Last evening, family went into a healthy discussion on what happiness is. The subject was broached by my niece in law who believes happiness and peace of mind are not the same. Peace of mind can lead to happiness which by its very nature is transient. The premise was that we are not saints and therefore the topic may be seen from human perspective. She says she needs those little moments of happiness which for example a long walk can induce to sustain her a long day.
For B-I-L , happiness was completing a task with which he is stuck for long or getting work done by a non performer tactfully. But at times he said reactions of others robbed him of the equanimity invoked by a happy state of mind.
Sis said it is not in our control to change another person – his reactions and replies. If the irritant is bothersome he should be ignored. However, her approach was more esoteric when she said while ignoring we should also think what best can be done for that person not to change him but for his betterment.
My concept of happiness is deeply interlinked with Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy of Karma Yoga wherein he says to look for happiness in your Karma or little deeds or day to day work. I have long tutored myself to take pleasure in mundane chores. A day which goes as per routine without any hindrances gives me great satisfaction. The other source of happiness is creativity. The surge of immense happiness after finishing a write-up, a post or a blog or doodling or singing to my heart’s content is a great dopamine kick for me.
My nephew concluded that happiness is related to self appreciation which is deeply connected with gratitude and thankfulness. He gave an instance where he put forth his point of view coolly to his bossy superior and surprised himself. He thanked himself for resolving the apple of discord in a calm and collected manner. With thankfulness he was swayed with gratitude.
Seekers and saints would say if you are able to stay with your true self and enjoy your aloneness without the intervention of any external stimulus you overcome the impermanence of happiness i.e. you are in a constant state of happiness.
Tell me what is your source of happiness? How do you see or feel about happiness? Do you agree or disagree with the above views? Or you would like to add a point to strengthen the conclusion? Or you may have completely divergent views. Let me know in the comment section.
Thanks for reading this post. Your views will be highly appreciated.
GC, Such thoughtful takes!
For me, happiness is a mix of calm silence and creative chaos. A good conversation, a finished task, or just sipping thoughts quietly—each one counts.
Loved the niece’s view and your Karma Yoga bit. Simple and relatable! 🌿
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Wow! Calmness is mandatory but creative chaos ? When there is chaos how can there be peace of mind and thereby happiness?
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Haha GC, love that question! 😄 But creative chaos isn’t the scream-into-a-pillow kind—it’s more like brain confetti! 🎉 Ideas flying, paint splashing, heart racing… and peace just waiting to be grabbed. It’s messy magic, not mental mayhem! 🖌️🧠💫
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Got your point Mr.P
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Thank you, GC. And you are kind as always.
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Thank you, GC, for sparking an interesting debate. Happiness is being healthy and helping those in need, whether humans or animals. Also, retaining the sense of wonder about the beauty of our world, and the curiosity about what is happening in the future.
Joanna
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Dear Joanna,
It’s great to hear your perspective of happiness. Yes, helping the needy and animals are happiness inducers. Curiosity about future as a source of happiness is something new and interesting.
Regards
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Thank you, dear GC, and you are more than welcome! Curiosity is essential to happiness because it keeps you alive!
Joanna
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Absolutely correct
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Thank you!
Joanna
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A fascinating discussion. I see a difference between euphoric happiness and the gentler, longer lasting, contentment.
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Great Derrick. Thank you very much 🙏
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What a thoughtful discussion on happiness! I resonate with your take on happiness being linked to daily deeds, as Vivekananda’s Karma Yoga philosophy emphasizes finding contentment in small, meaningful actions. I also agree that moments of creativity—whether through writing or any other form—can be deeply fulfilling. I think it’s all about balancing external moments of joy with inner peace, as your sister wisely mentioned. Overall, happiness seems to be a fluid mix of self-reflection, gratitude, and the small, everyday victories that sustain us.
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For every person happiness has a different connotation. It’s really interesting to note how varied sources of happiness validate our existence. Thank you for your effusive comment. It’s great to know your views.
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In my part of the world, we usually joke that being alone isn’t loneliness – You know that ‘ME’ time you want to have all to yourself. Sometimes feeling selfish, but truth is giving yourself that consideration most times actually lead to HAPPINESS.
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You are absolutely correct. Me time is essential for good health – physical, mental and emotional.
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It can also lead to self renewal, your own personal ‘board meeting’ so to say.
😃 😊 😀
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Absolutely… absolutely…and that Board Meeting does not have a boss breathing down your neck 😔😔. You are the boss. You only have yourself. So enjoy. 😆😆
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😆 🤣 😆
It’s your call . . .
No pressure, whatsoever.
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Wow, this is such a thoughtful post, Ma’am! It’s lovely to see a family having a rich conversation on such an interesting topic. I appreciated all the different perspectives although I particularly resonated with your point about finding happiness in small chores and creativity. You reminded me of what Virginia Woolf calls “moments of being” or those small moments of joy where we find connected to a higher meaning and purpose. Those moments are beyond words and expression. For me, it can be as simple as walking to a nearby store to pick my favorite chocolate while an old, favorite song plays in my earphone. I have also started to believe detachment is the key to sustain happy moments. That way, we are not affected by negative energies and experiences around us. It’s easier said than done though! May be happiness is not a goal to be achieved; it is something that can only be felt in the purity of a moment!
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What a lovely thought. Happiness in detachment is what our Bhagavat Geeta says. Doing work without focussing on the result. Purity of moment is being. Reminds me of zen philosophy. Deeptangshu your effusive comment adds another dimension to this ordinary post.
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You are most welcome! I also love how you always contemporary relevance in Hindu scriptures. I too subscribe to the same worldview 🙂
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