How can someone define happiness?

Happiness is free and yet priceless.

This morning, I woke up with a genuine smile on my face while a warm happy feeling was flowing through my body.

In the newsroom, you might have already found multiple articles dealing with difficult topics whilst others define HSP and empaths, but one fundamental subject was really missing till today: Happiness!

What would the newsroom of Sweetharmony Happiness Coaching be without a piece about Happiness?

Let’s delve into the topic.

Happiness seems to be a goal in life for some. Others who have experienced it, might have lost the feeling underway. Furthermore, there are those who are unable to grasp its perception.

Its true meaning according to dictionaries is the feeling of joy or contentment, linked to good fortune and bliss in life.

The true foundation is actually our state of mind. Everything we feel, starts with a thought, triggering feelings and in the end, determining our emotional attitude.

Most people who experience happiness mostly pursue their goals, but also embrace the following habits. Leading examples such as the Dalai Lama, Eckchart Tolle,… or holistic philosophies like Reiki provide guidelines to improve our lifestyle. Not just emphasizing on external attainments, but also on inner transformation. They are not just abstract concepts but practical habits we can incorporate into our daily lives, leading to a more fulfilling existence.

Cultivate empathy

Compassion or empathy is more than just sympathy; it comprises a real wish to alleviate the pain of others while also considering one’s own well-being.

Caring allows us to shed our own anxieties and fears, shifting our emphasis from ourselves to others. This transformation can lead to a great sense of happiness and joy.

The next time you find yourself in a situation where you may help or comfort someone, remember the Dalai Lama’s words: “If you want others to be happy, practise compassion.” If you truly want to be happy, be compassionate.”

Practice mindfulness

In all books and articles about happiness, authors emphasise the value of mindfulness.

Practicing the capacity to be totally present and engaged in the moment. It’s about not allowing your mind to stray to past regrets or future fears, but rather simply being in the ‘now’, as Echart Tolle teaches us. The Dalai Lama also emphasizes that mindfulness may increase our happiness in daily life.

We all have moments when we are so absorbed that we forget to appreciate the beauty of a simple sunset. Mindfulness doesn’t mean you ignore your past or stop planning for the future. It simply means you don’t allow these things to rob you of the joy of the present moment.

Now, I do make every effort to be present in the moment, whether it’s during a discussion or simply enjoying a cup of tea. In the end, it’s a habit that can lead to a more positive attitude.

In one of our next articles, we will explore the concept of “mindfulness” more in depth. Look forward to it.

Embrace interdependence

The Dalai Lama often speaks about the understanding that everything in our world is interconnected and interdependent.

For example, a simple cup of coffee that we enjoy in the morning is the result of numerous factors working together – the farmers, the sunshine and rainfall nurturing the coffee plants and the barista brewing it to perfection, and so on.

This realization helps us to accept how our actions impact the world around us.

In a society that constantly tells us we’re not enough –not good enough, not beautiful enough or not ‘whatever’ enough – acceptance is truly an act of rebellion. The idea might be difficult to accept, but nobody is perfect. We all had and always will have our flaws, insecurities, and fears. And that’s okay. It’s part of being human.

It also fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages us to act in a way that benefits all.

As such, accepting interdependence can lead us to live more consciously and compassionately, contributing to our own happiness and that of others.

Cultivate patience and tolerance

Being patient and tolerant towards yourself and others can pay off. In the end, the following sayings emphasise this:

• All good thinks come to those who wait (Unknown)
• Patience and fortitude conquer all things (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
• Be patient and tolerant. Everything is changing. (Dalai Lama)

It’s a habit that can help us to achieve a greater tranquilly and pleasure.

In our hectic lives, it’s easy to grow impatient or intolerant of situations or people that don’t fit our standards. These are the times when we require the most patience and tolerance to relate to our assumptions.

When we nurture these abilities, we will be able to manage challenging situations with dignity and calmness, allowing us to handle stress and remain happy even in difficult situations.

Practice forgiveness

Forgiveness is a challenging concept for some individuals. Regardless, hanging on to hatred and grudges only harms us by causing bitterness and negativity in our hearts and minds.

Instead, forgiving those who have injured us, is for our own peace of mind, not theirs. By forgiving, we alleviate ourselves of the burden of rage and bitterness. It also means that, in due time, the circumstances that have caused the grudges will be avoided, promoting inner calm and overall happiness.

Value self-discipline

The Dalai Lama values self-discipline and leads by example. He finds it the key to inner peace and happiness.

Self-discipline is not about foregoing pleasure or being unduly rigorous. Instead, it is about making decisions that result in long-term joy rather than immediate delight. It is about having the courage to say ‘no’ to things that injure us while saying ‘yes’ to things that nourish us, both physically and emotionally.

It may not be easy, but the benefits are significant. Self-discipline allows us to acquire control over our actions, resulting in a profound sense of satisfaction and feelings of fulfilment.

Nurture gratitude

A lot of people underestimate the importance of gratitude. Recognising and appreciating the wonderful things in our lives may considerably boost our happiness.

I experienced a difficult phase a while back. It seemed like everything was going wrong, and my emotions were all over the place. Till one day, I decided to write down three things that I was thankful for:

• a bright day
• a nice book
• a kind remark from a friend.

My feelings shifted as my perspective gradually changed. Focusing on what is going well rather than what isn’t, made a significant impact. It didn’t change the obstacles, but it injected some much-needed optimism and hope into my life.

Embrace adversity

Some people are perpetually preoccupied with their problems. Though it may seem strange, problems and hardships provide opportunities for growth and learning.

Rather than dreading misfortune, we should embrace it. It is during difficult times that we learn the most about ourselves and our skills. When we are pushed beyond our comfort zone, we genuinely grow which reduces our panic zone.

Adversity may also help us to develop virtues like resilience, courage and determination. These are the characteristics that not only help us to face future challenges, but also contribute to our general pleasure and satisfaction in life.

Practice loving-kindness

Above all, the Dalai Lama encourages us to practise loving-kindness towards ourselves and others. This may have a significant impact on our pleasure and well-being.

A few days ago, a woman was struggling with inflating the tires of her bike. Just by adjusting the connection of the pump, the pressure in her tires was quickly restored to normal. This small token of kindness put a genuine smile on her face, while she just said:” Thank you.”

It’s not simply about being kind in our deeds. It is about developing a true sense of kindness and warmth for all creatures, without exception.

When we practise loving-kindness, we foster an environment of positivity and goodwill around us, amplifying our own feelings.

It’s no secret that life can be challenging but understanding that happiness frequently begins with our personal perspective, makes a tremendous difference.

Considering the practice of accepting hardship is a simple adjustment from perceiving obstacles as threats to seeing them as opportunities. That may make a huge impact in our pleasure levels.

A small example: boiling milk. You put the pot on the stove, switch on the heating and wait until it boils. At a certain moment, the milk boils over.

When you perceive it as a treat, you’ll panic and, in the end, you could end up saying: “I’m never boiling milk again!”

But when you see it as an opportunity, you will learn two things:

• I need to keep an eye on the milk, so it won’t boil over.
• I need to turn the heating down or switch it off at the appropriate time.

Alternatively, practising mindfulness helps us to be totally present in the moment. That allows us to find delight in even the most mundane things, such as a gorgeous sunset.

The Dalai Lama famously observed, “Happiness does not come easily, it stems from your own actions.”

Happiness, often pursued as a life goal, is rooted in our mindset. While some experience it naturally, others lose or can’t grasp it. True happiness stems from our thoughts, influencing our feelings and attitudes.

• Key habits for cultivating happiness include:
• Empathy: Alleviate others’ pain to foster joy.
• Mindfulness: Stay present to avoid past regrets and future worries.
• Interdependence: Recognize our interconnectedness to foster compassion.
• Patience and Tolerance: Maintain calm during challenges.
• Forgiveness: Let go of grudges for inner peace.
• Self-Discipline: Choose long-term joy over immediate pleasure.
• Gratitude: Focus on positives to boost happiness.
• Adversity: Embrace challenges for growth.
• Positive Mindset: View difficulties as opportunities.
• Loving-Kindness: Practice genuine kindness to enhance well-being.

Happiness is shaped by our perspective and actions, as the Dalai Lama emphasizes that it stems from what we do.

To read part 2, stay tuned on our social media pages.