The Pursuit of Happiness

One of the most common comments that I get from my long term clients and students is that the work we do together brings about an inner awareness that leads to a state of harmony and happiness. Happiness is one of the key ingredients of health. The reason why I call the work that I do transformation healing is that it is a conduit for inner transformation on all levels including the development of true happiness.

Happiness. What does it really mean? It is a way of being, a felt sense that is in harmony and balance with our essential nature. It does not come about by doing or getting. According to eastern mindset, happiness is an overall sense of satisfaction and contentment with life and living, a state of appreciation for all that you have, the understanding that every experience can bring growth and spiritual expansion and inner wealth, a perception of balance and peace, a feeling of being whole and complete within oneself. We have all heard the saying “happiness comes from within” Why is it that our culture does not nurture this? 

It is human nature to be in the pursuit of happiness. We often seek happiness from external sources such as relationships, the acquisition of monetary wealth and power, careers, developing intelligence, externally looking good and successful to others. Material things can make us comfortable, relationships are a vehicle for us to express emotions and connect in different ways to others. Recognition for accomplishments and admiration for how we look can make us feel good and successful but they do not provide long-term happiness. There is nothing wrong with being connected externally; in fact it is an important and necessary part of life. The important thing to be aware of is that it often brings temporary satisfaction by gratify the ego. If you go through life desperately focusing on the results of trying to acquire status and material things along with striving to look good to others to achieve happiness, joy and peacefulness will evade you. 

 

We have no control over the outside circumstances in life. External situations can often leave one feeling stressed, dissatisfied, disappointed, depressed, victimized and confused. To experience soul-satisfying joy we must look within ourselves. We must break free from the preconceived mindset that our achievements and possessions define us. We must release and let go  of the expectations of others taking a look inward to  find  genuine value. When you have a desire, and it gets fulfilled, there is a period of time when you are content. In that moment, you experience the happiness that is a natural part of your being. But then external stimulus such as the media, including marketing, or opinions and beliefs of others intervene and you shift into a state of lack or want. Happiness fades. If you are not aware of this it can become a never-ending cycle. When you are able to realize and recognize that you experience happiness when you are free from constant desire and fear around being accepted, you can start to create your life differently. You have an opportunity to choose and accept yourself and the Universe as it is. You gain a freedom to flow with life. With awareness you can allow your innate nature to spring forth in the absence of the bonds and demands you and others put on yourself. Part of this process is being in an inquiry around your taught beliefs and values. Do they totally resonate with your consciousness, heart and soul? Keep those values, which are in harmony with who you are and release what does not feel true to your core. Take a hard look within to find your own personal truth.

Personal practices such as yoga, meditation and qigong help to cultivate inner peace and truth. Treatments and transformational healing techniques that address body, mind and spirit release entrenched holding patterns of stress and tension; support inner balance and promote health and happiness. As you become more aware of your heart, mind and body connection it creates a sense of freedom, which allows you to be satisfied with yourself exactly how god made you, perfect, whole and complete It can shift your reality around how you view yourself and the world. The goal is to be able to enjoy being a unique individual without trying to compete with others. Also assisting you in the development of self-acceptance and ability to take pride in the inner gifts that come naturally without trying. The pursuit of happiness is a journey within. It is a journey through life with a destination of peace, health and contentment.