Pursuit of happiness

Water colour on canvas, by CPK

Sorry for borrowing that title. I know it will ring a bell, its a Will Smith, feel good movie. But it best describes what most of us do. We are constantly in pursuit of happiness. I used to wish that I had happiness that lasted all my life. I used to think that a good life must have a few ingredients and I waited for it all to happen. But alas, it never works that way. Somethings happen and somethings don't. But happiness can be found everyday, just buried under all the mundane stuff.

Like this morning after I finished a call with a childhood friend. I hadn't spoken to her for over a year and the call made me happy. Just plain simple happy. It got me thinking that it is finally just simple things that bring true happiness. I know its something everybody says but it never sounds true unless you experience it yourself. Amidst all the things that irritate me and bother me, there are indeed a few precious moments which bring me happiness. The point is whether I am able to enjoy and cherish it.

It could be a surprise call from an old friend, a compliment from your child or spouse, a beautiful line you read somewhere or some stranger thanking you for your kindness. The question is whether you hold on to that spot of happiness, whether you are open to receiving it into your being.