Inner Happiness

For the last few years, the concept of "inner happiness" has been a constant curiosity of mine. When I first heard of the term, I didn't understand what it meant. I thought it seemed like it applied only to a small, special group of people, but as I learned more about it, I realized that it was possible, and even appropriate, for me to integrate it into my life.

Fast forward to today, and I know it is a key component to all aspects of my life. When an area of my life is weak and I am struggling with it, instead of looking outward and blaming an external force for my tension, I have learned to look inward, and ask myself "what can I do to shift my energy and mood today, regardless of the discomfort."

Today I am bothered by something. A series of events with someone in my life has gone awry, and it is frustrating me. In turn, that frustration is dampening my otherwise joyful and grateful mood.

The events have been scattered over the last few weeks, so my decline in mood was subtle--I didn't even notice it much until it crossed a threshold where I felt teary and melancholy for no apparent reason.

Since I have very little control over the actual situations that stimulated my low mood, I have no choice but to look within and find how I can build up a new reserve of good feelings despite it all.

Is this possible? That question has led me to a special action item today. First, take 45 minutes to sit on my sun porch (in the sun), and start writing. Monitor if and how my mood changes. Knowing that rest and sun usually make me feel pretty good, chances are my mood may be elevated a bit.

(45 minutes later)

Wow! Sitting for 45 minutes worked well for me. As I rested and soaked up the winter sun, clarity started coming upon me. I was able to see the issue I had been struggling with from a different angle, and a new answer was revealed. It was enough to make me excited again--giving me a sense of hope.

As a bonus, I went forward with my day and received some terrific news about a business opportunity I had been working on. 

Over the years of studying and practice the art of attaining "inner peace", the most important thing I have learned is to trust it. It's always there when you need it.