Having the intention to develop daily habits to be happy in life isn’t enough. We must take action to make it happen! And because happiness is an inside job, awareness of this fact is the first important step. In other words, we must be aware on a deep inner level that the things outside of ourselves in the material world, are not what ultimately creates the lasting happiness that we all desire.
Therefore, we have to take action to make it happen. After all, surely life is more enjoyable when we define ourselves by our intentions, followed by action, to make those intentions a reality! And if we live intentionally, we sustain a sense of purpose and meaning that is not dependent upon what we ultimately accomplish.
Why are our ‘intentions’ important
If you intend to help people, as mine is with this Blog and with my program – https:/a-better-way-to-live/ this means you value being of ‘service‘. In other words, living my intentions in this way permeates my daily behavior. Watch what happens if you make ‘internal’ – spiritual – changes and live your intentions. Above all, if the changes you make to your thinking and daily behavior are internal, you will feel better about yourself, and you WILL be a better person! Happiness is an inside job, remember.
“All that you need is deep within you waiting to unfold and reveal itself. All you have to do is to be still and take the time seek what is within and it will surely find you.”
Eileen Caddy
The First Step for Internal Change
After all, we are becoming aware that happiness is an inside job. The first step to create this daily happiness is to then focus on gratitude. In addition, writing daily in a Gratitude Journal has been proven to shift our mindset. In other words, it is this daily habit that will subtly change your mindset. Therefore, we need to be aware that each of us needs to do this daily work at a deep inner level. No one can do this work for you!
Therefore, one who agrees that this daily practice is important but fails to comply is why their struggles will continue. Similarly, daily happiness, inner peace, and contentment will continue to elude them.
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have now, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”
Zig Ziglar
The Present Day
Deep satisfaction and contentment come from believing in the value of what you are doing – daily! Therefore, we must be focused and passionate about what we do daily. And the best way to do that is to find good role models. Because to ‘serve’ in some way, you will daily feel meaning and purpose in your life. In addition, it helps to spend time daily alone and in silence. This is the time for you to cleanse yourself of the opinions and ideas of others. In other words, much outside influence may no longer sit well with who you are – today! So this quiet time alone is a good time to work with your role models through reading, YouTube videos, etc.
Why Meditate?
Happiness is an inside job. Hence this is the power of meditation. The practice of daily meditation focuses us on the present moment – today! Above all, meditation allows you time and space away from the rushing external world. In addition, it allows you to be still, to reflect, and evaluate. In other words, you have the time to quieten what is known as – ‘the monkey mindset.’ After all, a mindset of thoughts jumping around all over the place is like a monkey jumping around in a cage. And it is a mindset that we all struggle with from time to time. Therefore, it is only when we find time and space to be silent and meditate can we raise our levels of awareness/wisdom.
Wisdom and Faith – our deeper values
Wisdom supports faith because both are invisible. In addition, happiness is an inside job, and it is also invisible. Every fork in your life’s journey, no matter how small, requires a choice. Therefore, wisdom passed down through the ages provides choices to enhance our lives. For example, when you are anxious and afraid, it is wise not to trust the voice of fear. In addition, when you know the truth, wisdom says that we should speak up for it. Above all, wisdom is about connecting to who you really are. And it is valid only if it’s practiced daily!
Wisdom considers the deeper values of life. In other words, it’s our ability to look beyond the surface of things and see what can’t be seen with the naked eye. Many would venture to say, and I concur, that it is the mark of wisdom to believe in God. Inspirational author and speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer www. Dr.Wayne Dyer/ went even further in his explanation of God. He said that there is a difference between knowing about God and knowing God! After all, when you accept this truth at a deep inner level and KNOW that you are connected to God, such faith makes life better. In addition, everyone wants to be happy. And we now know that happiness is an inside job!
Money cannot buy wisdom or happiness. In other words, there isn’t enough money in the world to stave of suffering. Therefore, the way out of suffering is self-awareness, and self-awareness offers a solution – the path of wisdom! But as wisdom is a process of inner growth, it doesn’t come about instantly. In addition, wisdom is a great respecter of the unknown. In other words, truth is not found in words but through insight and self-discovery. And wisdom is not taught or learned. Above all, an ‘inner revolution’ must occur for each of us along the way. The path of wisdom is natural and open to everyone.
Conclusion
Happiness is an inside job. Einstein said this when he considered how God relates to everyday life – “Whatever there is of God in the universe, it must work itself out and express itself through us.” Therefore, wisdom is the divine working itself out and expressing itself through us. In other words, when we catch a glimpse of wisdom, we become more real in ourselves.
So what is standing between you and your soul’s intention? Nothing! Other than possibly your lack of awareness.
“The Greatest Weakness in Life is Lack of Awareness.”
Buddha
So, we need to be aware that every new day is a new opportunity to begin!