Tobi Okusanya (Certified Spiritual Coach) The pursuit of happiness is a quest most of us engage in throughout our lifetime. The irony is that living a happy and peaceful life has less to do with striving and reaching and more to do with being and allowing. Happiness, truly is a state of mind and so is our inner peace and balance.
Having struggled for years with childhood depression and anxiety, there are two main things I have come to implement in my life daily. I now know that life is only as difficult as we make it and happiness is an inside job.
Here are some of the tips below:
Tip: Accept the day for what it brings.
Today was a weird one for me. Felt a mild angst all day. I had so many things I had planned to accomplish but minor delays and technical issues made it impossible. I felt my body telling me to be still, having had only six hours of sleep the previous night. Half of the night was spent listening to podcasts, waiting for the sheep herd to lull me off to la- la- land.
I take a break and I am reminded of the wisdom literature of the Ecclesiastes. I accept that perhaps, the body knows today is not a day of doing but of being. Tomorrow may bring another preference, as each day accomplishes that which is required to.
The pursuit of happiness is a quest most of us engage in throughout our lifetime. The irony is that living a happy and peaceful life has less to do with striving and reaching and more to do with being and allowing. Happiness, truly is a state of mind and so is our inner peace and balance.
Having struggled for years with childhood depression and anxiety, there are two main things I have come to implement in my life daily. I now know that life is only as difficult as we make it and happiness is an inside job.
Here are some of the tips below:
Ease
Ever heard the saying, life is what happens when we are busy making plans? Happiness is found in the little every day moments when we are present enough to notice the extra tightness of a hug, the beauty and meaning in a painting, the warmth and kindness of a stranger, the laughter of a child etc. These little things make up a happy life.
When we live our lives in ease devoid of a constant end goal, we are able to enjoy the simple pleasures in each day. Rushing and panicking takes a back seat and we get to see and enjoy what is around us.
Famous writer, Helen Keller once said that the most beautiful things in life cannot be seen or heard but must be felt with our heart. In order to do this, we must develop our awareness and the ability to live with ease.
Live life on your own terms
Former actress and model, Reshma Lezinska attributes the secret to her happiness to contentment and living a life that is true to her.
It is important to do what feels right and in alignment with our truth. Check your inner thermostat often and ask yourself what feels joyous for the day. Ask yourself, what is the one thing I need to make this day more fulfilling and delicious? Then do that.
Happiness is not a destination nor is it something to look forward to and be achieved when life becomes perfect void of worries and stress. Happiness can be achieved in the present moment. It just requires a shift in perspective and our ability to be present and find the beauty in the moment.
Yesterday, I decided to eat my apple in the garden. I sat there for five minutes, enjoying the beautiful summer sun on my face. That moment made my day magical. I was thoroughly present and immersed in the moment. This gave me the energy and zest to complete the rest of my tasks for the day.
What are you willing to do today to make your day more beautiful and your heart more peaceful? Take a few minutes to think about it and do it. Embrace and savour the experience. Then, repeat again tomorrow and every day after.