A couple years back I was on a company trip to Mexico. I was on a private beach by myself. No co-workers around. Just me, a cerveza and my Kindle. I had absolutely nothing planned, but there were plenty of options between events at the resort, excursions or going into town. This is one day that I should feel at peace and happy. I was free to relax, read and even get food delivered to me. But no matter how hard I tried, I could not relax. The more aware I was of my inexplicable dis-ease the more upset I became. I was mad at myself for my apparent inability to be happy in paradise.
I LOVE being at beaches. There may be kids running around, and guys hawking various junk, but there is always a deep undercurrent of peace. (Here's a video I took in Monterosso, Italy.)
We were so exhausted from traveling that we ended up staying on the beach for 5 hours. You're welcome for the guy in European swimsuit.) I may have been physically free at the beach, but my mind was in shackles. I can't recall that there was anything specific troubling me. I think it was the fact that I couldn't get out of "work mode" and I always feel like I need to be productive or doing something useful. I wish I could have reassured myself that relaxing, and being present IS important. I was free to do exactly what I wanted that day and my mind wouldn't let me enjoy it. The next time I visit a beach and my mind starts acting up, I will reassure it that my relaxation is very important business and to leave me to it.
A person could be happy while locked up in prison or miserable at a beautiful beach. True freedom comes from within and not from external circumstances. If you're only free on the external level, you may or may not be happy. But if you have a clear mind (or true freedom), peace and happiness will come as a natural result.
