Happiness

'Abdu'l-Bahá proclaimed in one of His talks in Paris

Joy gives us wings! In times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener, and our understanding less clouded. We seem better able to cope with the world and to find our sphere of usefulness. But when sadness visits us we become weak, our strength leaves us, our comprehension is dim and our intelligence veiled. The actualities of life seem to elude our grasp, the eyes of our spirits fail to discover the sacred mysteries, and we become even as dead beings.

As a student I realize how true this can be even during my studies. During those times that I am completely elated, my studying becomes more efficient and I end up performing much better on my exams. My mind seems to open itself to reasoning. There are few things in the way which worry me, thus hold me back from understanding what I am doing.

These past few days I have been under the weather and various tests have come my way. Reflecting back on the entire situation, I see that my work level had decreased. In fact, I feel as if my studying I did and what work I did actually was negative. I lost time, energy and sleep. However, this is where prayer comes in.

'Abdu'l-Bahá continues the same talk with:

If sorrow and adversity visit us, let us turn our faces to the Kingdom and heavenly consolation will be outpoured.

If we are sick and in distress let us implore God’s healing, and He will answer our prayer.

When our thoughts are filled with the bitterness of this world, let us turn our eyes to the sweetness of God’s compassion and He will send us heavenly calm! If we are imprisoned in the material world, our spirit can soar into the Heavens and we shall be free indeed!

When our days are drawing to a close let us think of the eternal worlds, and we shall be full of joy!

Why not be happy? There is nothing wrong that can come of it. Of course, we are humans. Emotion is key to our existence. But happiness, if it overcomes all other emotions, will allow us to see every situation with a more attentive eye. "Why did I lose my job?" or "How can I finish this project in 4 hours?" are common questions that can be answered. Rather than wallow in pessimism, using an optimistic lens and with a mind full of happiness (or at least a more clear mind, detached from the hardship), one can perhaps move forward with relatively more ease. It makes the action easier, thus allowing for the Divine Confirmation to follow as necessary.

Thus, spirituality is the greatest of God’s gifts, and ‘Life Everlasting’ means ‘Turning to God’. May you, one and all, increase daily in spirituality, may you be strengthened in all goodness, may you be helped more and more by the Divine consolation, be made free by the Holy Spirit of God, and may the power of the Heavenly Kingdom live and work among you.

This is my earnest desire, and I pray to God to grant you this favour.

Are you happy?