SAMUEL EISZELE explores the depths of happiness, reminding us that happiness and suffering coexist, and that true happiness is about intentions, integrity and innateness.
EMBRACING DIFFERENCE
I love the question, “What does happiness mean?” Because, in my opinion, unconditional happiness is the purpose of human life, so understanding and evaluating what brings happiness will help us fulfill an enlightened life.
Happiness is very rich, rewarding, and complex. It is not diametrically opposed to grief or suffering, but rather something that I can experience when I know that I am being held in the integrity of my family, my community, what I stand for, and what I am rooted in.
Happiness is about harmony and solidarity. It is knowing that when I arrive in a new environment, even if it is inherently challenging, I am arriving with a set of intentions: The intention to embody gratitude, loving-kindness, forgiveness and an active interest in others. And when I know that I carry this energy in my heart, my mind, and my inner being, then every moment becomes like a sacred offering, an opportunity to really open up to and unfurl to greater levels of interconnectedness and understanding. It truly is exceptional how interdependent we all are and have to be in this world.
Expanding upon the notion that happiness is the very nature of our being, I believe that other aspects of our inner being, like passion, are innately connected to happiness. Passion is defined as an intense driving conviction. It is a powerful feeling of enthusiasm toward something or someone, and it brings us the opportunity for new adventures and experiences.
For example, I have developed a deep-rooted passion to understand the human body. Most people typically see the body as a collection of different parts, like arms, legs, torso, and the head. From this viewpoint, it may be difficult to imagine that the human body consists of over 70 trillion cells, all working in perfect harmony within our organs and the different organ systems to help us perform under even the most extreme conditions. My passion for the medical field has forced me to step out of my comfort zone by moving cities, challenging myself in academic research, and assisting in projects that could impact the lives of many. I believe that finding and pursuing our deep-rooted passions will help us live a full and happy life. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was an extremely passionate person who told us, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”
When we look outside our innermost feelings and emotions to find happiness, we lose control of our true nature. We are habituated to believe that happiness is found outside and through material means – a different partner, a new job, more money. We burden ourselves with so many pursuits, and it is difficult to avoid at times – at least I find this to be true for myself. When I was younger, I associated happiness with winning, an incredibly joyous feeling of coming first in a swimming race or achieving a high grade; however, the feeling was only transient. I have come to realize that there is a distinction between the happiness we gain from external factors, and the happiness within our being. When our attention is no longer exclusively directed toward material means of happiness, we can more deeply experience what’s innate – our very being.
By remaining open, relaxed, centered, and
able to let go of
distractions, we give ourselves
the opportunity to find unconditional happiness.
I think it’s safe to say that nobody wants their happiness to be conditional upon the behavior of other people or the different circumstances we find ourselves in. However, this is sometimes difficult to achieve, especially when there are a multitude of factors that affect our emotions and beliefs, such as the current pandemic. Releasing these distractions and turning toward the present moment can allow us to rest in our own being – enhancing our experience of happiness, not diminished by circumstances. I am relatively new to contemplative practices, however, I believe that they strengthen our capability to tune into our center and enrich our consciousness. By remaining open, relaxed, centered, and able to let go of distractions, we give ourselves the opportunity to find unconditional happiness.
Illustrations by ANANYA PATEL
Samuel Eiszele
