Five Gems That Are Parameters Of Happiness

What is happiness? Can it be encapsulated in a formula? I cite the historic meeting between Alexander, the great Macedonian conqueror, and the scantily clad Greek philosopher, Diogenes, who lived in a giant vase on the streets of Sinope and thought nothing of begging for food and defecating in public.

Happiness, for Alexander, was all about relishing the best of food, clothing, wealth and ever-increasing power.

Diogenes, on the other hand, believed that happiness is attained by leading a life of simplicity, free from the constant struggle for wealth and power.

When Alexander went to meet Diogenes, to offer him good food, wealth and accommodation, the wise man snapped back to everyone's astonishment, "Move over! I am enjoying the sunshine. Don't block it with your shadow!"
The shattered prince was later heard saying, "If i were not Alexander, i would be happy to be Diogenes!" It was apparent that Alexander was in search of happiness.

Years later, at 32, on this deathbed, Alexander is said to have made three dying wishes of which the second is the most thought provoking. "When my coffin is being carried to the grave, let the entire path leading to the graveyard be strewn with all the wealth of gems and precious stones that i have conquered. Let the world know that i cannot take even a farthing with me.

Ultimately, all these precious stones will turn to dust just like my body!" Life is like a sparkling diamond; in it are concealed five priceless gems that determine our parameters of happiness.

1. A honest heart never takes credit for success nor blames another for failure. Acknowledging our indebtedness to parents, teachers, well-wishers and, ultimately God, causes an ocean of gratitude to swell within our hearts that
we spontaneously want to share our joy without expecting anything in return.

2. Appreciation is like a spice that adds such a special flavour to the recipe of life that one cannot but help feeling deep affection for anyone who has gone out of their way to help us.

3. Everyone has experienced that soothing sensation when someone has patiently listened to our troubles and worries with concern.

4. The ability to enter into a person's heart and be there to such an intimate extent that we both become one person -- not two! This virtue of empathy is so desperately needed in this world where people are generally accustomed to flee when they come upon someone in distress because they have become habituated to demanding -- very few are willing to give!

5. Nothing worthwhile has ever been attained without sacrificing some comfort while reaching out to those lost in the darkness of despair, in order that they may feel inspired to rise and walk with hope.

The secret of charity is an inexplicable miracle, because in giving that which blossoms and grows, our hearts begin to overflow with happiness to be joyfully share with others.

Alexander's distress lay in usurping transitory worldly treasures that ultimately turn to dust. But Diogenes' happiness was in relishing God's everlasting natural gift of sunshine in a spirit of contentment and with a heart of gratitude.