The Illusion of Happiness 23 July 2013
Will winning the Lottery make you happy? Research shows that it would only be short lived. Even if we don’t manage to blow it all – we return to our previous level of happiness/unhappiness sooner rather than later. Do you see a situation as a ‘problem’ or do you see an ‘opportunity’? This is the ground work of possibilities for real happiness. The norm seems to be the waiting game: “ if only….then I will be happy” The greatest percentage of people think they would be happy if money was not an issue, and yes, it would certainly make life much easier. It is obviously easier to be rich and unhappy than to be poor and unhappy. Regardless of your financial status, the inability to find enthusiasm towards life and have thoughts of not being alive has very little to do with your bank account. As Dr Deepak Chopra eloquently puts it: research shows Happy and Joyful individuals come from a place of strength. They will make better life choices and hence be healthier, have better relationships and be more successful.
So then how do we find this ‘happiness’? The first step: life attitude : problem/opportunity. It is our decision. The second is choosing to move on from tragedy/hardship. It is a choice. Third: Make other people happy – start small, but make an effort. Fourth: Spiritual Practice. This is the most important, according to Dr Chopra.
To me Spiritual practice is about my relationship with God and the effort we put into this relationship every day, not only on the designated one day of the week. A relationship requires effort every day, with everything you do, with every thought and spoken word.
Through spiritual practice and opening my heart, opening my ears and eyes so that I can recognize Him in everything and everyone you encounter! The result is existential happiness and peace and this is real happiness. When I know that I am accepted by God, and therefore that I am enough, everything is possible. It requires faith to know that I am a child of God, created to be just me. With the Grace of God I can be happy and see everything as an opportunity…..only you can make that choice.
Karin Engman Life Coach and Motivational Speaker
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