Happiness is like a butterfly in the garden of life, and for many people, it is difficult to find. During the warm summer months, picture a little child playing in the garden. A beautiful butterfly is seen flying from flower to bloom, and the child is able to observe it. The youngster, with awe in their eyes, expresses a want to examine it in greater detail, to touch it, and to hold it in their hands. With arms outstretched, the child makes his way towards the flower that the butterfly is resting on, only to discover that the butterfly has moved on to another bloom just as he is about to reach it. Unfazed, the toddler continues to follow the butterfly to the next flower, and then to the next flower, but the butterfly never moves closer than a few inches away from the child.
When one is an adult, happiness may appear to be like that butterfly, appearing to be perpetually out of grasp. As time goes on, it becomes almost an obsession, and the words “if only” become an increasingly significant component of our thoughts and lexicon. The list of things that would make me happy is endless. If only I had more money, if only I was in a wonderful relationship, if only I could have a different job, and so on and so on. Even in the event that we are successful in achieving one of our wants, the happiness that we are looking for is still just beyond our grasp. When we consider the reality of the proverb “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence,” our perception and concentration shift to reflect this fact. In the event that this becomes our primary focus, we will discover that our level of discontent and unhappiness will continue to increase in both our lives and our experiences.
The unhappiness that exists within us cannot be totally satiated by the occurrences or conditions that occur in the outside world. The first step toward achieving happiness in life is to ensure that we are content with ourselves on the inside. The enjoyment that we experience in the present moment may be brought on by external events and situations; but, these things do not have a lasting impact on our inner selves. Every person goes through a range of experiences, some of which are positive and some of which are negative. Relying on the experiences that life has to offer as a means of achieving pleasure would entail living a life that is characterized by a continuous emotional roller coaster ride.
The source of happiness is found within. The roots of the inner contentment that allows us to endure the ups and downs of life are found deep within our being. When we discover and accept who we are as individuals, as well as when we live our lives with a sense of purpose, we are able to experience happiness. It is necessary for us to discover serenity in every facet of our lives, including the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms. Discovering acceptance, purpose, and tranquility in each of these areas will provide a feeling of fulfillment in one’s life. In the event that we fail to pay attention to even a single one of these segments, we will feel a void and a sense that something is missing. Not only is there no strong foundation for establishing happiness within, but we also often begin to hunt for solutions from the outside world in an attempt to fill this void that we have created for ourselves. It is precisely at this juncture that we have the potential to succumb to the elusive butterfly syndrome, resulting in a feeling of immense dissatisfaction.
Is happiness something that you find difficult to achieve? Spend a little time in solitude and contemplation. In the process of having a sensation of emptiness within yourself, are you forgetting one of the four essential components that make up who you are? As you continue to learn about, acknowledge, and appreciate your individuality and purpose, you will find that the butterfly of happiness will continue to land on your shoulder.
