I used to think I was part of the “save the world” team. I wanted to help heal as many people (and animals) as I could. I could feel the pain, the injustice, the suffering – and sometimes I would forget I could not take it all on by myself. That belief eventually evolved into realizing that I am part of a team – I am not the only one who wants to save the world. There are millions of us. It is not all on my shoulders. What a relief. But I was still stuck in the linear thinking that because there is suffering in the world, that I had to carry it and suffer also.
Then I started to realize that, paradoxically, the happier I am – the more I help to create happiness on our planet – the more I am helping to heal the planet. My beloved teacher, Rosalyn Bruyere, used to say “Auras are contagious and the biggest aura wins.” Our vibration affects those around us and our planet. Do you remember the wonderful song “We Are the World”? It basically says the same thing.
Law of Attraction teaches us that “like attracts like”. If I am sad and suffering because of the suffering of others, I am not helping them – I am just creating more suffering on the planet – which is exactly what I don’t want to do! So, the more I “selfishly” focus on taking care of myself, choosing to feel good and being happy, the more I can help the world!
Does this mean I don’t feel the suffering of others? No. I feel it all very deeply. I cry, I send love and prayers and Reiki distant healing, I donate money, I sign petitions… I am totally committed to helping all beings be happier and healthier. It is my life work. However, I am no longer stuck in the literal way of thinking. I can find peace, feel happy, be loving, feel present in the moment – and know that how I feel can contribute greatly to world peace and love. I am a much more effective healer if I am happy than if I am suffering.
I love the Abraham-Hicks teachings that basically say “nothing is more important than that I feel good”. I was delighted to open the wonderful book, “The Art of Happiness”, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, M.D., and find the quote from the Dalai Lama “I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness.” Wow! So the Dalai Lama and Abraham Hicks are in essence saying the same thing?
How happy are you? What does happiness mean to you? What helps you to feel happy? As much as we may think that money, a relationship, a new toy, or the like will make us happy, usually being happy is more of an inside job, a quieter job.
For me, stopping and moving into gratitude – for the simple and small things in my life (like my shower with warm running water, my car with gas, the beautiful area where I live, my friends, my healthy body, the feeling of sunshine on my face, the wonderful taste of clean water, and the like) help me to feel happy very quickly.
Here are some easy tips to feeling happier:
- Listen to some music you love. Sing along and dance!
- Take a walk – preferably outside where you can breathe some fresh air.
- Stop and look at something beautiful – preferably not on your computer screen! Look at a flower or a tree or the sky or your pet or someone you love.
- Drink some fresh water and/or eat something simple and healthy – like an apple or a carrot. Eat slowly and really taste your food.
- Connect with someone you love – preferably in person, or by phone. Let in their love.
- Make a list of 5 things you are grateful for right now.
- Smile. Smile even if you don’t feel like it. It can change your brain chemistry!
What is happiness? Is it the same as love, as feeling peace, as compassion? For me, happiness is usually quiet – a sense that all is right with the world.
Check out this interesting “Are You Happy Quiz” from oprah.com. How did you rate? What helps you to feel happy? How do you help others to be happy?
I would love to hear your thoughts! Please comment and share!