What makes a happy life rather than the present moment? It’s a question that has plagued philosophers and poets for centuries. We search for happiness in external achievements, material possessions, and fleeting experiences. Often overlooking the simple truth that true happiness can be found right here, right now.

We get caught up in the “when…then” trap:

• “When I retire, then I’ll be happy.”
• “And when I get that promotion, then I’ll be happy.”
• “Only when I travel the world, then I’ll be happy.”

We postpone happiness, believing that it lies somewhere in the future, just beyond the horizon of our current circumstances. But the reality is, happiness is not a destination. It’s a state of being. Not something we achieve because it’s something we cultivate.

The illusion of external solutions

We often look for external solutions to our happiness deficit. Or we believe that if we just achieve that next goal, acquire that next possession, or experience that next adventure, then we’ll finally find the happiness we’ve been seeking.

But this outward-looking, future-oriented approach often leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled. We achieve the goal, acquire the possession, experience the adventure, and yet, the happiness we crave remains elusive.

Why? Because true happiness is not found in external things; it’s cultivated within. It’s a state of being, a way of relating to ourselves and the world around us.

The power of the present moment

Instead of constantly seeking happiness in the external world, what if we turned our attention inward? What if we explored the vast landscape of our own minds and hearts? Or what if we discovered the wellspring of peace, joy, and contentment that resides within each of us?

This inward journey might involve:

• Quieting the mind: Taking time to disconnect from the constant stream of thoughts, worries, and distractions that often cloud our minds.
• Embracing stillness: Creating space for silence and solitude, allowing ourselves to simply be, without the need to do or achieve anything.
• Observing without judgment: Noticing our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them, recognizing that they are transient experiences, not absolute truths.

More being, less doing

In our achievement-oriented culture, we often prioritize doing over being. We value productivity, efficiency, and accomplishment. But true happiness often lies in the moments of stillness, in the simple act of being present, in the appreciation of what is.

It’s about shifting our focus from the external to the internal, from the future to the present moment. And it’s about recognizing that happiness is not something we need to chase. It’s something we can cultivate within ourselves, right here, right now.