Happiness

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.”
~Carlos Castaneda~
Happiness is a choice. So is misery. Each of us is responsible for our own joy; therefore, change begins with consciously changing our thoughts – choosing happiness again and again until it becomes our natural response to daily events. All transformation comes from within.
Life will provide ample opportunities to practice acceptance, forgiveness and compassion. The process of growth is both deeply personal and collective. Your unique journey is one of learning mastery and those who grace your life play the roles required for your awakening.
When you choose thoughts that create empowerment and peacefulness, nothing has the power to take your happiness away. Even in the midst of tremendous challenge, there will be a groundedness of spirit that is unshakable.
In the present moment, can you choose to surrender to what is? That is the foundation of genuine happiness. Make this a daily practice of walking meditation as you go deeper into your own expression of joy. Open yourself to the experience of life without judging or trying to control. This is the art of contentment.

Contentment

There is an ebb and flow to life. We experience challenges more gracefully when we stay authentic and adhere to our own principles and integrity. Each journey is unique and though support and guidance are available, we must ultimately take complete responsibility for our choices, our happiness and our own awakening.

When you live gently, the world sees a calm, confident soul filled with integrity and humility. This empowered energy cannot be affected by outside factors and reflects a peaceful, loving connection with the Divine.

Release your egoic need to be more of anything in the eyes of others. This causes anxiety and precious energy is wasted striving to present yourself in a particular manner rather than allowing your unique light to shine.

Allow, allow, allow. Spend the day listening. As the observer, demonstrate your interest in others by supporting their growth.  As you change the way you view your own power and success, you’ll begin to replace strong desire with contentment. Life becomes much more simple when we are joyful, balanced and at ease with ourselves. Love yourself enough to enjoy who you are. You are right where you need to be – an awakening master on the path of transformation.

Turning Inward

“No matter how you may be feeling, simply sit down, experience the texture of what is happening in your body and mind – and then just let it be.”     
~Ezra Bayda~   

Once you develop conscious awareness of the ego, it is easier to observe its antics. Like watching ripples on a pond or a tangle of traffic, it becomes almost amusing to witness as it tries various ways of pulling you into the games of the mind.

Contentment is possible in the present moment – indeed that’s the only place where it can ever be found. Stop where you are, close your eyes, breathe and be present. Allow the fullness of life to be experienced as you turn inward.

Many people run from one thing to the next – physically, verbally, mentally – and it can be exhausting, not only for them but for those around them. But once the peace of stillness is discovered, we can immerse ourselves totally in the moment and bring Presence in to whatever we choose to do.

Develop the art of stillness and then purposely infuse that high-vibration energy into every interaction. Observe the antics of the mind, smile and know that you are a source of peace.

Contentment

“I don’t mind what happens. That is the essence of inner freedom.
It is a timeless spiritual truth: release attachment to outcomes,
deep inside yourself, you’ll feel good no matter what.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~
When you choose to approach the Now with a sense of peacefulness and an inner knowledge that nothing is lacking, you will experience the freedom to be found in the pleasures of existence. Honor this moment as sacred, set expansive energy in motion and life will hold you in its embrace.
Gratitude and appreciation take you more deeply into the present moment. Let contentment and stillness free you from the distractions of the mind. The journey inward is limitless. Close your eyes and listen. Be. Accept the love and energy that rains down upon you from all dimensions. The seeds of your awakening are nurtured by purposeful quiet interludes. In the space of infinite possibility we discover our unique way of being in the world.
Enlightenment can come in many forms. Use whatever life offers as your doorway to greater insight and awareness. Health, relationships, work, the messages of nature – all offer pointers that play a significant role in your awakening. Presence is the gift of contentment.

Fulfillment

“I think instead [of happiness] we should be working for contentment… an inner sense of fulfillment that’s relatively independent of external circumstances.”
~Andrew Weil~
You are a miracle and there is no one in the world quite like you. Your insights and unique way of looking at life are an integral part of the whole of existence. Simply by being yourself, you bring light to our collective experience.
Part of the human condition is to forget our brilliance. Doubt and self-criticism blind us to the beauty of creation that lives through us. Seek to turn your attention inward. Find the space between breaths, between thoughts and enter the gap of infinite possibility.
Fulfillment is nothing more (and nothing less) than being at ease where you are. Take a moment tonight to go outside and gaze at the full moon, appreciate the starlight and feel the love that rains down upon you from all dimensions. Everything seeks to support your awakening.
You have an opportunity to share your love, your light and your laughter. See your life as a communion with the Divine. Bring gentleness and humility to your life experience and you will feel at home wherever you are.