We seem to determine our happiness by comparing our lives to our peers. These comparisons lead to competition. Competition can lead to jealousy, anger, conflict, and division. It seems like human nature and it’s causing our communities to unravel. It all starts with the problem that we determine our happiness by comparing our lives to our peers.

Vipassana taught me very clearly that happiness starts from within, and that people need to work through their own struggles before they can discover this internal happiness. It became clear that everyone has peace and love at the foundation of their being. While Goenka Vipassana may not be the best mechanism for everyone to access this internal love, just the fact that love exists within everyone is enough to cut the link from competition to conflict.

If we devote our lives to material and social gains, there will always be conflict. In this world where religion is fading, how do we spread the word that there’s a higher calling? Am I talking about spiritual growth? What is spiritual growth without religion? Who will lead us back to believing that unconditional love and community are just as important at personal achievements?

There is a lot of anger, sadness, and fear in today’s world. People realize that outcompeting their peers isn’t making them happy. I think people want to find a better way but are uncomfortable challenging the norms. People like to fit in, so sometimes it’s better to fit in and be miserable than to be alone seeking happiness. We need to find a way to seek happiness together.