Happiness is...

"Enjoy every experience." Perhaps easier said than done, right? After all, some experiences feel instantly positive: happy, joyful, exciting, hopeful. Others tempt us to assign them negative qualities: sad, painful, anxiety-inducing. All these emotions, however fleeting or enduring, are real and valid. To help us manage them with contentment of the soul, it is best to notice them as an observer. It is the difference between watching leaves float down a river, and diving into the current. When we observe, but are not absorbed by an experience, we can appreciate its movement, the ripples in the water, and also the passage of time, which inevitably renews the rushing water itself.

Triple A for Life

Three guiding principles can help anyone approach life's challenges with confidence and the promise of success. When difficulties arise, those who are prepared to meet them will surpass any obstacle. Adapting these principles will help you sail over any bumps on the road.

Accountability

Accountability means taking responsibility for your actions and reactions. It requires a will to notice and keep track of your emotional experiences, flawed as they may be, and use this information to chart a course for change. In order for us to evolve, we must face our faults head-on.

Acceptance

A common misunderstanding of this word suggests that one must sit back and accept whatever hardships come along without putting up a fight. True acceptance, however, is far from being resigned to fate, nor does acceptance imply one must be content with one’s circumstances. Rather, acceptance is simply the ability to acknowledge a situation as it is in the present moment. At the same time, acceptance is not sitting back and letting life steamroll us or pass us by. Acceptance allows us to take stock of our surroundings and to take appropriate action.

Appreciation

Appreciation comes from understanding and enjoying every thing and every moment for the value it brings. When we recognize the value in an experience, especially when it is challenging, a unique optimism takes root and flourishes in our soul. Appreciation encourages us to protect and celebrate that which is good, and transform that which is not. Appreciation can be practiced at any moment, anywhere, and at any time. With appreciation in our hearts, we situate ourselves in a nexus of limitless gratitude. All possibilities open up to us, and the light of awareness is within sight. We stand ready and confident to face the tests of life.

Welcome to the Blog

With the opening of this blog, I look forward to sharing more thoughts about Consciousness, and keeping you all updated about our events and other interesting things happening through our consciousness community connections.