I remember one specific trip to India when I was supposed to perform in a small village near Coorg, which is in the forest area of Karnataka. On the way we stopped from time to time to spend a few minutes amid nature, just to walk around and enjoy the silence that we seldom get in the city. We came across tribes and villagers. I have always been amazed by the calm and happiness they radiate. In some small villages where we stopped, people not only came to look at us visitors, but also invited us to their homes. They made us comfortable, and offered us whatever they had to drink and eat. I hesitated to accept anything, because I was worried of consuming their ration of the day. But they insisted that I accept it, so I did. Seeing their joy and the glow in their eyes, I realized that whatever they have, they like to share. To share is happiness.
Growing up in a consumer society, we always search for happiness in materialism. Even though I've always been aware that materialism doesn't make us happy, this trip through the forest gently reminded me again. Don't search for happiness in things outside, because nothing will give us happiness. It is already within. Share it.