3 steps to Happiness
I mentioned in the last article from the blog an essential assumption that we must consider when we talk about positive emotions, joy, happiness…
Getting rid of what we do not want in our life does not automatically bring what we want in our life. The absence of a negative state of mind does NOT automatically bring a positive state of mind.
Just because you are cleaning up your past or present does not mean that positive emotions, joy, happiness automatically replace the gap.
It is the same situation as we go to the gym to play sports. Happiness must be searched, identified, and cultivated through continuous effort.
We often see Happiness as something abstract, mythical, a wonderful projection, but probably impossible to achieve. That is right? Nothing could be further from the truth.
Happiness is a skill that can be learned. How? Where?
Before I answer, I want to add something important:
Positive emotions have an impact that goes far beyond the smile on your face. Feeling good helps us to perform better at work and study; stimulates our physical health; strengthens our relationships; and it inspires us to be creative, to take risks and to look to the future with optimism and hope. Feeling good is contagious. Seeing smiles makes us want to smile. Hearing laughters makes us want to laugh. And when we share our good feelings with others, they appreciate and enjoy our company.
There are 3 major areas of our lives where we find happiness
1. Stay in the Present and be absorbed in it. It’s difficult, I know, but remember, it’s all about effort!
If we look back and see us in pain and full of regrets, we will become depressed. If we see us in the future worried about danger and risk, we become anxious and pessimistic. So it is incredibly important to acknowledge the positive emotions we feel so that we can enjoy the present without worries or regrets.
Try to imagine this: you are lying in bed. It is difficult to get up, and your legs are heavy. You feel tired. You go to bed, full of thoughts, but you don't get anywhere.
Then imagine yourself running. No doubts, only focus. You fly through space: one foot goes in front of the other, again and again. You are completely absorbed in the present moment.
Or maybe you feel like playing music, painting, dancing, or cooking. If you have a job that you love, you probably feel that way at work.
Connection with the present is what the violinist feels when he becomes one with the music he plays.
This is what a teacher feels when he is fully connected to his/her classroom.
These are actually magical moments where time doesn’t exist.
2. Relationships
We need connection, love, physical and emotional contact with others. We improve our own happiness by building relationships around us, with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and all the other people in our lives.
Shared happiness is square happiness. When we share our joy with those we love, we feel even more joy. And when we love, we become more loving.
We depend on the people around us to help us maintain our balance in our lives. When we are alone, we lose sight of the world. But when we let other people into our lives, we remember to give, but also to receive. When we belong to a community, we have a support around us.
VERY IMPORTANT:
Not all relationships bring happiness. it is very important to recognize the difference between a healthy and a harmful relationship. Some relationships are dangerous because they are one-sided or co-dependent. Other relationships are harmful because those who are involved do not take time for each other or seem unable to communicate.
In general, the key to all relationships is balance!
3. Finding the MEANING
We are at the highest vibration when we dedicate our time to something greater than ourselves. This could be religious faith, family, a political cause, charity, a professional or a creative purpose.
What do you value most in this world? It could be family, or personal development, or your faith. You may feel strong in helping disadvantaged children or protecting the environment.
Once you've identified what matters most to you, find people with the same idea and start working together on the things you love.
You can find meaning in both your professional and personal life. If you identify a mission in what you do, you will more easily discover your talents and strengths in the service of this mission.
In conclusion, be absorbed in the present, relationships and meaning and you will surely find happiness!
We need to make sure that there is always room in our lives for these things. The more we begin to experience them, the more we will learn to feel them stronger.
