What Makes the Active Connection Between Happiness and Mindfulness?
Life encompasses an array of emotions. We experience joy, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, love, and many nuanced emotions. We can change our state of being by altering our actions, breath, or thoughts. Switching gears amid powerful emotions can be challenging. However, it’s possible. Bringing mindful awareness to what you’re feeling and doing is one path to get there. With that awareness, opportunities to experience more happiness will increase.
When you live in the land of ‘wishing,’ you’re focused on someday. While it’s essential to dream and future-think, this can detract from current experiences. You can miss opportunities for happiness and mindful moments if you’re too intent on what will be versus what is going on now.
I’m a quote collector. I have several favorites on my desk, including one from Walt Whitman. His thoughts beautifully weave a connection between happiness and mindfulness. He said, “Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour.”
What does Whitman’s message encourage? It reminds me that happiness is always available to us. You don’t need to postpone joy for some future time when your project is complete, or goals are reached. It’s possible to experience happiness as part of your daily journey. Develop a mindful awareness of what is happening now and what senses you are noticing.
“Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour.”
Which recent experiences made you happy? Here are a few of mine:
Seeing the bouquet of yellow-orange flowers in the purple vase
Feeling the cooler fall air on my skin
Smelling the pine-scented sachet in my dresser drawer
Eating a delicious frozen dark chocolate dipped banana pop
Hearing the sound of my husband’s voice on the other end of the phone
Picking fresh basil from my mini-garden for my salad
Walking along the Hudson River
Folding the clean laundry
Taking a yoga class
Sweeping the front path
Learning from Nest Advisor colleagues
Watching the birds enjoy the birdbath in our backyard
Engaging in deep conversations with my friends, family, clients, and colleagues
Creating images and a promo video for my upcoming clutter workshop
Tiny happiness moments are accessible and can be enhanced when you pause to savor them. What are you noticing? How do mindfulness and happiness show up in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.
