As the New Year rings in, it’s an opportune time for us to reflect upon our past (letting go of anything that wasn’t serving us well) and set our aspirations for the future. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously noted, change is the only constant in life, and resistance to universal change is like refusing to participate in that which defines life. Everything is impermanent, including enlightenment, and the sooner we make peace with this, the better. Self-improvement junkies relish this time of year since setting goals feels empowering, gives clarity of thought as well as a nod to your sub-conscious about your intentions for the coming months. It’s never too late to dream. It’s only our own fears that stand in our way and hold us back. So, drop the excuses and start dreaming big. This could be your best year yet. Here are four ways to be ‘happier’ in 2014…
1. DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE
Mindfulness guru and world-renowned Zen teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, stresses the importance of finding your purpose for existing on earth. Everyone has a purpose for being here and sometimes it’s just a matter of unearthing it. “Some trees live thousands of years and certain turtles can live hundreds of years,” says Thich Nhat Hanh. “A human span is about a 100 years. What is the purpose of this human life? We should live deeply so the time here doesn’t go to waste. We should not wait to answer this question. The quality of life; not just living it to pass the days. The quality depends on how deeply we live each moment and not the emotional and material comforts. Money, power, prestige may not provide this quality or happiness.” Having a sense of purpose and direction equates to happiness and a sense of inner Zen. Make 2014 the year to discover your raison d’etre.
2. WALK AWAY FROM NONSENSE
Our lives are already busy and stressful, so we don’t need any extra drama. Make sure you surround yourself with people who are ‘fountains’ rather than ‘drains’ –those who emit positive rather than negative energy. Being strong doesn’t mean you always have to fight every battle. True strength and wisdom is knowing when to walk away from the nonsense that might surround you, ideally with your dignity still intact. Conflict and drama in relationships are hallmarks of unhappiness. You can choose to avoid or fuel them.
3. BE A CONSCIOUS CONSUMER
If you do one thing in 2014, be more conscious about what you consume. There are hidden poisons everywhere. In her book, Detoxify or Die, Sherry Rogers writes. “The plastic wraps swaddling your fruits, vegetables and meats in your grocery cart look harmless enough. So do the Styrofoam trays that hold them and the plastic bottles for water, soda, milk, ketchup, fruit juices and even infant formula. But the phthalates that outgas from these plastics, so ubiquitous in our food and beverage packaging, leach into our foods.” According to medical experts, once these stealth poisons enter our bodies, they damage hormone receptors and lead to autoimmune disorders including cancer. Replacing plastic bottles with the much healthier option of glass bottles is a step in the right direction.
4. DETOX YOUR MIND
Mind-body medicine is an ancient concept that is more relevant than ever today. We already know that around 80 per cent of all chronic diseases are related to stress. A toxic mind is filled with negative emotions like fear, sadness, jealousy and anger and they not only rob you of happiness, scientists have proved that negative emotions lower your immune system. Conversely, a calm, toxic-free mind is characterized by laughter, relaxation, compassion and love and releases endorphins, feel-good hormones that boost your wellbeing. Make a commitment to detoxifying your mind and practicing mindfulness. I recommend reading The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hhat, a book that explains why every day actions provide us with a chance towards greater self-understanding and inner peace.
