'Happiness'- A somewhat vague concept which affects our attitude towards our daily life. While it is a concept difficult to define it is one which is relatively easy to discover within yourself... You just need to know how!

We analyse each day within our minds and the people around us. We believe that other people are; happier than we are; that they have better opportunities than we have; perhaps even that they have everything, and we have nothing. Social media can fuel such thoughts. People and places are portrayed unlike what they may be or look like in real life and some fame philosophies are presented that are very hard to believe in.

Pursuit of monetary happiness is contrary to a spiritual path. Consumptions wins over yamas and nijamas. The strength of relationships can be adversely affected by our tendency to live in a virtual world. The truth is that the way we often present ourselves and our lives on social media in ways that make our lives seem more beautiful, amazing, colourful and adventurous than it may be. We forget when we look at others’ social media feeds that this is just an illusion. An illusion which is so easy to dispel.

Added this to make the link to other people-see what you think. Overall I have sugegested ways of saying what you are saying in slightly different ways at points but will not be offended if this is not what you want to say-they are all just suggestions.

My four ways to happiness...

First, I have discovered that gratitude is one of the best ways to increase my happiness every day. I have chosen to write down at least three things that I am thankful for every day. It was quite hard to think of three things in the beginning. I could not find one positive factor in my life, not even something simple thing. Anxiety made things even harder. But I started with an small and easy acknowledgement such as 'I had the opportunity to look through my window...' and something like 'I really like what I am wearing today.' And then 'I had a nice dream last night...'; 'I saw my child smile...'; I am thankful that I breathe’ etc.

I know you are probably thinking that these all sound very trivial but, believe me, sometimes to start writing and expressing gratitude is very challenging. For people with depression it can be almost impossible. You need to try it yourself. If it is easy for you then you are halfway through the process, just keep going.

I recommend buying a nice notebook to use as a gratitude journal. Perhaps one with flowers or hearts or butterflies or in a colour that appeals to you. Use a beautiful pen and take a very deep breath before writing. Spend a moment there, notice the vibration of the body and when you are ready, start writing. Start with the words, Today I am grateful for…

When you write one sentence, please do not stop. Continue. And then return to this every day. Your heart will receive the message of gratitude, your soul will recognise your needs, your mind will start to notice the beauty of each day, you will stop unhelpful comparisons with others... you will love it. You will notice the changes in your life. You will be healed from many inner disputes you may not even have been fully conscious of. Just write. Do not stop. Do not judge.

Second, I have stopped watching the TV news, reading a newspaper every day and checking the news on my phone. I have stopped focusing on the drama, negativity and cruelty emphasised by the media. I have started noticing the beauty around me instead. I now wake up early and, to get my morning off to a good start, I do a Sun Salutation instead of watching the news. I drink my cup of coffee slowly and scan my activities for the day in order to decide on my priorities. This morning routine helps makes me feel peaceful and stable and affects the whole day in a positive way.

Keep training your thoughts!

Third, keep training your mind! Train your mind so you have more control over your negative thoughts. Start sending signals to people around you that you wish them well. Start also sending signals to yourself that each day it is possible to be happy. Focus on the good rather than the bad things. Say to yourself I love you. Say I am sorry. Say Thank you. Say Forgive me. And again, Say I love you...etc... This Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness called Ho’oponopono will ease the mind and bring peace. It is magical, try it!

Finally, try to encourage your body and mind to take part in more mindful activities like reading, exercising, singing, praying, meditating, intuitive painting, poem reading etc. Start practising therapeutic yoga which teaches you breathing techniques and paying attention to the present, your body, your senses. And listen to your intuition more than ever. Listen and admire how smart you are, how beautiful and happy you are.

With love

Justa