There
are two types of people in the world. Those who chose to be happy and those who
chose to be unhappy. What is happy? The Merriam Webster dictionary defines it
as feeling pleasure and enjoyment because of your life, situation, etc. We know
happiness doesn't come from fame, fortune, or material possessions. Happiness
comes from within. The richest person in the world could be miserable and right
outside his door a poor, homeless person could be happy with their life. Happy
people are happy because they make themselves happy. They have a positive
outlook on life and are at peace with themselves. What is it that makes a
person happy? It’s simple, ask any
happy person and they’ll tell you. Here
are eight things I’ve learned from
happy people:
1.
Don't hold grudges - Happy people
understand it’s better to forgive
and forget than to let negative feelings interfere with their positive
feelings. Holding a grudge can cause depression, anxiety and stress. If you let
it go you’ll have a clear
conscience and more energy to enjoy whats good in your life
2.
Treat everyone with kindness - Its been
scientifically proven that being kind makes you happier. Every time you perform
a selfless act your brain produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and
lifts your spirits. Treating people with love, dignity and respect also helps
you to build stronger, long lasting relationships. Happy people make time for
family and friends.
3.
See problems as challenges - Happy people
don't use the word “problem” the brain
interprets the word problem as a negative situation. A challenge is viewed as
something positive, an opportunity, something to overcome. When facing an
obstacle in life look at it as a challenge. Life isn't always fair. Focus on
what you can control and change it for the better.
4.
Be grateful for what you have - Happy people don’t worry about what
they don’t have. You’ll feel better if
you “count your
blessings” instead of yearning
for what you don't have.
5.
Live in the present - Happy people
don't waste time dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. Stop and
smell the roses enjoy what’s
happening right now. Notice the little things. Life is too short to worry about
what no longer matters. Try meditating, you don't need to be a Zen master to do
it. Sit quietly for a few minutes breath deeply and slowly, it quiets the mind
and helps to calm the nerves.
6.
Wake up at the same time every morning - Waking up at the
same time every morning stabilizes your circadian rhythm (body clock), increases
productivity, and helps maintain a calm and centered state.
7.
Eat well - Junk food makes
you tired. Everything you eat affects your body’s ability to produce hormones, which
affects your mood, energy, and focus. Eat foods that keep your body and mind in
good shape. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
8.
Exercise - Studies have
shown that exercise boosts happiness levels as much as antidepressants do.
Exercise can increase your self-esteem and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Many
spiritual practices follow these same principals. You can find similar
prescriptions for happiness in The Bible, Patanjali’s Sutras, the works
of Buddha and the vast amount of books
available on spiritualism. All of them have one thing is common. If you
live your life with Acceptance, Forgiveness and Gratitude you
will be on the road to happiness, and who doesn't want to be happy? So Accept who you are, Forgive
yourself and others for past mistakes, and Be Grateful for
everything you have right now. The world is a beautiful place if you stop and
appreciate it. Use all of your senses. Listen, look, taste, smell, and feel it.
Your life is now, enjoy it and be happy.
May
you be happy
May
you be healthy
May
all creatures on this earth large and small be free from suffering, Namaste
Ony
Antonucci, Yoga Instructor
E-200 hr RYT, Kripalu 500-hr RYT (518) 832-8249
For
more information about Onyyoga and class schedules: www.onyyoga.com or Facebook onyyoga
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