The Art Of Always Being Happy

During the summer, most people are busy having fun; many are away on vacation. People love the summer; they feel happier during this time of the year. Nevertheless, how do we keep this happiness alive even when the summer ends? Is there a way to be just as happy even when we must go back to school and work? Life may send us many unexpected situations; how can we also be happy in these circumstances?

There is some great advice on how to constantly remain happy as it is vital. Do not fret, the entire world is in the same situation, trying to figure out how to be happy. One must know that happiness is essential, and one must stay far away from depressed moods. Hashem created the world in a way that we cannot automatically always be happy; Hashem included suffering and hardship in this world. One may ask why did Hashem have to create depression and suffering?

The Talmud states “Whoever mourns Jerusalem, will merit to see its rejoicing” (Ta’anit 30b). Our Sages are saying that without suffering and sadness, we cannot appreciate happiness and tranquility. Depression is like the bite of a snake. It is sudden and very painful. However, one does not gain anything by being depressed, just like the snake does not gain any nourishment from the bite. Being sad about the situation at hand does not bring about the solution any faster. On the other hand, happiness gives us tranquility and the ability to think clearly. We can fully be ourselves and access all our strengths. David Hamelech wrote, “Serve Hashem with joy” (Tehillim 100,2). The Arizal stated that he reached his great spiritual level only because of the happiness that he performed the mitzvot (Sha’ar Hakavanot, Shemini Atzeret). Rebbe Nachman would famously say, “It is a great mitzvah to be happy always.” When we are in a cheerful state it allows us to easily do all other mitzvot. A sad or depressed person will not have the drive to do any mitzvah, especially when it involves a difficulty. Ultimately, one can achieve happiness in any situation by internalizing and saying, “Everything Hashem does is for the best” (Shulchan Aruch Ch 230, Halacha 5). Nonetheless, it is not possible for us to say these words and always mean them internally.

Rebbe Nachman offers some suggestions on how to constantly be happy and avoid sad feelings. First, he suggests that we should try to force ourselves to be happy even when we are not. Joy is so important that one should “fake it till you make it.” This concept is like a person who does not want to join the group of people dancing in a circle, but when he is grabbed into the circle he suddenly wants to dance. So too, when we are in a state of unhappiness, but by forcing ourselves to act as if we are content, we will suddenly and truly be joyful.

Secondly, another suggestion Rebbe Nachman gives to avoid the blues is to recall our good points. We are never deemed a total failure. There is some good in each of us. We can remind ourselves that we should be pleased that at least we were Jewish. Likewise, we can remind ourselves that at least we are healthy.

A third suggestion Rebbe Nachman offers for gladness is to appropriately do something silly. Making a funny face will often break us out of the slump of grief. There is nothing to lose and so much to gain by using a little jest to dispel sadness.

A final suggestion that Rebbe Nachman gives to embrace glee is to listen to suitable holy music. These sounds will clear our minds and help us pour out our emotions. It is very proper to inspire oneself with a melody or niggun. In a similar light, dancing will inspire us with delight and positive feelings.

Rav Ahron Walkin ztz”l used to say, “We are all looking for the city of happiness but do not realize that it is a state of mind.” Meaning, we must tap into the power of keeping ourselves in that mood using these remarkable suggestions. We should not let our pleasure be dependent on physical items or certain situations working out; this robs us of all our life force. We are capable of continually performing at our peak and perform many mitzvot by being cheery. May we all merit to constantly be in high spirits and overcome our difficulties. May we merit to see the coming of the Mashiach speedily in our days, amen.

By Rabbi Tomer Zino