HAPPINESS

Finding Happiness: What Does Happiness Mean to You?

If you're like most people, you believe that happiness involves:

• Being excited and passionate about life

• Having stable circumstances

• Being materially rich

• Having close, quality relationships

Many people equate excitement with happiness. However, when you're excited, you're not peaceful. True happiness stems from peace, which arises from accepting our true selves. Yet, in Western society, we often strive to change ourselves to please others.

This futile pursuit undermines our inner peace and happiness. To be beautiful means to be yourself; seeking acceptance from others is unnecessary. When you embrace your true nature, you find true happiness and power. Thus, the question becomes: How can we learn to accept ourselves?

Mindfulness offers the key. By being deeply present in the moment, we deepen our understanding and cultivate acceptance, joy, peace, and love. Life teems with miracles - a glass of water, a ray of sunshine, laughter - readily visible to those living in awareness. Each human embodies a multitude of miracles.

Living in the present doesn't preclude reflecting on the past or planning for the future responsibly. However, dwelling excessively on past regrets or future worries detracts from the present moment. Happiness lies in embracing the present.

While this concept may seem intuitive, many struggle (particularly in Western culture) to train their minds to live in the present. Most lack control over their minds' tendency to wander.

The solution? Meditation.

The simplest and most effective technique is mindful breathing. It requires no special setting or equipment and can be practiced anywhere, even for just 15 seconds.

Simply allow yourself to breathe without effort or intervention. Be aware of the breath as it naturally occurs, recognizing its presence and characteristics. This awareness brings you fully into the present moment, where true meditation unfolds.

In essence, meditation is being fully present with yourself and your breath. A profound miracle in its own right.