The pursuit of happiness is a common topic of interest among people.
And why should not ? After all, we all live once and we all want to live a happy life.
And in order to achieve this happiness we all search for things that bring joy and excitement.
Happiness in a material world
Now we are living in 21st centuries, an era of technical growth and development. No doubt, our standard of living is defined by material possession, status, or wealth. And that could be the reason material things are making us happy by giving a sense of achievement and fulfilment.
Yes, we are living in a materialistic society, where having material goods are considered as a status symbol. For many of us, buying nicer clothes, having car, gadgets and other possessions are a way of self-expression, self-development and progress in life. The desire to flaunt off fancier stuff have become a significant part of modern lifestyle.
People are chasing after wealth, material possessions, fame and higher status to achieve happiness.
And most importantly in today’s world of social media, celebrities are promoting luxury products and telling us how they are feeling good with that purchases. With all these influences, it’s natural for us to relate happiness to materialism.
There is nothing wrong in having wealth or luxurious stuff if they are making our life easy and comfortable.
However, do you think happiness associated with materialism is long-lasting?
Let’s take an example that you have purchased a new house full with modern amenities. Everyone dreams of owning a house. After all it’s your asset for life. Shifting to a new house would be a great joy for you and your family. In fact, it’s a time for celebration with loved ones and close friends.
But do you think this happiness will last with you forever?
Definitely not…
Maybe in few years you will come across new homes featured with advanced technologies. And to your surprise you are living in an old -fashioned house which is unable to meet demands of modern world.
The same story goes with clothing, car or electronic gadgets. No matter how hard you try to make a pace with modern world, you are not able to stay fulfilled in this competition. And so does your level of happiness.
Yes, material goods can give us some level of satisfaction, but it never lasts. We often think wealth, status, or recognition will fulfil us, but in reality these are superficial and temporary sources of happiness. Most people are not happy and satisfied with their lives, even if they have all the basic needs fulfilled for living a decent life. This is because life is undoubtedly full of competition, struggle, conflicts, and problems of varied nature.
Then the next question is how to find happiness?
Understanding the foundation of happiness
In order to being happy, first we need to understand what does happiness really mean ?
Psychologically, happiness is a positive emotion which we feel when something good happens to us.
These good things can be anything and vary from person to person. For kids, playing with parents brings a smile on their face. For children, getting a simple appreciation for good work brings a sense of happiness. For youngster, hanging with friends makes them happy. In adulthood, getting married, and having baby enhances a sense of happiness. While in old age, spending time with family or even a simple call from relatives makes someone happy.
If we take a closer look at above mentioned examples, we will notice that happiness has nothing to do with material things.
The joy of family, friends, experiences, or dreams is much more than material goods.
It’s often said that our best chance to find happiness is to count what we do have rather than what we don’t. We must be thankful for what we have, and we’ll end up having more.
Also Check : When Looking For Happiness, Find Gratitude
In fact, very little is needed to make a happy life, and it is all within ourselves, in our way of thinking. The real happiness is more about cultivating the right mindset.
If we have good thoughts, they will shine out of our face like sunbeams, and we will look lovable.
Yes, we will glow differently when we’re truly happy.
In essence, happiness is a state of mind that completely depends on our thought process. It’s therefore clear that we must learn to stay mindful as far as possible because happiness lies within ourselves.
Also Check : Cultivating A Sense Of Happiness
Disclaimer
Mediclin Brain Health’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
