The Art of Living --------- A Ten Part Series by a Modern Day Yogi --------- Part 9: Happiness

The Art of Living – Part 9: Happiness

The art of living is also the art of happiness. Consider that everything you do is tied to how you feel. You are motivated toward a particular goal or act based upon the emotion you feel in the moment. If you are in a good mood you are more likely to seek out something that will reinforce that feeling, something equal or more positive. And the reverse is true too. What is really at the root of a positive attitude? We have seen so many examples of people who seem positive most of the time. They seem to not be bothered by stress or anxiety. And if something unpleasant happens to them they don’t become sad, angry or bitter they seem to shake it off, and keep going no matter what forces may be trying to stand in their way. These are the people that we admire for the way they respond positively to life’s ups and downs. Take a quick moment to think of someone you know who has a very positive attitude when you see or talk with them. And in the course of a conversation with someone like this, they tend to share with you their positive energy. In other words you pick up on their vibe. But do you want to be uplifted by this exchange of positive energy? Are you ready to receive such a jolt of positive vibration being directed toward you. Well there are many ways to respond. But if your heart open it is likely that you will welcome an encounter with someone who exudes such an uplifting life force.

Where does the positive energy come from that radiates from their being? There are many books written about this topic. But I believe it is one of the qualities of our innate humanity. Happiness is the cousin of joy. Happiness is a baseline emotion that is a part of what makes us whole. It is a tremendously helpful and healing emotion. Think about the times when you are happy. When I feel happy, it is such a natural high. I feel connected with all that is good in the world. I know this may sound unreal, but it took many years and much practice to discover this truth. Again, think about someone who seems happy most of the time. And ask yourself, “What is their secret”? They may have the same challenges as most of us. But something allows them to not let life’s challenges bring them down.

There are many mind, body, spirit practices such as yoga that can help one begin the journey of self- discovery. Along this road you can find out what it takes for you to be more positive in your life regardless of the circumstances. This is not to say that just doing yoga will suddenly make you exude happiness all the time. What a practice such as yoga has done for many people is to help with the self-discovery process and from there you decide. Happiness becomes a conscious choice. So, the art of living a life from a place of happiness with a positive attitude is really about the power to choose.  Discover what makes you happy, such that you cause no harm to others, and share your positive attitude with the people in your life.  And in so doing, you may help someone who is ready to open the door to their own storehouse of happiness. This in turn can help make our world a more positive place for us all. Give it a try.

Namaste,

Dee Williams

www.kanjinyoga.com