Safeguarding Freedom

How many of us are aware that International Happiness Day is celebrated every year on the 20th of March? One of the purposes behind this crucial celebration is to recognize the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals for humans. But how exactly do we measure happiness? 

Although happiness may have different meanings for everyone, ultimately, we all want to live freely to our satisfaction. But this freedom can be compromised easily due to financial and health concerns, ineffective time management, conditions and constraints caused by other people involved in our lives, pandemics, natural calamities, regional issues and so on. Despite this, let's not forget that humans have the advantage compared to the other species to live freely. It therefore becomes essential to safeguard the secret to happiness, that is, our freedom.

There is an inspiring story from the epic "Mahabharat" in which a teacher named Dronacharya was teaching his disciples the importance of focus during archery practice. When he asked his students what they saw while aiming their bow at the target, each one replied with different answers, some mentioned trees, leaves, the sky and so on. Only one disciple replied that he could only see the center of the target.

Yes, we all need to fully focus on performing our duties and responsibilities effectively. We will need to identify our craft, the qualities that we have been blessed with by God and use this gift to make a difference by sharing, serving and caring. When this focus develops in our mindset, our freedom to live is never compromised no matter the circumstances. Until our sole focus is to enjoy life with constant pressure of competition by running the race to outperform others, we will never be able to achieve happiness and will only compromise our freedom. Don’t forget that each one of us have been gifted with the invaluable human birth and therefore every day of this life should be lived with full freedom and happiness (no matter the circumstances) by focusing on performing one’s duties, responsibilities with the mindset to serve the world with the craft that has been gifted to you.

Let your present be focused on serving and giving your best thereby safeguarding your freedom in all circumstances.