Choosing Happiness

By Phil Bolsta

Aristotle concluded that the motive for everything we do is to find happiness. Yet happiness need not be sought. You can simply be happy. There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way. — Buddha

Striving for happiness is counterproductive. The belief that happiness will be yours when certain obstacles are surmounted is itself a certain obstacle to happiness.

The search for happiness is one of the chief sources
of unhappiness.
— Eric Hoffer

Expecting to find happiness in external conditions is like expecting to grasp a sparkling jewel by reaching into the mirror that reflects it.

We look everywhere for happiness, forgetting that it’s
in our own little plot of land. We have our own acres of
diamonds but we don’t know it.
— Og Mandino

Happiness cannot be pursued because it is not in front of you for you to follow but within you for you to find.

Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is
always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will
sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
— Nathaniel Hawthorne

At the same time, happiness is in pursuit of you in the guise of divinely orchestrated opportunities designed to turn your attention within.

Ever since Happiness heard your name,
It has been running through the streets
Trying to find you.
— Hafiz

Happiness is not a destination; it is a state of mind, a sense of well-being. It is something to be embraced, not chased.

Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner
of traveling.
— Margaret Lee Runbeck

Any happiness you derive from attaining, achieving, or overcoming is destined to be short-lived. Deep, lasting happiness springs from cherishing who you already are and what you already have.

Yes, there is a Nirvanah; it is in leading your sheep to
a green pasture, and in putting your child to sleep, and
in writing the last line of your poem.
— Kahlil Gibran

Happiness flows naturally and abundantly from a peaceful heart. All the happiness you could ever hope for is as close to you as your next breath.

The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy
is here.
— Robert G. Ingersoll

Happiness generates a virtuous circle. The greater your happiness, the more you feel Divine Mother’s loving arms wrapped around you; and the deeper you nestle into Her tender embrace, the happier you will be.

The happier you are, the greater will be your
attunement with Him. Those who know Him are
always happy, because God is joy itself.
— Paramahansa Yogananda

This excerpt is from Phil Bolsta’s book, Through God’s Eyes: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Troubled World. To order your copy, click here.