Do we tie our joy and happiness to the material world?
I realized that I have—and perhaps I still do. Maybe I will continue to, until the lesson is fully embodied. But today’s realization felt pivotal.
I became aware of how much I’ve attached my sense of joy and happiness to what I think I own. The truth is, we can never truly own anything in this physical realm—whether it’s material possessions, money, or even relationships. I had to learn this lesson the hard way, by losing almost everything I believed was mine. It was painful, but through that pain, I found freedom. How ironic is that?
In Daoist teachings, it is said that when our "Earth" element is weak, we rely on external things to feel safe and secure. True security comes only when we feel safe within ourselves and in our bodies. Only then can we fully trust and flow with life.
When we observe children, we see them having so much fun doing what we, as adults, might dismiss as "silly." But have we ever paused to ask: Is it really silly? Or are we the ones being silly—too busy chasing outcomes and results to enjoy the simple pleasures of life?
These reflections brought up deep questions for me today. Am I taking life too seriously? Have I forgotten how to simply have fun?
I was reminded of the mandala I painted titled "Happiness." I remembered the joy and childlike wonder I felt while creating it. It wasn’t the finished piece that brought me happiness, but the process of painting it—the journey of creation that truly filled my heart and soul.
To order the reprint of this mandala of Happiness @ Divine Child:
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