If I was to ask you what is the one internal drive that unites us all as humans, how would you respond? What do you long for? What do you want?
Underneath the responses of more finances, the perfect romantic partner, health, a dream job, a sweet job, an exciting international adventure is one threaded emotion. We want to be happy. We think all of these external aspects will bring us happiness, that’s why we fill our time trying to attain more. We strive for more education and experience to get a better job, we date loads of people on tinder hoping we find “the one”, or we try to get as many stamps on our passport to feel fulfilled. Some of us may actually achieve these aspirations, or all of them. And we feel happy, but how long does it last for? Minutes? Days? Weeks? Perhaps, but then we’re onto the next thing.
Or on the other hand, some of us may give up the notion of ever being happy and we succumb to numbness. We may opt out of actively participating in the world by remaining stagnant and passive on the couch. We may binge on shows on streaming networks, drink or eat our worries away. Some may opt for drugs or a revolving door of sexual partners. If we won’t ever be happy, we may at least minimize our pain and suffering.
Many of us may are realizing that happiness cannot be sustained through external factors, and avoiding suffering through numbing does not equate with living. Holding these two dichotomies in our hand, how do we navigate through life?
Numerous spiritual traditions remind us that the answer lies within.
I attended a meditation during New Years Eve at Kadampa Medtiation Center in New York City. The instructor shared with us that when we wish others a Happy New Year, we aren’t wishing other people to attain all their desires for the year. Getting everything you want isn’t reality. What we are really wishing people for is happiness, which is a peaceful heart and mind that can navigate all that arises in our lives throughout the next 12 months. He reminded us of the popular Buddhist metaphor shared that we are all golden nuggets that are covered in dirt. Our essential being is pure and radiant, but we forget this and are stuck in our sorrows and stories. Can we rub off the dirt and remember the wealth of abundance that is always in existence if you turn towards it?
I found this dharma talk so inspirational, that it has served as a summary of my mission statement for the year and perhaps my life. How can I remind people the gold that exists within not without? And it’s available to all of us, regardless of the circumstances currently going on in your life. True contentment is here for you whether you are newly engaged, divorced, landed a dream job, stuck in a dead end job, or are laid off. And so the podcast Golden Mirror is born. Stay tuned as I share weekly tips and remind you how precious and powerful you really are.
It Only Takes A Smile 