October 2018 Blog

Is Happiness Conditional?

What Do Yogis Have to Say?

​Hello,
 
I’m excited to continue our exploration into the nature of Happiness.
I’m so grateful for the rich and compelling contributions in response to last month’s Blog,
What is Happiness?
 
I hope you are enjoying this exploration as much as I am!
Now let’s go deeper!
 
Is Happiness conditional? What do Yogis have to say?
 
“Happiness is our birthright,” said Yogi Bhajan.
We can therefore expect to live joyfully and peacefully, yes?
 
“Happiness is subtraction,” says Anne.
When we subtract or take away anxiety, fear, anger, judgment, criticism and negative thinking we begin to see, feel and come into relationship with our true nature….JOY.

"Happiness is loving All," says Rose.
 
“Peace Love Joy”, says Mukesh.
Be happy!
 
Happiness is like the sun! I say.
On sunny days we experience the sun as light and warm. 
We know we could not survive as humans on planet earth without the sun’s life giving energy.
On cloudy days we cannot see and feel the sun as easily.  But it is still there behind the clouds.
It is still warming us, just more gently and subtly.
 
Is Happiness conditional?
I believe happiness is much deeper and vaster than that.
Favorable conditions may “set the stage” for happiness to make a strong appearance, but conditions for happiness do not define or create happiness.
 
If, for example, you know that on sunny days you feel happy, does that mean that you can only experience joy on sunny days?
There are many other weather conditions.

What happens to your experience of joy on cloudy or stormy days?
 
Here’s another example:
What if you feel happiest when you have at least 500K in savings, your investments are doing well and your debt is paid off?

Is your experience of happiness tied to your bank account?
 
How is it that homeless children on the streets of India are smiling?
 
My guess is because their joy is not attached to conditions.

Their true nature shines through.
 
I like knowing………..Happiness is a choice that is always available. When we choose happiness, we are choosing to experience and honor our true nature.
 
As always, thank you for joining me on this fascinating journey.
Please leave a comment if you’re so inspired.

​I love receiving your comments and I’ll respond to each one for sure!
 
Love and blessings,
Deborah