not be contented with what you would like to have. The bottom line is that real happiness is independent of our external influences. Happiness is a function of our own minds. If you're not happy, don't change what is outside; change what is inside.