Any moment is an opportunity for happiness. “Smile, breathe and go slowly” is a formula given by the Vietnamese monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. When one is focused on being, simple activities allow a state of happiness. A walk in nature, sitting near water or in the woods, talking with a good friend, or playing with a child can become the opportunity for happiness.
Often people believe happiness is something that will come later in life. One can easily spend their life waiting for happiness – getting a better job, getting out of debt, retrieving, getting married. When striving for the next thing, happiness is easily forgotten.
Focusing on the future or dwelling in the past – worry, reviewing conversations in one’s mind, thinking about things that aren’t occurring in the present are all sources for stress, depression and other draining emotions. Attending to negativity and criticism is a sure formula for unhappiness. Energy given to the ‘then and there’ robs us of joy and peace.
Interestingly, the small things in life bring happiness. Living in the here and now is being present. Playing with small children is a great opportunity for living in the here and now. Focusing on the positive is a sure means to having happiness.
Happiness occurs when wanting what you have is your focus rather than having what you want. Wanting what you have is a definition of gratitude.
What are some of the small things that allow you to be in the moment?
What do you have already that you could be grateful for?
Let’s hear from you! ~Russ Hardesty
I found "happiness" last evening at a NAMI event that Jim and I attended. When we were invited, I put it on my calendar like all the other tasks I had to do. But as I entered the room of about 100 participants, I saw people who were smiling, happy to see each other, hungry and glad there were refreshments, interested in viewing the great art work presented by special people who have brain disorders. I sat towards the front since Jim was the MC and settled in for the program. After Jim was introduced he energized the room with his introduction of each speaker. I was proud to be a part of the organization that received a proclamation by the City Mayor, interested in the updates of the local behaviorial center achievements and goals, teary eyed when I heard a young man explain his journey living with a mental illness, excited to hear about a new program starting in the area. Then a young woman gave a simple power point creation about "Just Listening" and I suddenly "just listened" and received peace, hope and happiness from the soft pictures, music and words. A counselor then gave a talk on how do you spell love? T I M E is the answer. And for a finale - Jim bellowed out the Little Red Riding Hood story. I was feeling so comfortable, so happy and in the present that I could hardly contain myself. I was in the moment, I was so grateful for the experience. I was certainly in the right place at the right time.
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