Simple Ways to Have Happy Experiences
It's the dream of many to live happy and contented lives. The
truth is that life happens and with the good comes the not so
good. Some become skilled at getting into the zone and ride the
wave of life learning from each wave that washes over them.
Others live life with a 'que sera sera' (whatever will be, will
be) accepting kind of attitude. Then there are those who find
themselves in the dark place and need a little guidance to find
the light again.
Happiness is a 'now you feel it, now you don't' emotion. I know
this from personal experience and from hearing of the
experiences of others. Sometimes I'm very happy, other times,
sad, joyful, contented, frustrated, and sometimes very neutral.
Several years ago I had no reference point for the word happy. I
knew technically the meaning of the word, however the experience
eluded me. Joy I could do, happy for some reason, no.
One day during a workshop the word happy was demonstrated to me
with much laughter from the audience. Now I not only get 'happy'
but remember it also as a fun experience.
There are many small things that can make me happy as well as
give me endless joy. I've listed seven simple ways toward
experiencing a happy moment, but first check you have a
reference point to the word happy. Find out what happy really
means to you?
1. Remember or create a 'happy' moment. When you live the
experience of 'happy' your mind and body will remember. Feel the
happiness in all parts of you, expand this feeling if need be.
Practise this daily.
2. Access the Present moment. Notice what happens to you when
you're totally focussed on a comedy show on television, when you
listen to light hearted music or when you dance - even if it's
on your own. I sometimes groove to a tune in my office when
no-one's looking - it makes me feel good, cool, gives me a break
from what I'm doing and I laugh at myself!
3. Invite friends over for some play time. Organise paper,
crayons, paint, and coloured pencils, whatever you can think of
and do some drawings or paintings. You could also ask each
person to bring along a plate of food.
4. Spend time with nature, go for a walk down the beach or
park; observe wildlife in your area or visit a plant nursery.
Notice your mood when amongst the spirit of nature.
5. Take something with you that gives you great pleasure such as
a book, journal for writing or your MP3 player and sit and 'Be'
under the canopies of trees for a few hours.
6. Learn something totally new such as another language; pottery
or painting or start your meditation, personal or spiritual
development program. You're only ever limited by your own
imagination.
7. Join a club or group that you have an interest in. You can
then expand your friendship base with other like-minded souls.
With any of the above activities assess what and how you're
feeling as well as where you feel the emotion and how much are
you laughing, grinning, or smiling? Remember them totally by
living the experience and you will then be able to recall this
memory when you want to.
Include to memory your experience colours, smells, sounds and
tastes - all the better for remembering your happy time with.
Quiet time spent alone can open the door to the possibility of
connection to that most amazing and magical part of you that is
your true self, the spirit within.
>From my experience the key to a happy life begins with
remembering who you are, know what gives you enjoyment, be
present, and know that regardless of your circumstances no-one
can take away your thoughts or dreams, they are yours to keep
for as long as you wish.
Michaela Scherr -
Spiritual Growth