Make Happiness a Habit (Classic Essay)
The Zen master asked him how he felt, and he replied, 'It's tiring, and it's heavy on my shoulders.'
The Zen master then revealed his insight:
When people come to this world, the empty baskets they carry at the beginning gradually fill up with people and experiences. All the impressions we make are like these small stones – one by one, they remain in our hearts.
Everyone has a limited capacity. When you hold too many worries and sadness, you will be overwhelmed.
Life is difficult, and if you're happy, it's like honey; if you carry burdens, it's like chewing wax.
It's better to give yourself a reason to be happy every day, whether it's a cheerful word, a fresh thing, a new skill, or a smile, or a good book… as long as you persist, life will become better.
-01-
Face things with optimism
After the rain, a spider painstakingly climbed up the crumbling wall to repair its web. Because the wall was wet, it would slip and fall every time it reached a certain height. It would climb up again and again, and then fall down again and again...
The first person saw this and sighed, 'My life is just like this spider – busy but unproductive.' He gradually became depressed.The second person saw the spider's persistent efforts and was deeply moved. He became determined and regained his spirits.
As the saying goes: 'There are times for doing things, and times for not doing things.'
This world has many things we cannot predict.
Money and fame come and go; worries and sadness eventually fade away. Ultimately, they are just a fleeting memory.Who doesn't come alone, standing in the world? During this limited lifespan, how can we be happy without trying to satisfy ourselves?
Life is all about finding a balance between joy and sorrow.
Just as in *Come True*, 'When you hold your fists, you have nothing in your hands. When you open your ten fingers, you can have the whole world.'
-02-
Find happiness through different perspectives
An orthodox Jew was obsessed with golf.
On a Sabbath day, he felt restless and wanted to play nine holes, but Jewish law forbids believers from engaging in any activities on the Sabbath.
This elder couldn't stand it, and he wanted to play nine holes, but he worried that people would find out, so he went to the golf course secretly.
An angel discovered this and immediately told God. God decided to punish him.
The elder almost always made a hole in one, achieving incredibly perfect scores.
After the seventh hole, the angel again asked God: 'God, aren't you going to punish him?'
God smiled and didn't answer.
Until he finished the ninth hole, the elder always made a hole in one. Because his performance was so outstanding, he was extremely excited.
The angel then asked God: 'Isn't this what you're punishing him for?'God laughed but didn't say anything.
After finishing eighteen holes, the score was better than any world-class golfer's.
He was delighted.
The angel asked God: 'This is your punishment?'
God said: 'Yes, that's it. He has such a wonderful performance and a happy mood, but he can't tell anyone about it – this is the best punishment.'
When people come to this world, everyone is a lonely individual, seeking happiness in their lives, understanding their joys and sorrows, and understanding their happiness and sadness.
If happiness cannot be shared, it is a form of pain.
-03-
Spread happiness, gain happiness
An Orthodox Jew was obsessed with golf.
On a Sabbath day, he felt restless and wanted to play nine holes, but Jewish law forbids believers from engaging in any activities on the Sabbath.
This elder couldn't stand it, and he wanted to play nine holes, but he worried that people would find out, so he went to the golf course secretly.
An angel discovered this and immediately told God. God decided to punish him.
The elder almost always made a hole in one, achieving incredibly perfect scores.
After the seventh hole, the angel again asked God: 'God, aren't you going to punish him?'
God smiled and didn't answer.
Until he finished the ninth hole, the elder always made a hole in one. Because his performance was so outstanding, he was extremely excited.The angel then asked God: 'This is what you're punishing him for?'
God said: 'Yes, that's it. He has such a wonderful performance and a happy mood, but he can't tell anyone about it – this is the best punishment.'
When people come to this world, everyone is a lonely individual, seeking happiness in their lives, understanding their joys and sorrows, and understanding their happiness and sadness.
If happiness cannot be shared, it is a form of pain.
-04-
Happiness is simple
▌Say a word that makes you happy
Friends replied with a humorous response, which made both of them smile and turned a dull moment into a magical one, adding multiple times of joy.
▌Try a new thing
Change is the spice of life. Try something you've never done before every day, even if it's just smiling at a neighbor.
▌Help someone
When you positively influence others, your own mindset will become more positive. Remember, the more selfless you are, the less pain you experience.
▌Learn a new skill
A healthy and positive life needs self-reliance. Learn new cooking, swimming, or play a musical instrument – don't let your life be monotonous.
▌Be a teacher
'Hearing the way, there is a sequence; mastering a skill has its expertise.' Everyone has their own strengths, and they can help others. When you discover your strengths, like playing multiple instruments or writing beautiful calligraphy, sharing with others will help you grow together.
There are many curves and obstacles on the road, let happiness become a habit, you must first learn to comfort yourself, then life will make you happy.
May this windy and stormy life bring us joy, and may we keep moving forward without hesitation.-END
