“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life,
the whole aim and end of human existence.” Aristotle
Most of us think we’ll be happy when we get a better job, find our soulmate, earn a certain amount of money, acquire a desired object, lose weight, achieve better health, and so on. But when we achieve those things, we often find that they don’t make us happy after all–or do for only a while. So we get back on the hamster wheel, set our sites on a new goal, and try again.
In the Upanishads, it says, “Happiness for any reason is just another form of misery.” Is it possible to be happy for no reason? Yes, and it’s the best kind of happiness, because it isn’t linked to what you have, what you do, or whom you’re with. When you find happiness within, you can never, ever lose it.
Until you’ve achieved the primary human desire of unconditional happiness, pursuing any other goal is just stepping back onto the hamster wheel. Once your source of inner happiness is assured, you can set goals that are in alignment with who you are, help you realize your unique potential, and empower you to make the greatest impact on the world around you.
Ready to step off the wheel? Then let’s get to work.
Petra Martin
Life coach
Creator of the Mixed Emotions card deck
