Happiness is often spoken of like a physical object we must find and snatch up. However, I find HAPPINESS is something we are more likely to cultivate within ourselves than stumble upon in our wanderings. As the Dalai Lama has said, HAPPINESS is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Researchers from the Psychology Today suggest,
# 1. GENEROSITY
Being generous means taking an ACTION toward another person that is attuned and sensitive to that person’s needs and wants. So pro-social behaviours such as honesty, benevolence, cooperation and trustworthiness are good assets to practise.
# 2. RESILIENCE
Resilience describes the ability to persevere when things become more difficult. Not feeling defeated involves recognising your personal power, while in and accepting reality as it is. Also being a resilient person sees their potential to change their situation, to evolve, adapt and accomplish their goals, dreams & visions.
# 3. ATTENTION
ATTENTION involves being Present and putting our focus where we want it. Mindfulness can be extremely useful in this process, as it helps us to develop our ability to focus attention and cultivate a sense of presence. Be present and giving ATTENTION we are fully experiencing our lives. This also benefits our stress levels, increased well being and our quality of life.
# 4. GOODNESS
When we believe in the basic goodness of our fellow human beings, and for that matter ourselves. Adopting this principle we feel less aggression and experience less violence. “Common humanity” as one of three key elements of Self compassion , ALL humans suffer. The definition of being “human” is that one is mortal, vulnerable and imperfect. So we are all having a human
experience!
# 5. DIFFERENTIATION
Tapping into our inner strength and live in our “adult mode” we must differentiate from negative past influences and programming the act that overlays on our behaviour. We must identify and separate from unhealthy adaptions we’ve made in the past. These include destructive attitudes and unfavourable ways of seeing ourselves and our abilities as well as ways of seeing others and their shortcomings. Most importantly is to develop our own value system and approach to life. Be your Authentic Self!
Adopting these 5 secrets to HAPPINESS can help us to live a more harmonious and rewarding existence.