What Makes you Happy?

The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself. ~Benjamin Franklin. Do you know what makes you happy? How often do you think about being happy? When someone asks you, “How are you?” have you ever answered: “I am happy, how are you?” We do spend a lot of time thinking that if only this was in my life or that was different, THEN I could be happy. The fact is that right now, in this moment, you can choose to feel happy.
Take a moment, (if not now when?), write down a few things that make you happy from your life situation (present, past or imaginary). Now pick one, close your eyes and think about it. Feel what it felt like to feel happy… smile… (fake it if you have to.) Take a slow breath into your belly and into your chest then exhale “aaahhh….” Repeat at least two more times…. You have just created a healing space in your body.
Most of the time people are so consumed with all the problems in their life and the world that they spend very little time “feeling” happy. “You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted” ~Ruth E. Renkl. We talk about “spending” time because it is an investment…the more time you spend doing and thinking about things that make you happy, the happier your life is. Where are you investing your emotional energy? What if you have a flat tire and you are sitting in your car with your seat belt on getting frustrated that you can’t get to where you want to be? You’re spending all your energy wishing you were anywhere but here…wishing you didn’t have a flat. If you take a moment, undo your seat belt and think about what you can do about your flat tire (do you have a spare?, who can you call?) many possibilities can open up to resolve the issue if you simply accept what is and deal with it. Is there a situation in your life where you are “stuck in the car?” If so, the first step is accepting and not resisting what is. A daily yoga/meditation/relaxation practice can help us remember our peaceful inner place where we can be in harmony with our life and ease our resistance. Think of a challenge in your life right now… pick just one….. Say: “I am now opening up to the opportunity this situation is offering me.” Let it go and see what happens…every time you catch yourself in a stuck mode, do this with three deep breaths.
Here is another great habit to help you cultivate a more joy-full life: before going to sleep, think of a happy moment from the day or your list. Stay with that happy thought and take a slow deep breath into the belly for 8 to 10 counts… hold the breath in gently and exhale for the same count slowly, as you pull the navel in. Repeat at least two more times and mentally say thank you. Remember to take time to breathe & that every day, every moment, is an opportunity to feel happy.
© Louise Lavergne 2001-2011 www.joyfull-yoga.com; 899-0707 Louise is a JoyFull living coach & owns JoyFull Yoga LLC in Jacksonville. She offers group & private sessions here and across North America.