Happiness is
Author: Maharishi Ayurveda Date Posted:11 September 2017
Happiness is
"Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves" (Helen Keller, 1880-1968).
Perhaps it is one of the great paradoxes of life that we all want to be happy, yet so few of us seem to know exactly where happiness comes from. Happiness itself can be defined in many different ways, it may have different components, it may be a life’s work, or very little work at all, but most of us are in pursuit of this elusive goal.
What does happiness feel like?
Happiness is defined in different ways and will mean different things to different people. However, some universal characteristics of happiness may include: feeling optimistic, enjoying the present moment, or looking forward to the future.
What about unhappiness?
If you are unhappy, you may feel pessimistic about the future, find it difficult to ‘lose yourself’ in the moment, and experience a sense of bitterness or resentment towards other people or the world generally.
Remember, just like happiness, unhappiness is a very personal experience and differs from person to person. It is important to note that we often project unhappiness as caused by some external factor such as not getting a promotion we were hoping for, or being let down by a friend.
Real happiness, however, is an internal state that is independent of what is or isn’t happening outside ourselves.Of course, external events will have an impact on us to some extent, but it is important to remind ourselves that true happiness comes from within.
Tips for optimising happiness
Researchers are investigating ways to increase our happiness. A number of strategies have been identified, including those listed below which have considerable research evidence to back them up.
- Visualising your best possible self
Carrying out this exercise typically involves imagining your life in the future - a future where everything that could go well, has gone well. You have reached the realistic goals that you have set for yourself. To help cement your visualisation, commit your best possible self to paper. This exercise draws on the proven benefits of expressive writing and probably helps to- foster optimism
- create a sense of efficacy, meaning and purpose
- set written goals
- plan the means to achieving them.
- Helping others
Research suggests there is a good selfish reason to help others - it really does seem to make us happier.
- Practicing gratitude
Research shows that sitting down on a daily or weekly basis to write about the things you are grateful for increases happiness levels.
From the Ayurvedic perspective happiness is a natural outcome when the body and mind is well balanced. Unhappiness indicates imbalances have arisen and are blocking the natural tendency to be happy and joyful. To help restore balance
- Adopt a regular daily routine of sleeping and eating to soothe your body and mind.
- Start the morning with inner stillness and calm to help centre you for the day with regular practise of Transcendental Meditation. NZ | AUS
- Have an oil massage using Vata or Pitta Massage oil prior the morning shower or bath.
- Eat when hungry and aim to be hungry for breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.
- Favour the foods that best balance your current needs. Complete the Test your Health Free Questionnaire to see which foods are best for you at the moment.
- Adopt moderation in all areas of your life.
- Take 1-2 tablets of Blissful Joy after breakfast and evening meals. Also take 2 tablets of Premium Amla Berry and 1 tablet of Rejuvenation Plus prior meals three times a day to support mental and physical energy.
- Be sure to have a 30 minute walk first thing in the morning to help energise and start the day feeling great.
- Drink sips of Tranquilitea every 30 minutes through the day.
Wishing you the bliss of balance!
Linda Sinden and the Get Balance Team
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Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our weekly Insights. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity. Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz Skype: Linda.Sinden |
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