Happiness – where to find it.

Of all of life’s emotional gifts, happiness might just be the most treasured gift of all. Happiness means being content with what you have while having the confidence that you have the potential, the power, and the courage to reach out and be so much more. Everyone wants to be happy, and yet happiness often eludes most of us. So, if we all want happiness, why are we unhappy? Most likely because we feel we got less than we expected. With expectations comes disappointment, and that leads to unhappiness. What is happiness? True happiness is simply pure joyful energy that harmoniously flows through space and time. Think of a place and a time when you were happy. How did it make you feel? That is the energy flow of the treasure of happiness. Once you discover that you are the source of your own happiness, instead of your expectations, happiness will be with you forever. The thing to remember about happiness is that life is ever-changing. Nothing is permanent except that which you cultivate within. In the Hindu practice, Lord Shiva is the King of the Dance of Life. Shiva is portrayed as the force of destructive energy that lays the foundation for creation. Shiva dances on the cosmic wheel of life, surrounded by a ring of fire that symbolizes the eternal cycles of birth, life, and death. The name Shiva means liberation, or the freedom to dance and express oneself. He cannot stop time from passing or things from changing, but he can find happiness and bliss amid life's chaos. To find happiness, keep dancing! END: Happiness requires discipline and self-control. Even the moments of unhappiness that we wish never transpired can bring us happiness. No one wants to go through a divorce, ill health, a strained relationship, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or any other disappointment in life. But when we see these things as simply a part of the big picture of life, we intuitively know it is best to let go and let be. Observe life. Be content with what comes into and goes out of your life, and you will find true happiness. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index fingers – the symbol of the ego. Next time you feel happy, stop and observe the feeling. Capture it and become aware of how easily you can apply it to your life. Remember this: in life, it is better to be happy than righteous. Righteous people only see the hard and fast fist of the ego. They hold onto desires, expectations, and notions of possessing when in fact we own nothing, not even our bodies. The body is only on loan for this short walk on Earth called life. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top – take a breath and surrender to the soul. Be grateful and good to yourself, and you will be happy. Understanding this, you will find contentment. Then, when you ask yourself, “Who am I?” the answer will be, “I am happy.” Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn