Meditation

“If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama

According to principles of Buddhism, the path to happiness starts with an understanding of the causes of suffering. The treatment for unhappiness is meditation, one of the best-known tools for attaining happiness. A daily practice of mindful thought and action can train the mind not to dwell in the past, but live in the here and now, a place where its possible to experience peace.

Meditation helps you nourish the qualities in your mind that lead to happiness and reduce painful thoughts and feelings. Practicing meditation every day, even for 15 minutes, will help your mind become healthier and stronger. Doing so can produce a deep state of relaxation that can enhance your emotional and physical well-being. It is a great method for coping with stress by refocusing your attention on something calming, helping you stay centered and experience inner peace.

There are many apps you can find on-line that can teach you “how” to meditate. Or you can give it try yourself by doing the following:

·       Breathe deeply

·       Do a body scan

·       Focus on a mantra

·       Take a nature walk

·       Practice praying

·       Read poems or sacred texts

·       Listen to music

·       Think about love, kindness and gratitude

These activities can help you change your mindset, opening it up to empathy, gratitude and compassion, and ultimately happiness, through centeredness and self-love.

What if Meditation is Not for You?

Consider:

Mindfulness

Yoga

 Exercise

 Journaling

Nature Walk