Roger Harty: Searching For Happiness

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rsz_roger_hartyTHERE was a belief not that long ago that the world was flat.

Because that was the belief, it was therefore not surprising that all thoughts that were generated at that time arose on the assumption that the world was indeed flat.

Thus there was huge fear generated at that time, especially in the nautical world. Up until then the only type of exploration was overland for one reason and one reason only; Fear, based on their beliefs at that time.

Fear that they would fall off the edge into oblivion. Fear that they would be devoured by crazed wild creatures. Fear that they would never return to their homes and loved ones. These were all quite understandable legitimate fears based on their knowledge (even though these beliefs were false) at the time.

That is why Marco Polo (1254 – 1324) did his first exploring to China and Central Asia on land. It took nearly 200 years  until the discoveries by Gallileo, Capernicus etc., (that the world was round) for mankind to feel comfortable with sea exploration, thus the arrival of Columbus, Magellan, Sir Francis Drake, De Gama and company.

Point 1  

They could now get to the truth (success) because their endeavours were based on truth (the world is round) not on false beliefs (the world is flat!).

Ok Roger, what has all this got to do with searching for happiness?

Well, the truth is that there is a huge connection. Just like the explorers believing that the world is flat, many people believe that outside things will make them happy.

Things like houses, possessions, money, cars, holidays, fine restaurants etc., etc. Yes they may lead to short term satisfaction, but they will never lead to true happiness i.e. there will always be a niggling feeling that there is more to be achieved.

You see the truth is, true happiness is an ‘inside job’. Just like the daring sailors of yesteryear it has to be tested and experienced to be discovered. The only way is to learn and practice the art of ‘Being’ not ‘Searching’.

The art of ‘Being’ is the same as the art of ‘Being Present’. That is why mindfulness is becoming more popular now, which is another fancier name for meditation. That is why the book ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle has sold over 30 Million copies!

That is what Jesus meant when He said – Be Still and know that I Am God or ‘I Am’ (is) The Way The Truth and The Life. He was teaching us to Be Present and thus to experience true unlimited happiness.

When this is practiced on a regular basis, it is just like the sailors when they discovered the delights and excitement of The New World.

They had to get in their boats (equivalent of meditation) face their fears and sail the seas (practice and trust in the process of meditation) and then be ready to reap the rewards ( promised land – inner peace and joy).

Just like the sailors there were many wide open oceans where the must have doubted the outcome – Many, many people try meditation but give up because they believe they are not reaping the rewards – that would be equivalent to the sailors (explorers) turning back when they see the vastness of the oceans. Should they persist they will eventually reach Nirvana (Happiness, Promised Land!, Inner Peace)

Point 1 (Repeated)

We can now get to the truth (Inner Happiness) because our endeavours are based on truth (be Present and look inside) not on false beliefs (searching outside for happiness)

Next week I am going to write about – Why I Love Latin 

One Comment

  1. Mary O.Shea says:

    Brilliant!

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