The Shortest Way to Happiness
There is a story of a Zen master who would sneak up behind his
students and then whack them on the head. When he was asked how
he could be so cruel, he replied he was teaching his pupils the
most important lesson on how to be happy. The Zen master
explained that the key to happiness is being fully present -
Now! - and had his students not been pre-occupied with fretting
over the past and worrying about the future, they would have
noticed him approaching.
So, why is being fully in the present moment the first and most
important - and often also the most difficult - step to
achieving happiness?
The answer is simple; when you are fully present, you can't be
mulling over memories from way back when. You won't be holding
grudges, mentally re-living fearful moments time and time again
or blaming what so-and-so did or said to cause your lack of
self-confidence.
If you're fully in the Now, you also can't be getting worked up
about what to wear at the interview tomorrow or how to say what
is on your mind at the meeting this afternoon. Yes, it's ok to
consciously plan the future or to assess the past, as long as
you are in control of your thinking processes.
Every time you think repetitive, uncreative thoughts, you are
releasing chemicals into your system that make you feel bad.
They stop and slow down the flow of natural life energy. They
stoop your shoulders, drag your feet and wipe the smile off your
face.
Each moment you waste by focusing on the negative things that
happened or the frightful things that may happen, is a moment
less of happiness.
So, what to do?
I suggest that at the end of each day, you get yourself into a
peaceful state of mind and think over any incidents that are
bothering you. Figure out what you can learn from them, how you
can grow - and then let go... especially when the behavior of
others is what is really worrying you.
Most of the time, trying to change others is not only futile,
but the greatest cause of frustration, anger and hate.
Equally, if you have something ahead of you that you are
apprehensive about, take some time to sit down and think what
you can do to be your very best. Do those things you can and
then let go of the rest.
Once you've got the past and the future out of the way, take a
moment to notice how light your present has become. Take a deep
breath and look around you. Notice the colours, the sounds and
aromas: enjoy the fact that you are alive and gaining more and
more control of your life.
Someone once said that the past is another country. But the most
beautiful country is the one you are living in right here, right
now. Happiness is right in front of you, just waiting to be
noticed.