Kategori: Sufi (page 1 of 3)

Nisan 11, 2025

Spiritual Detox: Cleanse Your Heart with the Arrival of Spring

Hakan Mengüç, April 2025

In recent weeks, I’ve been traveling across many cities in Europe for seminars and book signings.

And in every city I visited, I could hear the footsteps of spring…

The budding trees whispering in quiet alleys,

the gentle sunlight touching faces with kindness,

and that lightness quietly resting in people’s eyes…

It was as if everything around me was speaking.

I believe that every season has its own language,

and every scene invites us to listen inward.

If we know how to see, life always carries a message for us.

So, what is spring telling us?

What do flowers say as they bloom?

What do the trees teach us as they let go of their dry branches?

Spring is not only the awakening of nature—

it is the awakening of the soul.

Just as the earth sheds its old skin,

we are called to release what we carry within.

Every new leaf is like a quiet intention

breaking free from the past.

And every spring,

we are gently reminded to let go of what no longer serves us.

Sometimes, we carry burdens for years without noticing:

A word we couldn’t forgive,

a disappointment buried deep inside,

a regret we pretend to forget but still echoes in the silence of the night…

Spring leans in and softly whispers:

“Let it go now. It’s time to renew.”

Just as we clean our homes in spring,

we must also cleanse our hearts.

As the Sufi sages say:

“The heart is a mirror; but once it’s covered with dust, it cannot reflect.”

So how do we cleanse ourselves?

It all begins with an intention.

A simple but profound one:

“With this spring, I choose to purify my heart,

to let go of what weighs me down,

and make space for something new to bloom.”

Sometimes it’s like a prayer.

A whisper carried on a walk,

a sentence written in silence,

or a moment of simply listening within…

True cleansing starts not on the outside,

but deep within.

And each step taken from the heart opens a new path.

Every spring, I do a small ritual.

I take a piece of paper and write down what feels heavy inside—

a feeling I haven’t released,

a person I haven’t yet forgiven,

or words I’ve never spoken out loud.

And then I gently release that paper into flowing water.

Softly, I say to myself:

“I release you with love. I no longer choose you—I choose peace.”

Maybe not everything changes in that moment.

But a lightness begins to rise inside.

And that lightness becomes a new breath for the soul.

Don’t forget, my dear friend,

Life becomes clearer not from the outside,

but from within.

And sometimes you find your answer

in the blooming of a flower,

in the cool air of morning,

or in the quiet peace that comes after a single tear.

So this spring—

don’t just open your windows…

open your heart, too.

And now… leave a gentle intention in your heart.

This is my intention…

With this spring,

I choose to lovingly release the burdens of my past,

to cleanse the old wounds that left marks on my heart,

to awaken the joy that has been quietly sleeping inside,

and to approach myself with more softness, more compassion.

I choose to welcome each new beginning with hope,

to patiently nurture the change blooming within me,

and to embrace the spring blossoming in my soul with love.

Because I know—

true spring does not begin outside…

it begins within.

Nisan 8, 2025

Walking with Lions: Lessons in Love, Care, and Courage from Africa

Lion Care: A Journey Beyond Fear

🦁 Lions… The majestic kings of the wild, symbols of strength and grace. For many, approaching these magnificent creatures is only a dream. But sometimes, life opens a door for those who dare to step in. I was lucky enough to walk through that door in South Africa.

🌍 During my training at the Limpopo Predators Park & Animal Rehabilitation Center, I not only observed lions but helped raise their cubs. It was a soulful experience—one that taught me more about love, responsibility, and surrender than any book ever could.

Protecting Cubs from Male Lions

In nature, male lions often harm cubs that aren’t their own. That’s why, in wildlife centers, cubs are separated from their mothers within the first few days. Yes, it sounds harsh—but in the wild, survival sometimes means making difficult choices.

Once separated, the cubs are bottle-fed with a special milk formula every four hours—200 ml each time.

Feeding Lion Cubs

The milk used is called “Lion Milk Replacer.” We add 600 ml of this powder into a blender, add water, and mix it until smooth. Then it’s poured into bottles and gently warmed in hot water before feeding.

aslan_maması — **The lion milk powder we used in Africa**

aslan_mamasi_yapimi — **The blender we used in Africa**

🍼 I remember waking up at 2 AM to feed the cubs. It was exhausting, especially when feeding the white lions. They were picky eaters and often refused the bottle. But in every struggle, I saw an invitation: to meet myself deeper.

Disinfecting the Bottles

Since the cubs are so young, hygiene is critical. Before feeding, we disinfect our hands in water mixed with a capful of bleach. After feeding, the bottles are washed and placed in a tub with Milton tablets to kill bacteria.

Biberonların olduğu kovanın içine koyulan tablet ilaç — **The tablet medicine placed into the tub containing the bottles**

🧴 Life, like bottles, needs regular cleansing. Sometimes it’s not what we carry that’s heavy—it’s what we never clean out. Let go, refresh, begin again.

Helping Cubs with Toileting & Sleep

After every feeding, we help the cubs urinate and defecate by gently rubbing their genital area with a warm wipe. If not, they may soil their bedding. All their waste is monitored on a checklist to ensure health. Any signs of blood are taken seriously and require immediate vet attention.

At night, they sleep in a shelter that is warm yet well-ventilated. Safety, rest, and peace—that’s all they need. That’s all any of us need, truly.

Final Thoughts

The time I spent with these lion cubs was one of the most heart-opening experiences of my life. I realized that caring for a lion is not about taming its wild nature—it’s about taming the fear inside us.

I wrote this article to share that story, hoping it helps someone connect more deeply with life, nature, and themselves. In a world that teaches us to roar, don’t forget to purr too.

💛 With love, stay close to your heart and wildness.

“You were born not to cage your inner lion, but to walk beside it in peace.” – Hakan Mengüç

This article was originally published on February 24, 2014.

Ocak 3, 2025

You don’t need to be loved to feel valuable

Hello, my fellow traveler 🌙

You don’t need to be loved to feel valuable.

Your worth cannot be measured by how much others love you.

You are unique and precious just as you are.

Sometimes, you simply need to pause and recognize the light within yourself.

Remember how valuable you are without needing anyone else’s approval, just by being yourself.

Because you are whole and enough just the way you are.

Today, show yourself a little love and compassion, because you are the one who deserves it the most. 🌟

And never forget, when you start loving yourself and let go of the thought “I must be loved,” those who truly love you will find their way into your life.

Hakan | 3 January 2025

Aralık 20, 2024

The Sufi path is the path of the heart

The heart cannot see the truth until it opens to love.

Last week was Mevlana Week, and on December 17, people from all around the world flocked to Turkey, particularly to Konya. Among them were not only Muslims but also Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and even those who identified as atheists. How is it, then, that Mevlana continues to attract so many people centuries after his passing? How is it that people of such diverse beliefs find peace in the same place?

This is the power of Sufism, which embodies the essence of Anatolian wisdom. Sufis have always spoken to the heart. They transformed their words into poetry, their emotions into music and dance. People listened to them not with their ears but with the ears of their soul; they watched not with their eyes but with the eyes of their heart. This was not merely a doctrine but a state of being, a journey.

In a talk I gave in Germany during Mevlana Week, I shared the profound messages of Sufi philosophy that inspire people. I’d like to share some of those insights with you.

The heart is an ocean; the tongue is its shore. What is in the ocean washes up on the shore.

Mevlana’s influence lies not only in his words but in the love behind those words. He taught us to see people not for their outward appearances but for their souls. His message is universal: “Come, come, whoever you are, come!”

The Sufi path is not one of knowing but of feeling. It requires leaving behind the mind’s chaos and descending into the depths of the heart.

As Mevlana said: “The heart is an ocean; the tongue is its shore. What is in the ocean washes up on the shore.”

This journey is less about reading and more about experiencing. Sufism is not just a teaching; it’s a state of being, a way of life. The heart is the door to the deepest truths of humanity. Open that door, and you will find the truth there. For the Sufi, the path is the path of the heart; the truth is not external but internal.

Love is the essence of Sufism. It is not merely a feeling for another person but the ability to see the Creator in every breath, in every being. Love is a state of forgiveness and acceptance. Sufism teaches us to embrace ourselves, others, and ultimately, all existence. A journey without love is not a journey. If your heart is closed, you cannot reach the truth. But if you take love as your guide, the paths will open naturally. Just as a river finds its way past the stones, love overcomes all obstacles and leads you to the truth.

Who am I?

A Sufi asks, “Who am I?” but not with their mind; they ask with their heart. The mind is occupied with the burdens of the past and worries of the future; it seeks logic, demands evidence, and draws boundaries. But the heart speaks from another dimension, whispering with a silent yet profound wisdom. That whisper can be heard not only in moments of peace but also amidst chaos—sometimes in the stillness of a breath, in a child’s laughter, or in the touch of a raindrop on the earth. And the Sufi knows that the answer always lies in love.

Love here is not just an emotion; it is a way of being. Love is like a bridge where one redefines themselves and the universe. Those who cross that bridge see how the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. Just as a stone, with patience, effort, and love, becomes a gem, the heart can also become purified, clear, and a reflection of truth. But this can only happen when the heart is open to love.

Opening the heart to love takes courage. Love requires not only the willingness to embrace joy but also the risk of being hurt. Love demands tearing down the walls of the heart, letting go of fears, and stepping into uncertainty with trust. A Sufi keeps their heart open in this way, knowing that love is not just about receiving but also about giving. Love is not about possession; it is about letting go.

This is why the heart is like a garden. If you plant it with love and nurture it patiently, it will bloom with the most beautiful flowers. But remember, it is also your responsibility to weed out the garden. Emotions like fear, anger, and jealousy are the weeds. A Sufi clears these weeds from their heart, knowing that the light of truth can only shine in a clean heart.

And love is both the beginning and the end of this journey. Love transforms you. It brings you back to yourself and then takes you beyond yourself. Love is not just a personal experience; it is a universal connection. It elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary, unites the individual with the universal. When your heart is purified by love, Sufi wisdom says you are no longer just a human being; you become a messenger of love.

Let us end with one of Mevlana’s sayings:

“The heart cannot see the truth until it opens to love.”

Aralık 5, 2024

as you start to walk on the way the way appears

As you start to walk on the way the way appears

Once, a young man, feeling lost in life, wandered aimlessly through a forest. His mind was clouded with uncertainty and fear, tangled in the complexities of his thoughts. He didn’t know which direction to take or how to move forward. At the peak of his despair, he spotted a horse approaching from the distance. The rider was a dervish, carrying an aura of calm and wisdom, as if the burdens of the world were effortlessly lighter in his presence.

The young man hurried to the dervish, saying with urgency:

“Master, I don’t know what to do with my life. Which path should I take? How many steps do I need to make? What if I choose the wrong one?”

The dervish paused, gazing at him with a serene, knowing look. He stopped his horse and spoke gently:

“My child, life is not a map to be deciphered all at once. If you try to solve everything at once, your mind will fall into confusion, and your courage will falter. Life unfolds as you walk. You only need to see the next step. When you dare to move, the path will reveal itself to you.”

The young man, still bewildered, asked, “But how do I even begin?”

The dervish pointed to the ground before him and said:

“Beginning is simply seeing the step that lies directly before you. Focus on the next step alone. When you take it, the next one will appear. The path is made by those who walk it. With every step you take, you build your own way.”

Hearing these words, the young man released the weight of his overwhelming thoughts. He took his first step, then another. With each step, the path became clearer. When he eventually emerged from the forest, he looked back and realized the complexity of the journey he had traversed. But in that moment, he understood that the essence of the journey was not in its length or challenges but in the courage to take the first step.

The Wisdom of Life: The Path is for Those Who Walk

The dervish’s advice reflects one of the profound principles of Sufi wisdom: The path of life reveals itself only to those who dare to walk it.

There are moments in life when we all feel lost, unsure of which direction to take. Our minds become entangled in trying to control the future, which only magnifies our fears. The Sufi way teaches us to focus on just one step at a time, for life is not about seeing the entire picture at once but about discovering its beauty piece by piece with every step forward.

1. The Key to Achieving Goals: Small Steps

Big goals often appear intimidating. Whether it’s starting a new career, improving a relationship, or seeking personal transformation, the sheer magnitude of these dreams can leave you paralyzed. But as the dervish taught, break them into smaller, manageable pieces:

• If you’re aiming for your dream job: What’s your first step? Preparing a resume? Enrolling in a course?

• If you want a healthier life: Start with a short walk or a single healthy meal today.

Each small step brings you closer to your ultimate goal. Remember, even the longest journeys are completed one step at a time.

2. Action Dissolves Uncertainty

Inaction only magnifies the chaos within. The young man in the story realized that the path became visible only after he took the first step. Similarly, in life, clarity comes when we move. Even mistakes are valuable guides on the journey.

Sufi wisdom reminds us: “Do not fear mistakes, for even they are lessons from the Divine.”

3. Stay in the Moment: The Key to Wisdom

The dervish’s advice, “See only the next step,” emphasizes the power of living in the present. Life is not shaped by dwelling on past regrets or worrying about future uncertainties. It is built by what we do in the here and now.

• If you have decisions to make today, focus only on what today requires. The present moment is all you can truly control.

4. Trust: The Path Will Show Itself

Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life. But instead of succumbing to it, choose to trust. The path opens itself to those who believe and move forward. As the dervish said, “The path appears as you walk.”

This trust is the key to action. If you want life to unfold its mysteries to you, take that step into the unknown with courage. The Divine’s grace is always with those who dare to move.

Final Words: Take the First Step, and the Path Will Reveal Itself

This story reminds us of a simple truth: In life, we cannot discover all the answers at once. But as we take that first step, the path begins to unveil itself. Achieving great goals starts with the bravery of a single, small action.

Never forget, the secret of the journey lies in the courage to embark on it. If you wish to change your life, take the first step and let the rest unfold naturally. The path is for those who walk, and only by walking will you find your way. 🌿

Kasım 30, 2024

Today is December 1st

Today is December 1st… the first day of the final month of the year. As another journey nears its end, it’s time to listen to the quiet truths whispered by our soul. Every season carries a story, and every moment holds a lesson.

What has this year taught you? Which challenges came wrapped with hidden gifts? And which moments allowed you to feel the love in your heart more deeply?

Remember, the past asks to be remembered with gratitude, not regret. The future awaits to be met with surrender, not fear. Life unfolds its beauty when you choose to flow in harmony with it.

Today, open a door within your heart and set this intention:
“Dear life, guide me to your truth.”

Everything happens when you are ready. Let this month mark the beginning of that surrender and your inner journey.

With love and light,
Hakan

Kasım 29, 2024

5 Qualities of Peaceful Souls: A Sufi Journey

5 Qualities of Peaceful Souls: A Sufi Journey

Peace… It is like the gentle touch of wind carrying a leaf, a tender hand guiding the soul from one place to another. Hard to define but unmistakable when felt. Peace resides in the silent stillness of a Sufi, the soulful melody of a reed flute, or the whirling dance of a dervish. It is not something external; it is an eternal treasure buried deep within. Finding it is as simple as remembering. How do peaceful people discover this serenity? Here are 5 qualities imbued with Sufi wisdom:

1. The Art of Acceptance: Flowing with Life

Peaceful souls understand that life flows like a river, and resisting the current only leads to exhaustion. For a Sufi, life is a mirror of the Divine; the flowing water cleanses the heart. They see every challenge and event as a teacher in disguise.

To accept is to trust that “everything happens at its rightful time.” This surrender is not passive but a profound trust in the divine order. As Rumi said, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”

Today, give yourself permission to flow with life’s current. Let go of control, because peace is found in the flow.

2. Being at Peace with Oneself: Inner Friendship

A Sufi turns inward first, knowing that peace begins by quieting external noise and befriending the self. Peaceful people make peace with their imperfections. They approach themselves with compassion rather than judgment, knowing that every human is a reflection of the Creator.

Sufism teaches, “Know yourself, and you will know your Lord.” Befriending yourself is not only the key to inner peace but also the door to a spiritual journey. Today, turn inward—not to judge, but to understand, love, and accept.

Perhaps remind yourself: “I am not incomplete; I am whole. I am enough, just as I am, in this vast universe.”

3. Choosing Simplicity: Letting Go of Excess

A Sufi knows that walking with unnecessary burdens only wearies the soul. Peace comes from letting go of excess. To simplify life is like a dervish walking with just a cloak and a staff. Too many possessions, complicated thoughts, or needless distractions weigh us down.

Choosing simplicity invites the Divine name Al-Basīt (The Expander) into our lives. Simplicity clears the heart and mind, allowing the light of peace to shine through. Sufis say, “Less is more.” For in the clarity of less, peace becomes visible.

Today, try releasing one unnecessary burden—perhaps an object, a thought, or an obligation. As you lighten your load, you’ll notice peace drawing nearer.

4. Connecting with Nature: Witnessing Creation

Nature is the Sufi’s most profound source of inspiration. Peaceful souls don’t just observe nature; they merge with it. The rustle of leaves, the murmur of a stream, the sparkle of a star—each is a word from the Creator.

Sufis say, “The universe is an open book of God.” Peaceful people take the time to read every page of this divine manuscript. Being in nature attunes us to the sacred harmony of existence and opens the door to tranquility.

Today, lean against a tree, breathe in the scent of the earth, or feel the wind on your face. Nature is a divine melody that nourishes the soul.

5. The Power of Forgiveness: Purifying the Heart

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Sufi practice. Resentment clouds the heart, while forgiveness frees it. Peaceful people let go of grudges and experience the lightness that follows. Sufis understand that anger poisons only the one who carries it.

As Rumi said, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” Forgiveness brightens the light within. Today, set the intention to release a burden darkening your heart.

Is there someone who has hurt you? Send them a prayer, wish them well, and let go of the weight. Forgiveness is not just a gift to others—it is a gift to yourself.

The Journey to Peace: Inner Silence

Peace does not come from acquiring more. It lies in the stillness of the heart and the trust in the Creator. Peaceful souls have stopped searching outwardly and instead found serenity within.

Today, take a deep breath. Quiet the noise of the outer world and turn inward. Peace has always been there, waiting to meet you again.

Haziran 19, 2024

Who is Hakan Menguc?

🇬🇧 English

Hakan Mengüç is an internationally renowned author whose books have been translated into 13 different languages. His works have remained on bestseller lists in many countries for months. Mengüç is not only known for his writing but also has a large following for his Sufi music. Masterfully playing the mystical Sufi flute Ney, Mengüç also excels on the piano, touching the souls of music lovers with his numerous compositions. His art is a magical fusion of words and melodies, resonating universally.

🇨🇳 Chinese

Hakan Mengüç 是一位国际知名的作家，他的书籍已被翻译成13种不同的语言。他的作品在许多国家的畅销书排行榜上停留了数月之久。Mengüç不仅以写作著称，还因其苏菲音乐而拥有大量粉丝。精通神秘的苏菲长笛Ney的演奏，Mengüç在钢琴上的造诣也令人瞩目，他的众多作品触动了音乐爱好者的心灵。他的艺术是文字与旋律的魔幻结合，在全球范围内产生共鸣。

🇪🇸 Spanish

Hakan Mengüç es un autor de renombre internacional cuyos libros han sido traducidos a 13 idiomas diferentes. Sus obras han permanecido en las listas de bestsellers de muchos países durante meses. Mengüç no solo es conocido por su escritura, sino que también tiene una gran cantidad de seguidores por su música sufí. Tocando magistralmente la flauta sufí mística Ney, Mengüç también sobresale en el piano, tocando las almas de los amantes de la música con sus numerosas composiciones. Su arte es una fusión mágica de palabras y melodías, resonando universalmente.

🇮🇳 Hindi

हाकन मेंगूच एक अंतरराष्ट्रीय ख्याति प्राप्त लेखक हैं जिनकी पुस्तकों का 13 विभिन्न भाषाओं में अनुवाद किया गया है। उनकी रचनाएँ कई देशों में महीनों तक बेस्टसेलर सूची में बनी रहती हैं। मेंगूच न केवल अपनी लेखनी के लिए जाने जाते हैं बल्कि सूफी संगीत के लिए भी उनकी बड़ी प्रशंसक संख्या है। रहस्यमय सूफी बांसुरी ने को कुशलता से बजाने वाले मेंगूच, पियानो में भी उत्कृष्ट हैं और अपनी अनेक रचनाओं से संगीत प्रेमियों की आत्मा को छूते हैं। उनका कला शब्दों और धुनों का जादुई संगम है, जो सार्वभौमिक रूप से गूंजता है।

🇫🇷 French

Hakan Mengüç est un auteur de renommée internationale dont les livres ont été traduits en 13 langues différentes. Ses œuvres sont restées pendant des mois dans les listes des best-sellers de nombreux pays. Mengüç est non seulement connu pour son écriture, mais aussi pour sa grande base de fans de musique soufie. Jouant magistralement la flûte soufie mystique Ney, Mengüç excelle également au piano, touchant les âmes des amateurs de musique avec ses nombreuses compositions. Son art est une fusion magique de mots et de mélodies, résonnant universellement.

🇦🇪 Arabic

حكان منغوتش هو مؤلف ذو شهرة عالمية تُرجمت كتبه إلى 13 لغة مختلفة. ظلت أعماله على قوائم الكتب الأكثر مبيعًا في العديد من البلدان لعدة أشهر. منغوتش معروف ليس فقط بكتاباته بل لديه أيضًا قاعدة جماهيرية كبيرة لموسيقاه الصوفية. يعزف ببراعة على الناي الصوفي الغامض، كما يتميز في العزف على البيانو، ويلامس قلوب عشاق الموسيقى بتأليفاته العديدة. فنه هو مزيج سحري من الكلمات والألحان، ويبعث صدى عالميًا.

🇷🇺 Russian

Хакан Менгюч — всемирно известный автор, книги которого переведены на 13 разных языков. Его работы на протяжении нескольких месяцев оставались в списках бестселлеров во многих странах. Менгюч известен не только своими произведениями, но и большим количеством поклонников его суфийской музыки. Мастерски играя на мистической суфийской флейте Ней, Менгюч также виртуозно играет на пианино и трогает души любителей музыки своими многочисленными композициями. Его искусство — это волшебное сочетание слов и мелодий, находящее отклик по всему миру.

🇮🇹 Italian

Hakan Mengüç è un autore di fama internazionale i cui libri sono stati tradotti in 13 lingue diverse. Le sue opere sono rimaste per mesi nelle liste dei bestseller di molti paesi. Mengüç è conosciuto non solo per i suoi scritti, ma anche per la sua vasta base di fan della musica sufi. Suonando magistralmente il mistico flauto sufi Ney, Mengüç eccelle anche al pianoforte, toccando l’anima degli amanti della musica con le sue numerose composizioni. La sua arte è una fusione magica di parole e melodie che risuona universalmente.

Il famoso tenore italiano Andrea Bocelli e Hakan Mengüç

Haziran 12, 2024

Renowned Author and Neyzen Hakan Mengüç Gives Private Sufi Flute Ney Lesson to World-Famous Tenor Andrea Bocelli

Meeting in the Backstage

Before his concert at Beşiktaş Stadium, world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli had a unique encounter with renowned author and neyzen Hakan Mengüç. The meeting took place in Bocelli’s dressing room, where Mengüç introduced the artist to the Sufi philosophy and presented him with a ney, a traditional Turkish flute.

Bocelli’s First Attempt at Playing the Ney

Fascinated by the instrument, Bocelli attempted to play the ney for the first time. His genuine interest in the ney was evident as he tried to produce its distinctive sound. Mengüç then played the ney, and Bocelli was deeply moved by the mystical tones.

An Inspirational Encounter

Impressed by the music, Bocelli expressed his desire to learn the ney. This special interaction between the two artists was a heartfelt and inspirational moment, beautifully captured before Bocelli’s much-anticipated concert.

Andrea Bocelli’s wife Veronica Berti | Hakan Mengüç

WHO İS HAKAN MENGUC?

Hakan Mengüç is a renowned author, composer, and academician who is well-known by a wide audience both in Turkey and around the world. He has published 9 books, which have been translated into 13 different languages in a short amount of time.

The author has successfully adapted his teachings, based on the fundamentals of Sufi philosophy, to the modern age. In addition, he is both an academician and the president of the Sufi Academy, which was established under the auspices of the Girne American University.

Alongside his notable work as an author, Hakan Mengüç is also prominent for his music and composition skills. He is a renowned ney virtuoso and pianist.

Nisan 8, 2024

Why Were People Happıer ın the Past?

Imagine embarking on a journey back in time, finding yourself 200 years ago. As a monarch, you possess all the wealth and power imaginable, yet you lack many of the conveniences a modern-day individual takes for granted. Your riches and royal title could not, in those times, grant you the convenience of traveling by bus or the comfort of flying in an airplane. Today, thanks to modern advancements, the concepts of time and space are redefined at an astonishing pace. Traveling from one city to another, or to a different country, can now be accomplished in just a few hours.

For instance, a journey from Istanbul to New York, which is merely an 11-hour flight today, would have been an arduous, time-consuming process 200 years ago in the 1800s. This journey would involve traveling by horse-drawn carriages to Western Europe, then crossing the Atlantic Ocean by sailing ship, and finally traversing the American continent westward on horseback or by wagon. This trip could take months or even more than a year, depending on conditions.

200 years ago, there were no such things as electricity, refrigerators, many medicines, cars, or airplanes. So, despite all these absences, why did people feel happier?

According to reports by the World Health Organization, the number of people experiencing depression is increasing day by day, reaching significant levels compared to the previous century. However, some experts suggest that part of this increase may be due to previously inadequate diagnostic practices.

Yet, when we look back at the environment of our childhood, we might realize that people were not as happy as they used to be. It’s insufficient to attribute this merely to nostalgia. From my own experiences, I remember; many days of the week, either our neighbors would visit us, or we would visit them. Social connections provided opportunities for sharing burdens, helping each other, and standing together during tough times.

I conducted a brief research on why people might have been happier in the past and identified several factors. Let’s explore these factors together and draw personal lessons:

A) Expectations and Comparison

Social media and other communication channels allow people to constantly observe others’ lives and make comparisons with their own. This habit of constant comparison can increase feelings of personal dissatisfaction and lead people to view their own lives in a negative light. In the past, people’s comparisons were limited to their communities or immediate surroundings, keeping expectations realistic and attainable.

Reasons why comparisons can be harmful include:

Unrealistic Expectations: Content shared on social media often reflects people’s best moments, achievements, or idealized lifestyles, leading to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when confronted with our own realities.
Emotional Burden: Constantly comparing ourselves to others can trigger negative emotional states like jealousy, feelings of inadequacy, and lower self-esteem.
Diminished Capacity to Live in the Moment: Being in the habit of continually evaluating our lives against others’ can prevent us from enjoying the present and celebrating our own achievements and happiness.
Obstacle to Personal Growth: Comparisons can distract from focusing on our values, goals, and interests, negatively affecting personal development and self-actualization.

B) Simplicity and Complexity

In the past, people engaged in clear and tangible tasks for daily survival; activities like farming, day-to-day chores, and securing shelter formed the basis of their struggle for existence. Such tasks provided clear goals and immediate satisfaction upon achievement, establishing a direct relationship between efforts and tangible outcomes, fostering a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

Conversely, the complexity of modern life has changed how individuals navigate their existence. Advances in technology, globalization, and increased societal expectations have made daily life more complex. Continuously changing goals in work and personal life can make it challenging for individuals to determine what is truly important. In the modern world, the outcomes of our efforts and achievements are often long-term and fraught with uncertainties, creating an environment where instant gratification is diminished, and the concrete metrics of success are blurred.

This complexity can increase individuals’ unhappiness by:

Difficulty in Making Decisions: Life’s complexities necessitate constant decision-making, leading to stress, indecision, and regret.
Deferred Gratification: Achieving goals in the modern world often takes time and patience, reducing motivation and satisfaction.
Uncertainty of Values: In contemporary society, what is valued is constantly changing, causing difficulties in focusing and leading to dissatisfaction and anxiety when contemplating life’s meaning and purpose.

C) Social Bonds and Loneliness

In ancient societies, people tended to live within tight-knit communities that offered mutual support, security, and a sense of belonging, strengthening bonds among individuals. These communities provided economic, emotional, and social support, uniting during hard times and sharing joys. This was a natural part of individuals’ social networks and interactions, significantly reducing feelings of loneliness.

In modern society, however, individualism and the tendency to live alone have become more prevalent, especially due to urbanization, changes in family structure, and technological advancements. Social media and digital communication tools, while replacing face-to-face interactions, can weaken real social bonds and create a misleading sense of connection. Consequently, the number of deep and meaningful relationships decreases, and feelings of social isolation and loneliness increase.

D) Physical Activity

In the past, daily life required physical activity. Basic survival activities like agriculture, hunting, and gathering kept people constantly moving. Such levels of physical activity improved heart health, flexibility, and overall physical endurance, while reducing stress and providing psychological benefits like better sleep quality.

However, today’s lifestyle is more sedentary. Many people spend long hours sitting for work or education, which can lead to physical health issues. Additionally, the lack of physical activity can lead to mood fluctuations, increased risk of anxiety and depression, and negatively affect mental health, depriving individuals of the positive effects on stress management and emotional resilience.

In these contexts, the reduction of social bonds and physical activity are among the challenges brought by modern life, significantly affecting individuals’ happiness and overall well-being. To combat these issues, spending more time in the community, strengthening social relationships, and incorporating regular physical activity into one’s lifestyle are crucial.