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Happiness is about knowing how to live. Through this knowing comes happiness. All you need for a happy life may be a fulfilling relationship and a sense of purpose. Certainly your happiness does not come from external things, but from inside. Therefore there is no point in looking only to the outer world to achieve happiness, without checking in with your personal values and attitudes first. Surely happiness cannot be found by simply hoping for the best. While the material world can contribute to happiness, ultimately life is what you make it! In the deep awareness and practice of living as a soul that has taken on a body temporarily, rather than as a body that has forgotten itself as a soul, the thought emerges that happiness comes as the result of being dedicated to something greater than the physical self. Spiritually speaking, the situations that come our way in life are due to our past actions; therefore, they are often scripted differently than what we have anticipated or desired. This contributes greatly to the roots of human discontent. When situations unfold randomly or automatically, not complying with our wishes or desires, it can result in negative feelings and reactions. And yet, even in the midst of such adverse circumstances, one can adopt the creative awareness that I have a choice to create something beautiful, anyway. This help to strengthen the inner world of the mind and to engender contentment in life. Then it becomes possible to embrace the joy of growing in every moment. We have a choice to create happiness by achieving control over the contents of our own consciousness, not by being in control of situations or other people or allowing them to control us. In today’s world, wealth, status, and power have become important symbols of happiness. They can be genuine blessings, if they bring joy. It is important to understand how to consciously make efforts towards the attainment of these goals, while staying happy and content in the present moment. Materialistic success is one dimension of life; there are many others that bring joy and satisfaction. Awareness of other dimensions that bring happiness will free you from being addicted to the attention and approval of others that often comes with being successful on a materialistic level. In order to overcome the stress and demands of contemporary life, it is important to know and experience your original, innate virtue of happiness. To do this, start by defining what is important to you and what isn’t. By clarifying your values you will find enjoyment and purpose in the actions you choose, irrespective of their social relevance and regardless of external circumstances. Then you will feel rewarded by an internal sense of happiness and achievement. THOUGHTS TO LIVE BY: Simplicity is the cornerstone of happiness. The one who is simple sees through the complications of situations and people. She has the ability to pick out what is useful and worthy from the expansion of all that is available. A simple person’s words and actions are able to spread happiness to those around her. Affirmations: When my vision and attitude are guided by simplicity, I am happy. I am free from the complications of all that is happening around me. My mind is not caught up with unnecessary things; I am able to remain easy even in difficult situations. My attitude creates an atmosphere of happiness making it possible for others to experience happiness too. I love creating win-win situations. |
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