Experience Life - Be Happy.

To truly experience life itself, one must be, happy. A feeling of gratification and satisfaction vis-à-vis one’s own life. In the Torah - Bible we see repeated numerous times the instruction to be happy. Not only in the positive, but as well in the negative, when the Bible speaks of the punishments that will be brought upon the people, it says, “Because you did not serve G-d in joy and with a full heart.”

From this we see, the source for much negativity in life is a lack of joy and happiness, and the performance of good is greatly enhanced when connected with joy.

The Talmud shares a story. Once, Reb Beroka met Elijah the Prophet in the market place and asked him, “Who over here will merit the world to come.” Elijah the prophet pointed to two simple people. Reb Beroka approached them and asked, “What do you do?” And they answered. “We make people happy. When we notice people are sad and down we lift their spirits.”

The commentary to the Talmud explains. It is written, “You are children to G-d your G-d” and “When they are in pain, He (G-d) is in pain.” These two people lightened as it were, G-ds pain, therefore they merited such a great reward.

Maimonides writes, “Joy, is a valuable and virtuous effort and worship before G-d.” Joy is not only important generally; it comes only through a conscientious focused effort. Our sages have told us in many places that happy people are healthier people. King Solomon in the book of Proverbs says, “A happy heart improves and uplifts one’s health.” In other places our sages write, “Someone who is happy will not get sick as often.”

In the book of the Holy Tanya, Rabbi Shnuer Zalman of Liadi writes. “When two people fight each other, even if one is inherently stronger, he will not prevail if he is sad. The same is regarding ones internal struggles. One must be happy, in order to overcome ones inner drives and negative emotions.”

In Hebrew the word happy – besimcha, when rearranged are the letters of, “thought”. A very important principle in mysticism is that our thoughts influence the way we feel which controls the way we act. Being rich is not a number value. Our sages tell us, “Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot.” Attitude, is the key to being rich and feeling content. Looking at all that G-d has blessed us with, especially when compared to others who have it way worse, is one way of developing a grateful and content attitude.

Helping and giving others is another way to draw out from within a feeling of fullness concerning one’s own life. G-d says, “if you make my four happy (the Levite, convert, orphan and widow) I will make your four (your sons daughters and all that’s yours) happy. Giving and extending one’s self for others, brings the best out of a person. It makes one feel content and happy, because they truly are worthwhile and valuable to the world.

Another way to cultivate happiness is by being with others. One of the punishments in the Bible was to be sent away from everyone because, “Being alone is like being dead.” When a person is “mixed between people.” This allows the individual to be supported by others and to share his worries with friends. “A worry in the heart (is greatly helped) by sharing it with others”

Prayer, is a very powerful tool. Through prayer, a person connects with an all-powerful force and uplifts the soul to be refreshed, empowered, and see things from a better perspective. It is for good reason King David says “You, have gladdened my heart.”