Soul Energy Reiki

“Many people think excitement is happiness…But when you are excited you are not peaceful. True happiness is based on peace.” – Thich Nhat Hanh, The Art Of Power

In our fast-paced, stimulation-saturated world, we often equate happiness with a state of continuous excitement – pursuing thrills, chasing the next big thing, and always looking for something to keep our adrenaline pumping. However, renowned Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, in his profound book The Art of Power, suggests that this understanding of happiness is fundamentally flawed.

Excitement: A Fleeting Shadow of Happiness

Excitement is the emotional or mental arousal we experience in response to something novel, thrilling, or pleasurable. It’s a fleeting state – a surge of energy followed by an inevitable cooldown. We may crave the rush of a new experience, the thrill of victory, or the intoxication of pleasure. However, these experiences are ultimately bound to the realm of our senses and are temporary. Like chasing after shadows, we may find ourselves constantly needing more, bigger, and louder experiences to maintain the high of excitement.

Peace: The True Foundation of Happiness

Thich Nhat Hanh points us toward a deeper, more lasting form of well-being that he calls “true happiness.” True happiness doesn’t come from the outside world. Instead, it arises from inner peace, from a calm and grounded presence amidst the ever-changing flow of life. When we cultivate peacefulness within ourselves, we find a sense of contentment that isn’t dependent on fleeting external factors.

How to Cultivate Inner Peace

How can we shift from chasing excitement to finding true happiness based on peace? Here are some practices inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings:

• Mindfulness: Develop mindful awareness by bringing your full attention to the present moment. Pay attention to your breath, your bodily sensations, your thoughts and emotions – without judgment.
• Meditation: Practice meditation, whether it’s breath awareness, guided meditation, or walking meditation. By focusing your mind, you calm the constant chatter and discover the stillness within.
• Gratitude: Take the time to appreciate the simple blessings of life – a warm sunrise, a good meal, a supportive friend. Gratitude brings us back to the present moment and reminds us of the goodness that surrounds us.
• Nature: Spend time in nature. Connecting with the natural world has a calming and grounding effect, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things.

Conclusion

True happiness isn’t about chasing excitement; it’s about finding peace amid life’s inevitable ups and downs. By learning to settle our minds, focus our attention, and appreciate the richness of the present moment, we can discover a deep well of happiness that no external circumstance can take away.