An Altruistic Heart

We get out of life what we put into it, (so we are told). From experience, I know that I am happiest when I am focused on others rather than on my own needs.

We spend childhood and early adulthood searching for happiness. We look for it in things, in possessions, in others, in experiences – just looking for something to fill the gnawing hole within our being. Something missing. A sense that we are on a quest, and that happiness lies at the end of the path.

Then, we look inwards, taken there by a shock. We are taken into our Selves by grief, bereavement, loss of some sort. And in that emptiness we begin the deeper search.  Looking into the self, to understand what we are here for.

Around us, there are a few “lucky” beings who exude happiness. They seem to have found “the answer”. We ask them for the clues, the steps to the garden to find the hidden secret.

And of course, they can’t tell us. We have to find it for ourselves. All they can describe is the direction, the path to follow.

And the path begins with an altruistic heart. The journey begins within and then heads outwards to others. Out there we find the qualities of patience, loving kindness, compassion. We look for the good in everyone that we encounter, and when we find it we laugh. It was there all the time, but our sight was clouded by negativity and obscurations.

Seeing the beauty within everyone brings the hope that we need. And there is the place of happiness.

(November Challenge 16/31)

Also published on Medium.