Have you ever wondered why some people seem to radiate happiness and joy, even in the face of adversity? How is it possible for someone to laugh and celebrate life, even on their deathbed? The answer lies in the understanding that our essence, our true nature, is our center, while our personality is merely the circumference shaped by society.
In the realm of Sufi mysticism, there is a beautiful story of a master and his disciple. The master, who had lived a life of unending happiness, was known for his laughter. Even in his old age, as he faced death, he continued to laugh joyously. Perplexed by this, the disciple asked the master the secret behind his eternal bliss.
The master, with a twinkle in his eye, shared a simple clue that had transformed his life. He revealed that as a young man, he too had been plagued by misery. One day, he approached his own master, who sat under a tree, laughing without any apparent reason. Curious and slightly annoyed, the disciple asked his master if he was mad.
The master replied, “One day, I was as sad as you are now. But then, it dawned on me that the choice was mine. It was my life, and I had the power to choose between misery and blissfulness. Since that day, every morning when I wake up, before I even open my eyes, I ask myself, ‘Abdullah, what do you want today? Misery or blissfulness?’ And without fail, I choose blissfulness.”
This profound realization holds a valuable lesson for all of us. Happiness is not something that happens to us; it is a choice we make every day. It is a conscious decision to embrace the joy and beauty that life has to offer, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
So, I invite you to try this simple practice. As you awaken each morning and become aware that sleep has left you, take a moment to ask yourself, “What is my choice today? Do I choose misery or blissfulness?”
Consider the absurdity of choosing misery. Why would anyone willingly opt for unhappiness when blissfulness is available? It goes against our very nature. Deep down, we all long for joy, peace, and fulfillment. By consciously choosing blissfulness, we align ourselves with our true essence.
Of course, this choice does not mean that life will always be smooth sailing. Challenges and difficulties will undoubtedly arise. But by choosing blissfulness, we cultivate a mindset that allows us to navigate these obstacles with grace and resilience. We tap into an inner wellspring of strength and positivity that empowers us to face life’s ups and downs with equanimity.
Remember, happiness is not dependent on external circumstances. It is an internal state of being that we can access at any moment. By rediscovering our center, our essence, we tap into the infinite well of joy that resides within us.
So, my friend, I encourage you to embrace the power of choice. Choose blissfulness over misery. Choose to rediscover your center and live a life filled with laughter, celebration, and unending happiness. It is your birthright, waiting to be reclaimed.