The Journey to Happiness: Embracing the Present Moment
”Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” – Jim Rohn
Many of us carry a misguided focus on happiness in our lives. We constantly chase the elusive feeling that it is a far away destination that needs to be reached.
We often tell ourselves that once we accomplish certain goals or attain material possessions, we will finally achieve everlasting happiness. However, this perspective leads to a never-ending race where the finish line is constantly pushed further away, leaving us yearning for more.
The truth is that happiness resides in the present moment, and by recognising the power of our thoughts, we can unshackle ourselves from the burdens that overshadow our innate peace and contentment.
The Misconception of Conditional Happiness
We commonly make our happiness conditional on external circumstances, setting up a false belief that achieving a specific goal will guarantee joy.
We sometimes put off our happiness until we get the car, job, or holiday we believe will make us happy.
This mindset produces an ongoing pursuit in which happiness always seems to be just beyond our reach.
The Power of the Present Moment
The key to lasting happiness lies in shifting our focus from this unattainable destination to fully embracing the present moment.
The present moment holds the power to unlock the happiness that is waiting for us, hidden beneath our thoughts and desires.
Instead of constantly chasing the next big thing that we believe will make us happy, we need to stop and appreciate what we currently have.
Mindfulness, the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment, is an invaluable tool to help us in this process.
Regular mindfulness practice can bring awareness to our thoughts and emotions, making us conscious of the self-imposed barriers that are blocking our happiness.
As we become more aware of our thoughts, we can start to take control and make a conscious decision to live with intention rather than building walls of expectation around our happiness.
The Role of Gratitude and Contentment
Cultivating gratitude and contentment within our daily lives is another powerful way to shift our focus from conditional happiness to the present moment.
By taking the time each day to acknowledge and appreciate the good in our lives, we can train our minds to focus on positive aspects, rather than what we believe is missing.
Engaging in acts of kindness, and simply saying “thank you” more often are just a couple of examples of how we can align ourselves with a mindset of contentment.
As contentment becomes an integral part of our lives, the need for external sources of happiness will diminish.
Rather than chasing the ever-elusive destination of happiness, let us instead shift our focus toward the power of the present moment.
By practicing mindfulness, cultivating gratitude, and fostering contentment, we can break free from the constraints of conditional happiness and uncover the innate peace and joy that exists within us.
Remember, happiness is not a distant destination, but rather a journey where every step offers the opportunity to embrace and cherish life in its entirety.
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Angela
Namaste: “I honor the place in you in which the entire universe resides. I honor the place in you of love, of light, of truth and of peace. And when you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us”