So many of us think ‘If I can just get that raise, I’ll be happy’; ‘If I just get that new car. I’ll be happy’; ‘If I just move into that beautiful house with the white picket fence, I’ll be happy.’; ‘If I just find my soul-mate I’ll be happy.’
The problem with this is we are looking, wishing, & hoping for that things outside of ourselves with bring us the happiness we seek. What we should have realized by now is that the happiness we find in external things is fleeting. I may make us happy for a moment, but ultimately we become discontent & are off on the
next quest, searching for the next thing which we erroneously think will make us happy.
The fleeting nature of happiness in external things is supposed to be teaching us a lesson. It is supposed to be awakening us to the truth that happiness isn’t external from us. Happiness is a state of being; and it is found within.
Until we look inside & befriend our self, there will always be a sense that something is missing. True happiness is uncaused…it happens naturally when we discover who we really are. And meditation helps us make that discovery!
Today, doctors & psychologists are finding that meditation can strengthen brain circuits connected with happiness, contentment, and a positive attitude in a similar way to how we strengthen muscles with exercise. In fact, a study at the University of Wisconsin confirms that meditation can alter the structure of the brain, fostering a brighter outlook.
With all the new research in the past few years, at least here in the US, meditation has quickly gone from a New Age fad to a legitimate tool for better health, happiness, & well-being. It isn’t just for monks & yogi’s anymore!
So stop your searching — begin meditating — and start being happy today! By using this powerful tool, you’ll start to discover the happiness within you & you’ll illuminate your mind so that you begin to live each day with a more positive outlook.
May your days always be filled with love, happiness, & peace,
~ Anthony Profeta
