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Ever found yourself on the quest for happiness, only to feel lost, confused, and even more stressed than when you started? Or perhaps you’ve achieved what society labels as ‘success’, but the inner peace and joy you expected to come with it are nowhere to be found?
Whether it’s our fast-paced lifestyles, the pressures of our jobs, or the constant bombardment of social media – many of us are searching for a deeper sense of fulfilment.
I know exactly how this feels. I was once in those same shoes.
Are you also yearning for a more meaningful sense of happiness?
Let’s embark on this journey together by delving into seven timeless insights from Indian philosophy that could pave the way to inner bliss.
But remember, these aren’t just quick fixes or shortcuts. They are stepping stones towards a profound and lasting happiness that comes from within.
Excited? I definitely am. Let’s dive in!
1) Embrace the art of acceptance
A key tenet of Indian philosophy is the practice of acceptance. This isn’t about resigning ourselves to a negative situation or accepting defeat. Rather, it’s about understanding that life is a blend of different experiences – some pleasant, others not so much.
This tendency to resist or avoid discomfort is a common trap. We often find ourselves caught in a cycle of dissatisfaction and stress as we struggle against the natural ebbs and flows of life.
The irony is that in resisting what is, we inadvertently amplify our suffering.
Breaking free from this pattern involves cultivating attitude of acceptance.
It’s about recognizing that while it’s okay to strive for improvement, it’s equally important to accept and navigate through the less than perfect moments.
This doesn’t mean we stop trying to change things for the better. Just that we also learn to be at peace with the present moment, even when it’s not quite how we’d like it to be.
This acceptance can be the first step towards achieving a deeper sense of inner happiness.
Accepting the present allows us to fully engage with the here and now, setting the stage for a deeper, more mindful connection with our daily experiences…
2) Discover the power of mindfulness
Another fundamental aspect of Indian philosophy is mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in the here and now. It sounds simple enough, but in our fast-paced world, it’s often easier said than done.
I recall a time when I was caught up in a whirlwind of work projects, family commitments, and social engagements. I was always rushing from one thing to the next, my mind constantly dwelling on past mistakes or future anxieties. I was physically present but mentally miles away.
The problem with this way of living is that we miss out on the richness of the present moment. We become like hamsters on a wheel, constantly running but never really getting anywhere.
The turning point for me came when I began to practice mindfulness meditation - a technique derived from Indian philosophy. I started with just a few minutes each day, focusing on my breath and allowing my thoughts to come and go without judgement.
Over time, I noticed a shift. I found myself more centered, more grounded. I started appreciating small moments – the taste of my morning coffee, the sound of birds chirping outside my window, even the feel of a warm shower on a cold morning. These moments were always there, but my constant rushing had made me blind to them.
Mindfulness isn’t about stopping our thoughts or achieving some sort of ‘blissed-out’ state. It’s about paying attention to our experiences as they unfold, moment by moment, realizing that true happiness isn’t somewhere out there in the future – it’s right here in front of us.
By being present and attentive to our thoughts and feelings, we create space for a kinder, more compassionate relationship with ourselves
3) Practice self-compassion
In Indian philosophy, self-compassion is a key element. It’s about treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that we would offer a dear friend.
In our pursuits of happiness, we often become our own harshest critics. We berate ourselves for our mistakes, our shortcomings, and our perceived failures.
I used to be caught in this trap myself. Whenever I made a mistake or failed at something, I would beat myself up about it. The negative self-talk was incessant and damaging.
The shift came when I started practicing self-compassion. Instead of berating myself for my shortcomings, I started treating myself with kindness and understanding. I began to acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to be imperfect.
This shift didn’t happen overnight, and it certainly wasn’t easy. But over time, I noticed a significant change in how I felt about myself.
By practicing self compassion,we can learn to accept ourselves as we are – imperfect and human. This acceptance can lead to a deeper sense of inner peace and happiness.
As we become more forgiving and understanding towards ourselves, we naturally begin to appreciate the value of what we have and the experiences we encounter…
4) Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
Gratitude, a key element of Indian philosophy, is more than just saying ‘thank you.’ It’s about adopting an attitude of appreciation for what we have, rather than focusing on what we lack.
I remember a time when I found myself caught in the trap of comparison. I was in a job I enjoyed, surrounded by supportive friends and family, yet I was constantly comparing myself to others.
This colleague had a higher position, that friend had a bigger house, yet another acquaintance seemed to be travelling the world while I was stuck at home. This constant comparison left me feeling inadequate and discontent.
One day, during a particularly low moment, a close friend suggested I start a gratitude journal. At first, I was sceptical. How could writing down things I was thankful for make any difference? But having nothing to lose, I gave it a go.
Every night before bed, I started writing down three things I was grateful for that day. Some days it was big things – like getting a promotion or achieving a personal goal. Other days it was small, seemingly insignificant things – like enjoying a delicious meal or having a good laugh with a friend.
Over time, this practice shifted my perspective. Instead of focusing on what others had that I didn’t, I started noticing all the good in my own life. This simple shift in mindset reduced my feelings of inadequacy and increased my sense of contentment.
Gratitude is more than just an exercise in positive thinking. It’s about acknowledging and appreciating the abundance that’s already present in our lives. It’s about realizing that happiness isn’t always about getting more but appreciating what we already have.
In appreciating what we have, we gain clarity on our unique path and purpose, further enriching our quest for inner happiness…
5) Understand the concept of Dharma
Dharma, a complex and multifaceted concept in Indian philosophy, is often translated as ‘duty,’ ‘ethics,’ or ‘righteous path.’ It signifies that each one of us has a unique purpose in life and achieving happiness involves recognizing and fulfilling this purpose.
In the Bhagavad Gita one of the most important texts in Indian philosophy, there’s a profound verse: “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection.”
I found this concept deeply liberating. For many years, I was trying to fit into societal molds, pursuing careers and lifestyles that I thought were expected of me. But this only led to stress and dissatisfaction.
When I started exploring my own Dharma, I began to understand what truly resonated with me. I discovered my passion for writing and decided to pursue it, despite the uncertainties and challenges. This decision brought a deep sense of fulfilment and joy that I hadn’t experienced before.
Understand our Dharma isn’t about blindly following societal norms or expectations. It’s about discovering our unique path and living authentically. And in this authenticity, we can find a deep sense of inner happiness.
In seeking to live our Dharma, we are drawn to the practice of meditation. This profound aspect of Indian philosophy helps quiet the mind and anchor us in our purpose, enhancing our journey towards self-realization…
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