‘Happiness….’ its mention brings joyfulness and
exhilaration to all. Happiness is
believed to be a state of mind characterized by emotions associated with
optimism, positivity, contentment and exhilaration.
A recent news report mentioned: “Nordics are
always winning the happiness race. Finland took the top spot for the fifth year
in a row, followed by Denmark, Switzerland, and Iceland. People say it is because they are small, homogenous, and
wealthy.”
While it is fair enough to admit that people are
happy when they are taken care off well by the governments, have substantial
incomes, pensions, parental holidays, sound health care, unemployment benefits
and maintenance for the ill and disabled, the other side of the argument is
also valid - warmer temperatures and bright sunny days bring in greater
happiness to people than long, dark and depressing winters.
Here is an interesting anecdote:
Little Laya was holidaying in India with her
parents. While driving through the city roads, she watched young and older
children playing under the glaring sun; they were scantily dressed, a little
grimy too, however, their eyes were radiant.
Alongside them were patched-up tents, aluminum- utensils and brown-black
mongrels. An elderly lady was resting on the pavement, with her head covered by
a faded old cloth. Laya’s mom pointed out that they were poor people
who lived on the pavement. Almost at
once, the four year old retorted – but they are all happy!
Harmony amidst the chaos and uncertainties!
The fleeting scene exuded a picture of enjoyment
for the little girl. Enjoying with peers
was an act of freedom and joy, which did not come easily in other countries.
‘Play dates’ were necessary, parents had to fix the dates with their friends’
in order that their children could spend time at the friend’s place.
Well, does luxurious living bring in happiness?
Many of us can recall the film “Richie Rich” - the poor little rich boy who had
everything except ‘companionship.’ And how jubilant he was at the end, reunited
with his parents and in the company of his ‘humble’ friends with whom he had
longed to play baseball at one time.
Happiness means different things to different
people: to a fulfilled personality, it could imply sharing a hearty meal with friends and family, to a
materialist, happiness implies saving to fill the ‘proverbial’ seventh jar with
half-filled gold. By and large, people
who have an optimistic view of life are generally happy, they have greater
contentment and acceptance of challenges that life offers, even though doubts,
apprehensions, feelings of loneliness and anger can haunt them occasionally.
Writers
and lyricists wax eloquently about happiness.
Borrowing the lyric from a
renowned comedian and singer -
“Happiness, happiness, the greatest gift that
I possess
I thank
the Lord I’ve been blessed
With
more than my share of happiness…”
(also published in medium.com)
