Being Alert and Aware: The Essence Of Happiness What is the essence of happiness and why are so many people hopelessly unhappy? My first thought is the growing threats of the pandemic and other social concerns, which seem to hamper our ability to find joy. Others fixate on growing health concerns, financial struggles, and the inability to find a significant other during this pandemic. That can certainly bring your mood down, but can it really impact your ability to find joy?  WHAT IS HAPPINESS? Defining happiness; The ability to find joy in what you do regardless of what it is.  Some might wonder how can you find joy in a world full of hate, despair, financial hardship, health concerns, and constant social media bombardment of superficial smiles? Simply be aware of it . Awareness brings a sense of joy and a calming presence in your life when you stop and smell the roses. When you venture off from your path to look at a beautiful painting or spend a quiet afternoon on a walk in your nei