Compared to our old generations we are living in a much much better place in terms of science and technological advancements. But are we more happy than them ? Definitely not. Even though we have advanced in luxury and comfort, our happiness has decreased drastically. Why does it happen like that ? We believe that happiness is directly proportional to luxury, money and comfort but actually not. Modern devices and gadgets like mobile phones, tv, computers etc helping us to get engaged or helping us to pass time but not giving real happiness.
Reason is happiness is an inside property, it has to be experienced in the consciousness or soul. External things are only helping us to stimulate this inside happiness. But the problem is that the mind comes in between your consciousness and outside world. So when the mind is overactive it acts like a barrier and you will not enjoy pure happiness. Problem with our current world is we are getting constantly bombarded with massive amounts of information through mobile phones, tv, computers etc daily. That makes the mind active all the time. When the mind is filled with thoughts you cannot enjoy real happiness. Also the mind has a tendency to stick to negative thoughts. So whatever comes from your gadgets, mind picks mostly the negative things. When too much negative thoughts floats in the mind that leads to stress, anxiety, depression, nervousness, grief etc.
So how to overcome this ? First thing to do is limit the usage of such things, especially social media and such apps. In social media people only project their positive side of life. This will create inferiority complexes. Also most of the news and information in social media are fake. This will misguide you. Watching television news is also not a good thing. Don’t sit in front of the TV for a long time watching news channels. They project only negative things happening all over the world. No point in worrying about some negative things happening 1000s of miles away. Don’t worry about things which are not in your control. World will be like that only. You have to accept it.
Another thing you have to do is separate yourself from body and mind. As per Indian Vedanta mind and body are not part of you. If you are able to conceive this concept your life will change forever. You will experience ultimate true happiness all the time without any external stimulation or material possessions. Now the problem is you think you are mind and body. So much identified with these two. But in a deep sleep state both mind and body not there still you feel peace and happiness. Only consciousness was active at that time. So our peace and happiness comes from consciousness. In fact, the body and mind are blocking our happiness. When you wake up, your mind also wakes up and slowly all your problems also arise. So all your problems are in the mind and body. If you separate these two from yourself, you will feel much much relief.
Your consciousness is a part of the infinite energy which is powering this vast universe. You are really unlimited, eternal and omnipresent. But your thoughts are limiting your potential. We all are sitting inside a self made jail. Unlimited possibilities are sitting inside but your limiting thoughts are not allowing you to fly. We have been conditioned in that way from our childhood like don’t do this, don’t do that. If you want to enjoy real happiness break all such limitations and become free. Nobody has tied our hands. It is only our feeling. To get rid of this feeling you have to separate yourself from mind and body.
Both mind and body are only instruments to play in this physical world. Use them whenever necessary. Don’t allow your mind to wander all the time. Each thought is energy and overuse of mind is the main problem in this modern world. It takes aways all your energy. You are so identified with mind and body and you think that is you. But actually not. They are supposed to be slaves. But now they are in charge and consciousness is idle. That is the problem. Let’s bring consciousness to the mainstream and slowly thoughts will come down. Consciousness is the master. When the master is not in control everything will be in chaos.
Our true nature is peace and happiness. Mainly excessive thoughts and body consciousness are blocking it. If you get rid of these two things you will be free from negative emotions like stress, anxiety, grief, nervousness, depression etc. It is all happening in the mind level. If you separate you from mind then that will slowly disappear, without any external stimulation or material possessions. You don’t need any luxury cars or bungalows to become happy. That happiness is temporary. A much much bigger and permanent happiness is inside. You just need to realize the truth to achieve it.