Human civilization is built around stories. We try to find reasons to celebrate. Celebrate different festivals based on the stories that are believed in by the whole of society. Celebrate birthdays based on the commonly held feel-good belief about the day of the year we were born. We celebrate the first day of the year. We also celebrate different days such as Father's Day, Mother's Day, etc. We have made stories about all these days which are believed in by human beings across the globe. In Organizations, we search for opportunities to celebrate the achievement of targets and outstanding achievements.
What is the truth behind all these celebrations? Somebody just created a story and sold that to the public at large. Some time back nobody knew about all these Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Valentine's Day in India and today almost all the urban youths are mad about all these days. They will buy different types of gifts to celebrate and that is what the market wants. More celebrations and more sales. Targets of the salesmen are achieved and then they get a reason to celebrate. Today, it is quite easy to make stories and sell them to a wide audience using social media. The story maker just needs to understand the emotions of the young people and anything can sell like a hot-selling cake.
Do we become happy after these celebrations? Probably not. We become more empty from the inside. Somebody is praised in the celebrations and we develop jealousy against that person. Even if we are praised, we develop a desire to be praised more. There is often a comparison of the dresses we wear and the money we spend. The losers in this competition become sad and wish to be able to spend more on the next occasion and the winners want to retain their position. How can such stupidity bring happiness to any person? How can I "be" what "I am not"? How can any award, reward, or recognition make me happy, if I am not happy from inside. How can any celebration make me happy, if I am not happy from inside?
The moment somebody seeks happiness indicates his complete disconnection from the inner world. Why do we need to seek something so integral to our existence? Is a baby seeking happiness? He is busy exploring the world. Yes, he cries when he feels hungry. That's all. The moment his stomach is full, he again starts exploring. We also work for our basic needs such as food, clothes, and shelter. There is no doubt that there will be physical discomfort if we are not healthy, do not have food, or do not have a safe place to stay. However, can all these things ever give happiness? Can the best of the foods in this world give anybody happiness? Can the most expensive clothes give happiness? Can the best of the homes make us happy? Had happiness been dependent on all these things, there would have been no suicide and depression among the riches. In fact, there would be more psychological disorders among the riches than the poor.
I believe that happiness does not arise from seeking and celebrating based on mental stories. The more we feel empty inside, the more we try to find happiness in material possessions, celebrations, awards, and recognitions. Once we begin the process of "being aware" of the reality of our inner world, we automatically become more peaceful. This peace requires no "seeking." Anyone who embarks on this inner journey understands that there is little value in celebrations and possessions compared to inner peace. True, there will be moments when "old habit patterns of seeking" reassert themselves, make us feel weak, and sometimes we may succumb to their pressure. However, the best part of the "inner journey" is that soon, in moments of solitude, we remember those feelings of peace and realize that these mental narratives of parties and celebrations pale in comparison to the "silent celebration of the inner journey." Once that realization sinks in, the inner journey begins anew. At some point in this journey, we realize that the inner and outer worlds are closely connected, and what exists in the outside world is a manifestation of the universe within. This realization makes the exploration of the external world quite fascinating.
Comments