Happiness is not found in wealth, achievements, or possessions; it lies within us. This truth, echoed by the wisdom of ancient Vedas and inspiring speakers like Swami Mukundananda ji, reminds us that our mindset determines the quality of our lives. Yet, many of us find ourselves chasing external milestones in the hopes that happiness awaits us at the finish line.
But what if happiness wasn’t a destination? What if it was a choice we could make right now? Let’s explore how to shift our mindset and unlock the joy we all seek.
The Vicious Trap of “Not Enough”
Swamiji narrates a poignant story of a king who, despite his wealth and power, felt discontent. One evening, he noticed a poor family laughing and enjoying themselves in their humble hut. Intrigued, he sought the secret of their happiness.
His minister, through an experiment, gifted the family 99 gold coins. While the family initially rejoiced, their joy soon turned to frustration. They couldn’t be satisfied with 99 coins—they desperately wanted the 100th. This “99 syndrome” led to quarrels, stress, and the loss of their peace.
Isn’t this the story of modern life? No matter how much we have, we always crave more. A bigger house, a better car, a higher salary—our desires are endless. Yet, achieving these goals rarely brings lasting happiness. Instead, they trap us in a cycle of “never enough.”
Happiness Is a State of Mind
Why do billionaires, with all their wealth, often remain unsatisfied? Swami Mukundananda explains this paradox beautifully. Our happiness isn’t tied to external circumstances but to the thoughts we harbor. In today's world, we're wealthier and more comfortable than ever before. Most of us have our basic needs met – food on the table, clothes to wear, and a roof over our heads. Yet satisfaction remains elusive. The person living in a condominium dreams of a townhouse, while the townhouse owner yearns for a mansion. Even billionaires find new reasons for discontent, whether it's being beaten to space by another billionaire or seeking the next big achievement.
As Indian author Ruskin Bond aptly put it, “There are only two disappointments in life: when you desire something and don’t get it, and when you desire something and get it, only to realize it’s still disappointing.”
This insight shifts the focus inward. Instead of endlessly chasing material goals, we must train our minds to find joy in the present moment.
The Priceless Treasures We Overlook
Here's a powerful thought experiment: Would you trade your eyesight for ten million dollars? Your ability to walk for five million? When we start putting price tags on our basic abilities, we realize we're already "millionaires" in terms of what we possess:
- Eyes with 125 million photoreceptors that let us witness everything from breathtaking sunsets to our loved ones' smiles
- Ears equipped with 24,000 tubes capturing sounds from children's laughter to ocean waves
- A voice that allows us to express love, share wisdom, and connect with others
- A body with 205 bones and 630 muscles working in perfect harmony
- A heart that beats 36 million times each year without taking a break
Training the Mind: A Key to Lasting Happiness
Our greatest challenge isn’t external—it’s internal. The human mind is a powerful tool, but when left untrained, it can spiral into negativity and dissatisfaction. To unlock happiness, we must learn to master our thoughts.
Here are a few steps to train your mind for joy:
1. Practice Gratitude: Every day, reflect on three things you’re thankful for. This simple habit shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant.
2. Live in the Moment: Stop dwelling on past regrets or future worries. Find joy in simple, everyday experiences—a walk in nature, a heartfelt conversation, or the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
3. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When your mind starts to spiral, question the validity of those thoughts. Are they based on reality, or are they exaggerated fears?
4. Focus on Service: Helping others not only uplifts them but also brings profound joy and purpose to your own life.
Beyond the Material: Finding Authentic Joy
True happiness isn't about accumulating possessions or achieving specific goals. While there's nothing wrong with ambition and success, linking your happiness solely to external achievements is a recipe for perpetual dissatisfaction.
Instead, consider this: What if happiness is more like a skill we can develop rather than a destination we need to reach? Just as we train our bodies for physical strength, we can train our minds for emotional wellbeing.
The Power of Perspective
Remember, no matter where you are in life, you likely possess riches beyond measure in terms of your abilities, senses, and opportunities. The key is not to let the search for more blind you to the abundance already present in your life.
Moving Forward: Your Happiness Journey
Starting today, you can choose a different path. Instead of postponing happiness until you reach certain milestones, decide to be happy now. This doesn't mean settling for less or giving up on your goals. Rather, it means finding joy in the journey while still working toward your aspirations.
Remember, happiness isn't about having what you want, but wanting what you have. When you shift your perspective from what's missing to what's present, you might find that joy has been within your reach all along.
The next time you catch yourself thinking "I'll be happy when...", pause and ask yourself: "Why not now?" After all, the present moment is all we ever truly have, and it's rich with opportunities for joy if we only train our minds to see them.
Are you ready to unlock your happiness? The key has been in your possession all along – it's just a matter of choosing to use it.
Take the First Step Today
Visit mydailysadhana.orgto learn more about spiritual practices and embark on your journey toward mastering your mind. Remember, every great transformation begins with a single step. Make yours today.
Resources
Don't Let your Problems Steal your Joy - Train you Mind to UNLOCK Happiness | Swami Mukundananda
Mukundananda, S. (2020). The Science of Mind Management, Westland Publications: Chennai, India.