Look inside!

One of the reasons I enjoy, or rather need, to update my blog (except for the occasional hiatus) is because doing so forces me to reflect back on my life and experiences. It's unfortunately too easy and convenient for us to live without being conscious, being awake. We can read an awe-inspiring book or watch a life-motivating movie, but the effect evaporates as quickly as the next event in our schedule arrives. How often do we consciously reflect upon these opportunities for self-betterment? We can go through an entire day and head straight to bed without thinking twice about what we learned today or what we discovered about ourselves. Heck, years can go by in the blink of an eye as if we never lived them, because we most likely didn't live them.

Some of us can be fine with it, but I bet a lot us can't get rid of the nagging feeling of emptiness-no matter how many years of marriage, number of children, our dollars in our account. So we say we're trying to search for happiness, but honestly, can you really find happiness. Happiness cannot materialize; it is derived, it is achieved through being. Our attempts, ranging from religiosity to asceticism, are searches for permanence, security, satisfaction - not happiness.

How can we be happy if we do not self-reflect to learn and know ourselves? We are unique beings (duh?). So why do we go forth following teachers, priests, and parents and expect to find the truth through their eyes? To "find" happiness through their eyes?

My point is this: look inside yourself.

How? There's lots of ways - each of us should have our own way. But for a good starting point, I am reminded of what a dear friend I met in India said to me: instead of trying to have what you want; try to want what you have!