By Ciny Sivasanker
Different is what makes me happy from many others.
A small flower, an infant’s face, a drop of rain, a gentle breeze.
The warmth of sunlight, the never-ending azure of the sea or the lullaby of a brook,
Can fill me with waves of ecstasy, immeasurable and fathomless.
A shade of nature is enough to cast a rainbow of delightful, brilliant crystals, that inexplicable feeling of glee from simple and ordinary everyday things.
You, too, may capture and comprehend in life, now or as days and years go by.
Tangled am I not, in the everyday mad rush for benefits and profits? Never do I want to make or create impressions or expressions,
On anything or everything, anyone or everyone, anywhere or everywhere.
No interest either to make people believe that all is well or unwell!
Nor am I conquered and carried away by the normally believed norms of happiness -
The offshoots of wealth, gains, accolades, luxuries or skin-deep thrills!
A good book, a hearty meal, a child's innocent smile, a friend's warm hello, a melodious song or Sylvan surroundings.
My mother's kiss, my father's hug, my bestie’s pat, a cute cat's meow, a simple movie, my kids' messages.
A little dog or any baby animal, a cute birdie, a leaf, a good view of the sky, a green field or a good class taken.
Anything and everything simple and humble, offers me my unparalleled beautiful world of joy!
A matter of choice and attitude is our happiness!
Our notions others may or may not accept or follow, praise or ridicule!
All in our mind is it, and how we look at things and consider the hapless ones around.
Certain things, people, bonds or awards we may lose, sometimes forever, but trust me - those are taken away by our Lord and Master.
Difficult to grasp now why, but may dawn upon us immortals later -
It is to give us the very best and to make our life all the more beautiful!
So never ever measure a heart's happiness or peace,
By our yardsticks, chains of broken beliefs or conditioned minds.
For whom we may think of as the saddest soul and an utter failure, may be the happiest of all and the most contented -
Something which riches, power, position or influence can never ever purchase!
Realising the pinnacle of bliss in one's own heart
And conquering the peak of peace in one's own soul.
Through kind words, love, mutual respect, care, good attitude and understanding of others.
Those acquired, inculcated and cultivated qualities of thoughts and deeds to help others,
Are all that matters ultimately the most in life, for never-ending happiness!