Happiness – part two – how to find it

Abraham Maslow, in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, described the hierarchy of needs as the motivational force of the individual, with self-actualization as the highest. This highest need may hold the key to happiness. To be self-actualized simply means to grow whole, and to grow whole means to reach the pinnacle of completeness. Nothing more is needed, and therefore, one finds the contentment and satisfaction that leads to happiness. The self-actualized human moves with poise, tranquility, grace, and ease. In yoga, it means that happiness is created within and then evolves outward into our intellectual view of the world, and is then present in how we move through the world, be it graceful or awkward. Happiness manifests as “the sweet nectar” or the molecules within our brain’s chemistry called endorphins. These molecules of happiness may take us on a euphoric ride where we begin to experience bliss in the body, mind, and soul. With calmness, happiness becomes contagious. A happy soul brings joy, good cheer, and bliss to everyone and everything they encounter. Prosperity is drawn to happiness just like we are drawn to happy people. There is a fable about a musk deer that best describes our search for happiness. The fabled musk deer has a musk gland above its forehead that emits musk. The deer is intensely attracted to the scent of musk, so smells it, then runs here and there in search of it, not realizing the scent is on its own forehead. Happiness is like that. We run here and there in search of it, never realizing that happiness is within us and not somewhere out there. To find happiness, stop anguishing. It never solved anything. Anguish only brings pain, stress, and ill health. Approach the world with selfless motives. Know that you are the source (potential) of your own happiness. Remember: negative karma leads to the destruction of happiness and joy. To find happiness, change the way you look at things, and the way you see things will change. END Happiness is as basic a need as food and water. Ask anyone what they would want most in life, and most likely, right after good health, they will choose happiness. How can we be happy when we are sad, hurt, angry, and alone? All the seeds of life’s emotions and feelings are within us. What we feed these emotions and feelings is what will manifest. So, if we feed sorrow with sorrow, sorrow will manifest. But if we feed sorrow with happiness, before long, happiness will be your state of being. That is the whole point of happiness. It is within us, and we alone have the power to be happy, no matter what the circumstances. Happiness, then, is about self-realization: realizing you have the power to exercise self-control and direct your life. Happiness is found along the journey, not at a destination. It is here right now—just like the musk deer— it’s right in your head. Be mindful ~ Be happy! EGO: Flip your palm up and extend out the index finger – the ego. Money and material gain won’t buy happiness, although the ego likes to make us think otherwise. Those things of the world come and go. Happiness does not come without work. We must work diligently to free ourselves from the bonds of the ego, realizing that it is our inner being, not the ego's desires, that brings us true happiness. Jean Paul Sartre, the philosopher, said, “Happiness is not doing what you want, but wanting what you do.” Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top – take a breath and surrender to your soul Be the source of your own happiness, because it is truly a gift to be treasured. Be mindful of each step you take along the pathway of life, and each step will bring happiness. Live in the present, enjoy the moments, and Be Grateful Be grateful that you don’t already have everything you want in life; this allows room for more to come. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace, Doctor Lynn