If given a choice between happiness and sadness, almost everyone will choose the former. Feelings lead to experiences and memories get formed. Some unpleasant events stay fresh longer than usual, while pleasant memories have a short shelf life.
How long can someone romanticize success? The urge to do better and more than before leads us to inculcate the attitude for what lies ahead. Thinking about past, present and future puts life into perspective. The modern mantra of ‘live in the present’ may be the root cause of many miseries of our lives. Decisions and actions taken without thinking about its long-term impact has adversely affected economic policies, environment and well-being. A conscious person should always think about the future, but refrain from trying to live it in the present.
Humans have never had so much comfort in their lives like they have now in the 21st century. There are apparent fault lines with respect to the disparity among people, but the average person is better off in terms of basic necessities of life. Simultaneously, the levels of anxiety and stress have risen at a disproportionate higher rate.
In pursuit of instant gratification, we are setting low targets as humans. Rather, our endeavour should be to achieve individual and collective potential. When material comforts are attained, things may seem good for a while, but eventually the satisfaction saturates.
Addition and Multiplication
Whatever we may choose to do or think, our mind will only work to add and multiply it. The human brain is not programmed to settle. If you think of innovation, the mind will keep thinking of new ideas and methods. Similarly, if you think of destruction or causing harm, then your thoughts will keep searching for ways to cause greater mayhem. Therefore, it is important to apply the mind in the right place. If you haven’t tried this before, go for it and say or do things knowingly.
Visualization and Realization
Dreams are important. Desire sustains life and creates opportunities. Some philosophers have exclaimed that desire causes sorrow. Do you agree with this school of thought? Look around yourself, everything that you can lay your eyes upon is a product of desire. Electronic gadgets, home appliances, mobility solutions etc., are all creating convenience in our lives. The desire to have a better life engages our thoughts to take action. Money is the medium through which desires are fulfilled; don’t despise money and never demonize it. Embrace the reality and create or contribute in the economy; sooner than later you will be rewarded for the intellect and industrious quests. Having desires will motivate you to be a better version of yourself. Don’t let the fear of suffering stop you from making an attempt to fulfil aspirations.
Thought Fluidity
Thoughts can be rigid if we hold on to them unnecessarily. It is when our thoughts have fluidity, we begin to absorb life around us. Make an effort to filter and choose which thought crystallizes in your subconscious. An insensitive remark from a family member, friend or acquaintance and unpleasant posts on social media tend to affect most people adversely. There is so much good stuff happening around which we may be overlooking or are taking for granted. Positive affirmations and outlook are tried and tested way to look at the brighter side of life.
Take Responsibility
Start taking responsibility for the results of your action; there is no better alternative to initiate change in life. Stop blaming others for failures and take credit for your successes. Happiness is not an event, but a state of mind. Separate pain and sadness. For example, accidently you may fall down and injure yourself; the pain will stay for days / weeks, but the sadness doesn’t have to go hand in hand with the pain. Internalizing the thought process is sophisticated and reliable at the same time.