Happiness Is Here and Now

In this 5-minute video, I discuss, sing and teach participants a popular practice song sung at Thich Nhat Hanh's monasteries around the world. The song teaches that we don't need to run into the future to find happiness. Instead, if we look deeply into the present moment, all the conditions of happiness are already here.

Transcript

This is a really popular practice song sung at Plum Village Monastery. And all the monasteries around the world founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Happiness is here and now I have drawn. My worries. Nowhere to go, Nothing to do. No longer in a hurry Happiness is here and now I have drawn. My worries somewhere to go something to do But I don't need to hurry I believe that this song is not saying that happiness is the only thing that's here and now. It's not trying to bypass the very real suffering that's going on in the world right now, And also the suffering in ourselves. I believe that this song is saying. That happiness is also here. I don't need to run into the future to find it. It's not an if-then situation. If I do this thing. Then I'll get happiness. The song is reminding us that all the conditions of happiness exist right here and now. And all I have to do is look deeply. Into this present moment to touch those conditions of happiness. If I look deeply into this moment. I see that I'm alive with air in my lungs and food in my belly. And my hands are pain-free today, And my eyes are working, And I have this technology to record a video on. Lots of things. That are the conditions for my happiness. So maybe pausing. Taking a moment just to take stock. To notice what's here. What's working well in your life. What's feeling good in your body? Touching those conditions of happiness with our minds. The more we generate our happiness. The more we water it like a seed. I believe. The better we're able to look at our worries and anxieties with the proper perspective. And also As we generate happiness, It becomes like an energy, A fuel. That helps us more skillfully. And compassionately deal with. With our problems and the problems of the world. So I'm going to sing it again. You can listen or if you'd like to try to sing along with me. Go for it, And you might find yourself singing the song all throughout your day, Just like I do. Happiness is here and now. I have drawn. My worry. Nowhere to go, Nothing to do no longer in a hurry Happiness is here and now I have trolls. My worries Somewhere to go, Something to do. But I don't need to hurry No, I don't need to hurry.

Reviews

This lifted my spirit and brought a smile to my face. Thank You 🙏🏻 found myself humming this little melody.