Happiness Is

What do you think happiness is? Are you happy? If, not, why not? One must cultivate and incubate a mindfulness of the elementary principles of happiness, of loving the world, despite the inherent corruption and violence, and accepting it and its teachings. Don't get me wrong, accepting the realities of the world doesn't necessarily mean liking them, much less, celebrating them. Teachers come in all forms. Some are quite dark, some cause great pain, and they darken our doorsteps until we're edified by the teachings.

Notwithstanding, be the lotus blossom rising above the muddy pond unblemished by hatred and despair. Happiness is one’s responsibility. One can't expect someone else to take up that burden. That would be quite selfish. Love, mindfulness, gratitude, humility, compassion, awe, independence and respect are essential ingredients that are cooked into a stew of happiness.

Be happy, my brothers and sisters. Be mindful. Love others. Be less concerned about your looks, your accoutrements and your accumulated material wealth and power. Be more alive, awake and present. Don’t think so much about your subjective you, the thing you think you are. Simply experience all the beauty and grace that surrounds you and pervades the space of your happiness. Enjoy that space. Where compassion and wisdom merge, happiness is found. It was always there, waiting.