As summer unfolds more fully each day, our thoughts often become more lighthearted and carefree – our hearts almost like the swelling buds on the trees, opening to the sun.
What if this happy state of mind could be cultivated intentionally, so that it exists on rainy days too? What if, no matter what the weather is, or what is in our bank account (or not), we can live in a state of joy?
Happiness is a state of being that can transcend all external events – it is possible to live this way all the time. There are really two different kinds: one is the happiness that occurs when a desire has been fulfilled, or when things are going our way. The other exists deep within us, all the time, and is not attached to anything at all. It requires nothing. However, to access it, there are some things we need to do.
Our minds are the source of unhappiness in our lives – and so we begin there.
1. Slow down and pay attention!
Your senses shower you with rich experience all day - did you notice the feeling of the fridge door handle when you opened it? Was it cool to the touch? Do you feel the sunlight on your face when you step outside? Did you fully taste every spoonful of breakfast?
It`s amazing to connect with your senses throughout the day. Your mind says “Yes, yes, been there done that, let`s get moving and get on to something more important!!”.
Funny thing, though – your mind has decided it knows all about the taste of an orange....but if you continue to fully experience your senses and ignore the urgency of your thoughts...you will see that every moment is new, and fresh, and wonderful! You really haven’t “been there and done that” because this moment – and all the richness within it - has never been before.
If you can slow down and notice what your senses are telling you, at least once in a while, you might be able to try something else:
2. Try becoming aware of the space around you.
Feel it – don’t think about it. The space around you, if you can feel it, feels alive - like a vibrant energy field. Practice becoming aware of this – and happiness will be yours. Yes, it is that easy.
3. Observe your thoughts.
Watch what they do, how they love to dash about in circles (like Thing One and Thing Two in Dr. Seuss)....and don’t believe a single thing they say! Just watch them play and enjoy the show.
If we let our minds race along as they wish, pulling us behind, we can never be happy. We cannot truly perceive the incredible beauty around us. We cannot truly see, or hear, or feel – while the mind is in the driver`s seat. But if you can disconnect from it a little bit – by sensing things around you as fully as possible, and watching your thoughts play their silly games – you have created space for the natural joy that lives within you to make itself known.
Sign up to receive my happiness newsletter and receive a FreeHappinessGuide here:http://www.janetdesautels.com/
What if this happy state of mind could be cultivated intentionally, so that it exists on rainy days too? What if, no matter what the weather is, or what is in our bank account (or not), we can live in a state of joy?
Happiness is a state of being that can transcend all external events – it is possible to live this way all the time. There are really two different kinds: one is the happiness that occurs when a desire has been fulfilled, or when things are going our way. The other exists deep within us, all the time, and is not attached to anything at all. It requires nothing. However, to access it, there are some things we need to do.
Our minds are the source of unhappiness in our lives – and so we begin there.
1. Slow down and pay attention!
Your senses shower you with rich experience all day - did you notice the feeling of the fridge door handle when you opened it? Was it cool to the touch? Do you feel the sunlight on your face when you step outside? Did you fully taste every spoonful of breakfast?
It`s amazing to connect with your senses throughout the day. Your mind says “Yes, yes, been there done that, let`s get moving and get on to something more important!!”.
Funny thing, though – your mind has decided it knows all about the taste of an orange....but if you continue to fully experience your senses and ignore the urgency of your thoughts...you will see that every moment is new, and fresh, and wonderful! You really haven’t “been there and done that” because this moment – and all the richness within it - has never been before.
If you can slow down and notice what your senses are telling you, at least once in a while, you might be able to try something else:
2. Try becoming aware of the space around you.
Feel it – don’t think about it. The space around you, if you can feel it, feels alive - like a vibrant energy field. Practice becoming aware of this – and happiness will be yours. Yes, it is that easy.
3. Observe your thoughts.
Watch what they do, how they love to dash about in circles (like Thing One and Thing Two in Dr. Seuss)....and don’t believe a single thing they say! Just watch them play and enjoy the show.
If we let our minds race along as they wish, pulling us behind, we can never be happy. We cannot truly perceive the incredible beauty around us. We cannot truly see, or hear, or feel – while the mind is in the driver`s seat. But if you can disconnect from it a little bit – by sensing things around you as fully as possible, and watching your thoughts play their silly games – you have created space for the natural joy that lives within you to make itself known.
Sign up to receive my happiness newsletter and receive a FreeHappinessGuide here:http://www.janetdesautels.com/
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