Happiness Is the Way

A Short Reflection: Happiness Is the Way

In a serene village, nestled amidst majestic mountains and lush green fields, lived a wise old man. His peaceful smile and profound wisdom had become a beacon for the villagers. They often sought his counsel, especially when dark clouds of unhappiness loomed over their lives.

One day, a young man named John came from a busy city. Hardworking John worked ceaselessly to make riches. He was convinced that his road to happiness would be paved in the accumulation of material wealth. He worked tirelessly, but at the end of the day, John was dissatisfied and uncontrollably restless.

In desperation, John approached the wise old man. "Sir, I have worked hard all my life. I've tried everything to attain happiness, but it always seems beyond my reach. What should I do to find true happiness in life?" John asked, his voice tinged with confusion.

The old man smiled gently and invited John to take a walk with him around the village. They strolled through tranquil green fields, listened to the uplifting chirps of birds, felt the gentle caress of the breeze, and watched the stream flow gracefully over the rocks.

After some time, they arrived under the shade of a large tree. The old man stopped and said, "John, observe the nature around us. Notice how the birds sing without a care, the wind blows aimlessly, and the stream flows continuously over the rocks. They do not chase happiness; they simply embody it. They live in harmony, peace, and joy in every moment."

John stood still, reflecting on the wise words. The old man continued, "Happiness is not a final destination that we reach after fulfilling a set of conditions or amassing wealth. Happiness is not something that comes from external sources or other people. Happiness is how we live our everyday lives. It’s about finding beauty in the small things, appreciating the simple moments, and accepting everything with full awareness."

Suddenly, something shifted within John. He began to understand that his relentless pursuit had caused him to miss the essence of true happiness. In his quest for success, he had overlooked the joy in his journey. John realized that he had been ignoring countless beautiful moments in his life.

Since that day John changed his attitude toward his life. He began to enjoy every moment, stopped and looked around, living in full awareness. At last, he understood that happiness was always near him; it was in every his step.

From this story I would like to say that there is not way to happiness; happiness is the way. We should stop to hope for brighter future and always live in full awareness and contemplation, and we will find that happiness has always been with us.