nir·va·na
noun, often capitalized \nir-ˈvä-nə, (ˌ)nər-\
: the state of perfect happiness and peace in Buddhism where there is release from all forms of suffering
: a state or place of great happiness and peace
It would be easy to write about the ultimate dosage of happiness and implicate every detail of my journey so far as nothing less than roses and rainbows. But I won’t. Throughout the past 25 days if there is one life lesson I have learned to embrace is that of utter honesty. When I began my journey on July 18th I adopted a theory that if I remained open to new ideas and spoke my inner truths to others without reservation I would find a greater level of happiness. In studying Buddhist texts and reading “We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For” by Alice Walker I indicated that a release of burden is the truest form of happiness- nirvana.
Though happiness isn’t a permanent feeling, it still holds such a strong influence on who you are for even a moment. A smile at the little girl hanging from the grocery cart ahead of you, a giggle at the cutest guy you’ve ever seen tripping over his feet to take a glance at you, or even a stomach cramping laugh with your brothers about that one time, that one summer, long ago. My level of happiness began the very first day I began the 100 Happy Days challenge. In the moment I submitted my short form I knew this experience would make me discover things I never knew about myself and ways to improve my demeanor in the most undesired situations.
I observed my friends and family, viewing them with a fresh perspective and seeing a beauty in them I had never paid much attention to. I’ve become more attentive and curious about why things happen the way they do, even how they can be changed or avoided. I didn’t take the challenge to stay the same, I took it to discover my happiness. In order to do that I have to explore every other feeling and emotion I have to offer as well. Remaining open to the elements of self awareness I have embraced happiness in a new way and willed myself to find the happiness in the sadness, a smile through the embarrassment, and the strength through my weakness.
Now don’t get me wrong my life is a ball of sunshine but this challenge has helped me to view life through more perspectives than one. It’s not just about happiness, if it was, this wouldn’t be different from any other day for me. So while you find your happy realize your sad, angry, funny, unwavering self as well.
Peace, love, happiness, NIRVANA.
Lyrric Cosby Jackson
