What Makes Me Happy

Each leaf is separate. Yet, when they are seen from a distance they look like they are part of one large scheme. As the wind sweeps through the trees, the branches sway in a perfected dance, the leaves rustle to an intoxicating beat the entire tree is a symphony playing to an invisible conductor. The sun shines brightly creating an illusion of heat. The clouds glide effortlessly across the sky. It is a beautiful day.

The birds are alive with energy, the flowers are blooming, and the street is filled with activity. The sound of children playing fills the air. You can hear the ball dribbling on the driveways, the backboards ringing from the impact and if you listen carefully, you can even hear the occasional swish of the basketball.

The violin is playing downstairs. Its soft, soothing notes float up the stairs, calming me inside. It is my brother. He is practicing the violin for his orchestra lessons. I can see the strings vibrating all at once creating sounds that soothe and comfort. I can visualize him sitting on the carpet, his book in front of him, concentrating on the notes on the page. His eyes do not move, he cannot be distracted.

In the living room, the TV is running. I can hear the incessant chatter of characters trying to entertain us. Be it comedy, adventure or action the people on screen represent what we wish to do. They embody our spirit.

Happiness is not something that you necessarily gain after climbing the world tallest mountain or by winning the toughest award. Happiness is all around us. I merely described the scene that was around me at this moment. Happiness is gained when all the senses are sharp, when the mind is working hard. Happiness is loving others, embracing what is around you and forgiving people for their actions.

I am happy when I can feel the love of my brother, the support my parents and the love of my friends. Happiness cannot be judged by material possessions. Happiness is there in everything around us. Happiness can be found in a shack as well as a million-dollar mansion. It is there in the chirp of the birds and the roar of a motorcycle. To feel happy is to know this fact. When you realize that happiness is like air, everywhere and invisible, you can believe in it.

Now you see why I included the tree first. It symbolizes a happy person. It is swaying to something that is invisible. It has given up to this "thing." It is flowing with it; they are separate, yet they are one.

To me, happiness cannot be gauged. Feeling a little happy is the same as feeling very happy. This is why I can find it in everything around me. It is a shawl that has cloaked me in content and comfort. My mind is now more agile, my senses are keener, and my thoughts are more fluid. Happiness is being in this state and this state is happiness.