HAPPINESS AND PEACE

One is a feeling, the other is a Superpower

We all want to be happy. After a hard day’s work, we all would like some peace and quiet. But what really is “Happiness?” What exactly is “Peace?”

Here are simple dictionary definitions of these concepts:

Happiness: A state of satisfaction and contentment

Peace: A state of calm and tranquility

When I ask people what they are seeking in life, “happiness” is a common answer. Interestingly, few answer “peace.”  

It is certainly my experience that one can be content without being calm. One can also experience tranquility and still be unsatisfied.

Happiness can be temporarily attained by achieving goals that one has identified as personal criteria for contentment. Often, however, once a goal is met a void is created. The goal becomes the new status quo, and expectations are raised. One can wind up chasing their version of the proverbial carrot, briefly satisfied over and over, but never at peace.

It is also very possible to be completely satisfied with your life and still not be at peace. Satisfaction often brings fear. When one achieves career, financial, relationship and other life goals, they may constantly worry that what they gained might be lost.

Peace involves a feeling of acceptance, that everything will be “OK,” no matter what happens. A friend and small business owner told me he does not fear his business going under because he knows he can build another one. He does not worry about the economy, inflation, his competition, and the like. He certainly pays attention to these trends, and he stays top of them, adjusting what he is doing accordingly. But he does not lie awake at night thinking about them. He controls what he can control, is able to let go of everything else, and sleeps like a baby. As a result, he seems happy.

A person’s happiness is often determined by external things such as material possessions, recognition, and companionship. Did I get that promotion? Can I afford that new car? Will they marry me? On the other hand, one can be at peace without any of these. In fact, one can even be at peace amid chaos. This is because “Peace” is a state of mind that is nurtured internally. And if cultivated carefully, it provides one with an amazing superpower: protection against unhappiness.

I love this quote, attributed only to “unknown:”

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place with no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

If one is constantly pursuing happiness, they will never find peace. By making the development of their inner Superpower the priority, they can find genuine, lasting happiness.