Being happy is is a conscious endeavor. We can choose happiness by design. Many people believe happiness is a right, or that it is something that happens by chance or good fortune. The dictionary says: happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being which can be defined by, among others, positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Happy mental states may reflect judgements by a person about their overall well-being.
Actually, happiness is an active verb. HAPPENESS is making happiness happen.
To maintain a consistent state of happiness takes effort and practice. It is much like the saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder... Happiness is achieved by those who choose to be happy. Yes, life can derail happiness and hardships can present challenges to happy living. Yet, even those who struggle can choose how to view their struggles and find positive living even in difficult times.
OUR THOUGHTS DIRECT OUR EMOTIONS (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/debbie-hampton/how-your-thoughts-change-your-brain-cells-and-genes_b_9516176.html) How do we achieve a consistent state of happiness...
**What you feed, grows.
**When you Change the way you look at things, the things you look at Change.
DAILY PRACTICE: The power of 5: HAPPENESS (making happiness happen)
This 5 minute daily exercise can be done almost anywhere, anytime. It's a self check in system, but you can also do it with a partner.
Ready to get started?
You will answer these questions out loud if possible, or silently if necessary.
If it's possible, turn on some soothing music quietly in the background. Research shows that our bodies and minds respond positively to beautiful music and beautiful settings--such as the beach or a park--and peaceful surroundings. Our cortisol levels actually decrease when we put ourselves in these places (http://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/music-and-the-brain-affects-mood/)
It's also helpful to do these steps outside with your feet rooted on the ground--but of course, this is optional. It is said that putting your feet directly on the earth--in dirt, on sand, etc., helps us get grounded and creates negative ions in the body--which help us to feel good, sleep well and other benefits (https://healthywildandfree.com/the-effects-of-walking-barefoot-5-minutes-daily-are-astonishing/) ***************************************************************** 1.**Start with 5 deep cleansing breaths--slow and deliberate. Breathe in through the nose and out the mouth. Let go of negativity and allow yourself this positive time. B
2. **Say 5 POSITIVE things about yourself. Y
3. **What 5 POSITIVE things did you do or will you do TODAY? This can be as big as buying a house or as small as going for a walk--if it's positive, then it counts. T
4. **What 5 POSITIVE things will you do in the future? F
5. **What 5 things make you happy or laugh? H
To conclude, say 5 statements of gratitude--things you're grateful for. Give yourself credit for taking the time to do these positive affirmations. Make a commitment to do the Power of 5: HAPPENESS on a daily basis--or as often as possible.
Take a deep cleansing breath to take it all in. ***************************************************************** Here's how to remember when you are out and about:
Breathe Your Thoughts For Happiness (BYTFH) Breathe: 5 cleansing breaths Your: 5 things about yourself Things: 5 positive things today Future: 5 positive things in future Happy: 5 things make you happy/laugh ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you find The power of 5: HAPPENESS useful, please consider making a contribution to I've shared this process with many people who have successfully enjoyed its benefits. I hope it works for you too. Please let me know [email protected].
ABOUT ME: I have an MA in Addiction Disorders, BA in Social Work, Credentialed as a Lifestyle Coach and Certified Recovery Support Specialist. I have attended numerous self-help workshops, including Insight Transformational seminars. Featured as a keynote speaker at numerous conferences.
