Which way to go?

Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them.

Charles de Montesquieu

Every living being has some or other problems to deal with it. Even the animals, insects, plants, and microorganisms have their share of issues to survive. Sometimes, we are a threat to many of them, though we try to avoid thinking about them.

Let us consider human beings. As the most evolved species on the earth, equipped with the most advanced sensory organs and efficient system, how do we live? Is it with great joy as we have the most advanced features when compared to the thousands of living beings on this planet? How many of us feel empowered with all the great features nature has gifted to us?

Do we focus on what we have? Or get immersed in the worry to have something which we do not have yet? Do we look at problems to feel miserable or ways to create solutions to feel empowered?

Each person has his/her problems. They feel their problem is the biggest issue that others can’t understand. Issues may look big or small, based on our perceptions. Except for the dangerous conditions that threaten life, we can handle most of them with a calmer mind.

There is a proverb in Kannada, Ant has it’s weight to bear while Elephant has its weight carry. 

Ant may think that everything is easy for elephants, and vice versa. Each has to face problems that others can’t understand.

Today, I was listening to a speech by Sadguru, the example he gave on a problem was quite interesting. A person asked a question, what he needs to do as he gets so worried and feels sad for many days whenever he sees any kid begging on the streets.

While answering, Sadguru checked with that person, whether his misery and sadness could help that kid on the streets. Instead of being part of the problem, be part of the solution. It makes sense to do something to solve the problem if possible, instead of worrying about it.

Be happy and grateful for what you have. Think about how you could be part of the solution and act towards it. Even the smallest thought and task in the right direction would be beneficial to society rather than sitting and worrying about it or cursing society or whoever.

As mentioned by the author in Just be Glad, being glad is like adding little sunshine to the world. That is the best thing you could do for yourself and your surroundings. Though there are plenty of situations around you that are not pleasant, still you could be glad if you decide to be.

For any problems we face, I won’t think we get a solution by worrying, getting stressed, blaming, hurting ourselves, or someone else. Having a pleasant state of mind and looking at the problem as an outsider would give us more clarity on the root of the problem and ways to resolve it.

No one needs to feel guilty to be happy and enjoy life. Joy and happiness are our rights, provided we are not harming others for the sake of our happiness. Let problems be there, let us not invite them. If they come to you, face them with your strength.

Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

Christian D Larson

By keeping all these thoughts in mind, which is the way to go?
Be happy, grateful, and face the problem with your strength, or exhaust yourself with all possible worries and try solving the problem with a worn-out body and mind?
The choice is yours. Nature does not intervene. It allows you to select the option of your choice.

We don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy because we laugh.

– William James