Search
Recommended Products
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Create More Happiness-Practise Extreme Self-Care
EXTREME is not a term usually connected to self-care. Self-care usually portrays a picture of gentleness, kindness, loving self or being nurturing. People don’t consider it necessary to take extreme action when it comes to self-care. Why? First...
Have you ever tasted the fruit of pure happiness?
Have you ever been really happy? Have you ever tasted the fruit of pure happiness? Have you ever completed a task with that feeling of YES! I gave it my all. I’m really happy and proud with what I’ve done. Have you ever had that inner glow and outer...
How To Find Joy And Happiness
I'm sure many times you have asked the question: “What is happiness really?” Before I attempt to elaborate on this issue further I will say this: I have a strong, intuitive feeling that when push comes to shove, joy and happiness are the purposes of...
May the Budgie of Happiness Sit on Your Head
My grandmother, Mimi, was a great solitaire player. My family legacy is mainly memories, so I especially cherish my few tangible mementos. Especially a photograph of Mimi, when she was in her mid-70’s, sitting at the kitchen table, solitaire...
When the Seas of Life Get Stormy, Surf the Waves to Fun & Happiness
When the sea of life gets stormy, how can you stay shipshape and ride the waves? You’re the CAPTAIN of your ship. Being empowered means having a deep sense of confidence that you can take charge of your ship and handle whatever comes up. Use your...
 
Google
The Shortest Way to Happiness

There is a story of a Zen master who would sneak up behind his students and then whack them on the head. When he was asked how he could be so cruel, he replied he was teaching his pupils the most important lesson on how to be happy. The Zen master explained that the key to happiness is being fully present - Now! - and had his students not been pre-occupied with fretting over the past and worrying about the future, they would have noticed him approaching.

So, why is being fully in the present moment the first and most important - and often also the most difficult - step to achieving happiness?

The answer is simple; when you are fully present, you can't be mulling over memories from way back when. You won't be holding grudges, mentally re-living fearful moments time and time again or blaming what so-and-so did or said to cause your lack of self-confidence.

If you're fully in the Now, you also can't be getting worked up about what to wear at the interview tomorrow or how to say what is on your mind at the meeting this afternoon. Yes, it's ok to consciously plan the future or to assess the past, as long as you are in control of your thinking processes.

Every time you think repetitive, uncreative thoughts, you are releasing chemicals into your system that make you feel bad. They stop and slow down the flow of natural life energy. They stoop your shoulders, drag your feet and wipe the smile off your face.

Each moment you waste by focusing on the negative things that happened


or the frightful things that may happen, is a moment less of happiness.

So, what to do?

I suggest that at the end of each day, you get yourself into a peaceful state of mind and think over any incidents that are bothering you. Figure out what you can learn from them, how you can grow - and then let go... especially when the behavior of others is what is really worrying you.

Most of the time, trying to change others is not only futile, but the greatest cause of frustration, anger and hate.

Equally, if you have something ahead of you that you are apprehensive about, take some time to sit down and think what you can do to be your very best. Do those things you can and then let go of the rest.

Once you've got the past and the future out of the way, take a moment to notice how light your present has become. Take a deep breath and look around you. Notice the colours, the sounds and aromas: enjoy the fact that you are alive and gaining more and more control of your life.

Someone once said that the past is another country. But the most beautiful country is the one you are living in right here, right now. Happiness is right in front of you, just waiting to be noticed.
About the Author

Annett Tate helps people find present moment awareness through her "Subtle Energy" seminars. Her website is a treasure trove of information on stress management, relaxation, meditation, self-hypnosis, and much more.
www.stress2bliss.com