Stillness is the key to a happy life

Note: The essay “Stillness is the key to a happy life” just contains the key points which a reader can take on and write the essay in their own word. You must use your knowledge and creativity to add some quotes which fit properly. Finally, write the conclusion by summarising the whole while maintaining balance.

Introduction

• Introduce with an anecdote like how Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

Normal life:

• Sad and dejected from past failures, losses, and miseries e.g. being depressed about the future of a relationship for months.
• Anxious about the future e.g., worried about returns on shares that have been purchased.
• Specifics about the future and spoiling the present e.g., seeing everyone through a lens of skepticism, etc.

Such many dimensions that define our life of us can be presented.

Stillness brings happiness:

• It permits us to enjoy small momentary pleasures like observing the beauty of nature en route to the office, instead of that we imagine an irritable boss at the office and losing the moment.
• Stillness ensures we have awareness and mindfulness that makes us clear about what needs to be done next.
• The future may not be as we desire, so the cost benefits ratio is low in giving up the present for the future, etc.

Why do we lack it?

• We are imaginary creatures we can visualize things more effectively than other creatures, so we imagine a lot about the future and get immersed in it.
• Our minds are also called restless monkey by Vivekananda so it does not settle at one point.
• Also, the past enriches our experiences and experiences define our moments. It is said that the past is a permanent dimension of human consciousness.

A life that is still

• Practices like yoga and meditation can instill mindfulness.
• Being optimistic allows us to be positive about the events of life.
• Emotional intelligence to control negative emotions created by past and future.

What is not fine?

• However, immersion in stillness may not always be fine.
• We need to retrospect for course corrections, as with Ashoka’s reflection on war.
• We need to focus on building a great future as Ashoka did in propagating Dhamma or planning to build our dream house etc.

Where is the silver lining?

• Learn to keep balanced by enjoying the present. Take sweet memories of the past and failure as lessons and warnings for the present and future. The future is a source of ambition and curiosity, not fear or grief.