With all of the anger, strife, and anxiety in the world today, it can be difficult to find the joy in life, but that is where meditation for happiness can help.
With so much suffering and conflict, sometimes it might seem like the world has no joy to offer.
You might ask yourself, “How can we be happy when others have it so bad?”
Other times, we’re so focused on the negative things that are happening in our own lives, the challenges we’re dealing with, and the potential catastrophes that could arise at any moment, that we simply block our capacity to feel joy.
But joy is what gives your life sweetness and meaning. If you want to fulfill your destiny and become your best version of yourself, it is imperative that you take the time to cultivate your joy.
So today I’d like to share a simple meditation that you can use at any time to create the experience of more joy in your life.
Happiness Starts with Gratitude
And the secret to this meditation is to focus on what you’re grateful for.
Because no matter how bad things might look right now, I guarantee that there are countless reasons to be thankful.
Your world is full of things that are worthy of your gratitude. Here are a few areas to start.
Your Relationships
Think of the good people in your life – the people you love and who love you back.
Everyone from your friends to your family to your co-workers, all make up your support, which is an incredibly precious gift.
Your Necessities
Think about the fact that you have a roof over your head and how lucky you are to have money in your bank account.
There are so many things in your daily life to be grateful for – such as the food in your refrigerator, your car or access to good public transportation, great entertainment on your television, or your smartphone with a connection to anywhere in the world.
Your Education
The fact that you have a computer and can read this blog (or any number of blogs on the internet). The access you have to the Internet and online resources empowers you to better yourself with ease.
Think about all of the things that make your life so much easier than 50 years ago.
Your Health
Think about your health, your body, and all the things it allows you to do – such as go for a walk through a forest or along a beach, go dancing, plant a garden, enjoy a yoga class, play sports, ride a bike, play a musical instrument, play with your children or grandchildren, and so on.
When you focus on all of the things you have to be grateful for, you will remember that the world is actually an amazing place and your life is truly a gift.
With that perspective, you will expand your experience of joy and develop a more positive mindset.
And with that mindset in place, you will be ready to learn how to meditate for greater happiness.
As the beloved originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, Jack Canfield fostered the emergence of inspirational anthologies as a genre—and watched it grow to a billion dollar market. As the driving force behind the development and delivery of over 100 million books sold through the Chicken Soup for the Soul® franchise, Jack Canfield is uniquely qualified to talk about success. Jack is America’s #1 Success Coach and wrote the life-changing book The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be and Jack speaks around the world on this subject. Check out his newest book The 30-Day Sobriety Solution: How to Cut Back or Quit Drinking in the Privacy of Your Own Home. Follow Jack at www.jackcanfield.com and sign up for his free resources today!
Image courtesy of Nathan Guzman.
