Deepak Chopra: 'Happiness is a continuation of happenings which are not resisted.'

Happiness is a continuation of happenings which are not resisted.

Happiness is a state of being that most people strive for in their lives. Deepak Chopra, a renowned spiritual teacher and author, once said, "Happiness is a continuation of happenings which are not resisted." This quote encapsulates the essence of finding and maintaining happiness in our lives. In simple terms, it suggests that when we resist or struggle against the natural flow of events, we impede our ability to experience true happiness. To fully understand the significance of this quote, let's delve deeper into its meaning and explore an unexpected philosophical concept that adds a fascinating twist.At its core, Chopra's quote emphasizes the importance of acceptance and non-resistance. It suggests that true happiness can be found in allowing life to unfold naturally, without clinging to expectations or resisting the inevitable changes that occur. When we resist life's happenings, whether they are positive or negative, we create unnecessary tension and dissatisfaction within ourselves. Instead of embracing what is, we become trapped in a constant battle against reality.To illustrate this, let's consider a simple example. Imagine you are planning a picnic in the park with your friends. The weather forecast suddenly changes, and it begins to rain heavily. You have two options: you can either resist the rain, feeling frustrated and disappointed, or you can accept the situation as it is and adapt your plans accordingly. By choosing the latter, you open yourself up to new possibilities, such as finding a cozy café to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa instead. This acceptance, this lack of resistance, allows you to navigate life's unforeseen circumstances with grace and flexibility, thus paving the way for happiness to seamlessly continue.Now, let's introduce the unexpected philosophical concept of "the flow." The concept of flow, as popularized by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, refers to a state of complete immersion and focused concentration in an activity. It is often described as being "in the zone" or experiencing a sense of timelessness. In the context of happiness, we can draw parallels between Chopra's quote and the idea of flow.When we are fully engaged in an activity that aligns with our interests and capabilities, we naturally enter a state of flow. In these moments, we do not resist or question the happenings around us; instead, we effortlessly merge our actions and intentions with the present moment. By surrendering to the flow of life, we tap into a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.To further contrast the concepts of resistance and flow, consider a musician playing an instrument. If they approach their practice sessions with resistance, constantly battling against difficulties and frustrations, their progress may be hindered, and their enjoyment of the process diminished. On the other hand, if the musician enters a state of flow, fully immersing themselves in the music, they effortlessly transcend challenges and experience pure bliss.By unlocking the wisdom embedded within Chopra's quote and integrating it with the concept of flow, we gain a profound insight into the nature of happiness. When we resist life and impede its natural happenings, we create unnecessary suffering. However, when we embrace the flow, surrendering to the present moment without resistance, we open ourselves to the possibility of ongoing happiness.In conclusion, Deepak Chopra's quote, "Happiness is a continuation of happenings which are not resisted," invites us to reevaluate our relationship with life itself. It encourages us to let go of resistance and embrace the flow of events that unfold before us. By doing so, we can experience true joy and happiness as we gracefully navigate the ebb and flow of existence. So, let us choose acceptance over resistance, and immerse ourselves in the beautiful dance of life.