HAPPINESS

I came across this blog, The Happiness Project a couple of months ago.  I'm having a hard time figuring out the website, the author reports on all sorts of "happiness" or "self-help" techniques, but I'm not getting a feel for how she implements them in her daily life.

However, I subscribe to the blog and probably once a week take a look at what is being discussed.  There's way too much information presented, but I like the premise.

What steps can I take to be happier?

We all want to be happy.  But I've found that as time goes on I literally forget that desire.  Work, cooking, cleaning, obligations and constant comparisons to other people manage to blot out the overarching goal of happiness.  It's all too easy to put on the blinders of my quotidian existence, ignore the bigger picture and suddenly awaken to see that years have passed. 

What makes me happy?

Right now, being more conscious and present in my life and putting forth the effort to carve out the time and awareness for happiness.  Turning off the tv, meditation, running and even pickling are helping me on this journey.  Working on being more present in my relationships with my friends.  Being aware of the value of each minute of a day.  These are small steps, but even the small steps can result in big rewards.

What makes you happy?

Meditation

In an attempt to work on both physical and mental health I've started attending a meditation practice at the Temple of Kriya Yoga. Call it a Spiritual Boot Camp if you will.

I'm amazed at how much I am enjoying it although I have no idea what exactly I'm doing. I think the trick for me is to get over this idea of doing it "right" or "wrong". It's too easy to compartmentalize so many things in our lives as right or wrong. An interesting trap that I fall into since I tend to see the world in so many shades of gray.

I love that it is referred to as a practice. An ongoing, learning and evolving experience. One hour once/week can make quite a difference. And atmoshpere does matter. Wandering barefoot in the mansion that houses the temple is a treat.

My mind has been racing quite a bit recently, and not always in good directions. I'm interested in meditation as a way to try to help slow my mind. I enjoy the focus on breathing especially as I have rediscovered my own clean, clear breath this past year.