The Analysis of The Book "Happiness is All We Want!" by Ashutosh Mishra

This is a book review about the book ‘Happiness Is All We Want!’ . It is written by first time author Ashutosh Mishra. This book is about seeking happiness but rarely finding it because it is always changing. Everyone wants peace and joy which leads to a desirable well- being. As you progress through this book you will see happiness is an elusive state of mind with varying facets. Life is complex. It is a continuous journey, stops along the way and a destination.

If we are happy there is joy along life’s journey. Our state of mind dictates our happiness. The highest joy is relative to the state of our soul and our spiritual well-being. The need for spiritual growth or evolution has to be understood from the beginning; working on it in a sustainable way. In order to achieve a fulfilling life experience we must commit our body, mind and soul. If we keep these things balanced we can complete our journey. It cannot be done quickly. Mishra states, ‘We have to strive to achieve a spirited well-being while seeking material and tangible happiness’. If we are to have peace and happiness we must consider all aspects of health and well-being.

The first concentrate is the mind. If the mind is working properly life’s journey is on track. In the book the mind is compared to a monkey in Indian philosophy. The mind is also thought of as the Mana or the Chita in India’s ancient scripture. It is the think tank of our body. It is important to know how the mind works and how it controls our activities and choices. If your mind work in a positive manner then one is on the right track. One must modify their actions to fit the goals of the mind and life. Meditation is an important step. Meditation is simple and easy way to clear and calm the mind. It is sitting in isolation with our eyes closed; spending time with our inner self for about five to twenty minutes. This will help organize your thoughts. Meditation can calm an irritated mind, filling it with positive affirmations.

Make a list of things to focus on during meditation and update list as time goes on. This is key to mental clarity which leads to physical well-being. Physical well-being means that our body is in a naturally healthy working condition. It has the necessary nutrients and ingredients in the right proportions. Mental and physical well-being can benefit from yoga and its calming effects. Yoga or Nidra calms or relieves stress. While Vipassana yoga turns your attention and awareness inwards. Yoga is composed of eight limbs or pillars of Ashtanga yoga which is ancient yoga system. Asanas is physical yoga or exercise. Psana is life force that keeps us alive.

Breathing is basic input of life force in body. The body is compared to a donkey because it is severely over loaded with mental and physical burden. Body is compared to a race horse because its body is sleek and sturdy with diet and exercise which we could all benefit from. Summary: The author, Ashutsoh Mishra, concentrates on physical, mental and spiritual energies to describe a joyous countenance. The book ‘Happiness is All I Want’ is an easy reading format. The author took a positive stand on achieving a happy life. He gave information as well as examples called ‘Smart Well-being Capsule’ (SWC).

The SWC relate the information to the action you or others can take to head in a positive direction. Ashutosh Mishra is a first time author whom I feel did a good job in describing how to live a happy and sustainable life. Mishra states, ‘take care of self, no one else will’.Rating: ‘Happiness is All I Want!’ by Ashutosh Mishra, a first time author is rated 3 out of 4 stars. It is given 3 stars because the book was an easy read using generalizations that could appeal to anyone. The last two chapters on death, birth and rebirth was his personal view. The book became somewhat opinionated and confusing. The book appeals to anyone who is looking for self-help on achieving happiness through spiritual, mental and physical well-being.