Want What Is And Be Happy

Now, that title sounds silly doesn't it? After all, life is always about wanting isn't it? When we're little we want to be older and bigger. As teens we want to get our first car and then we know we'll be happy. Isn't it true that wanting is a constant in your life?

Many years ago when I first began to learn about seeing life as it is, I read a statement by an East Indian sage named Papaji. He said when people get what they want they're really happy for a short time. They think that getting made them happy. But Papaji said no, that's not the reason. The reason they're happy is that for a short time they're not wanting anything, not seeking something more or better. In other words, they're content and at peace for that short time.

When I looked into my own life I realized he was right on. For a short time there's an ease, a relaxing, a going-with-the-flow, a peacefulness that's unmatchable. The ancient wise ones have all advised looking deep into our thoughts and desires. When we do we see that "To crave is to slave" as another East Indian sage puts it. Wanting is the definition of unhappiness: "I'm not happy now but I will be when I get...."

Instead of craving, what if we asked ourselves honestly: Can I really know I'll be happy when I get what I want? Who is this "me" that thinks it needs to direct life and control how it shows up?

Posted via email from A Happy, Peaceful Life - Your Choice