10 Simple Ways to Achieve Lasting Happiness Starting Now

The Pursuit of Happiness: Experts Reveal How to Find Inner Bliss

Happiness has become a hot topic, especially since the economic meltdown of 2008. In the wake of the Lehman Brothers crisis, people are reevaluating what truly matters in life. It has become increasingly clear that money does not bring happiness or security. With everything in constant flux, surrendering to the search for inner peace and happiness has become the only viable option.

As Aristotle famously stated, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” In the pursuit of happiness, experts from various fields have offered valuable insights on how to achieve inner bliss.

Paul McKenna, a hypnotist and author of “I Can Make You Happy,” suggests that even when we don’t feel like it, smiling can actually make us feel happier. Smiling releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of well-being. Additionally, McKenna, who is also an NLP expert, claims that repetitive thoughts and actions can create neural pathways in the brain. Over time, these pathways become habitual, and once established, they are regulated by the unconscious mind. This habit of happiness can be created without actually being happy.

Similarly, mind coach and author Brian Colbert believes that creating habits of happiness involves retraining the brain to replace negative self-criticism with positive affirmations. It requires becoming aware of how we speak to ourselves and making sure our self-talk is constructive.

Positive psychologist Martin Seligman also promotes the use of positive inner dialogue, which has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, boost the immune system, and foster potential. Seligman explains that people are either optimists or pessimists, and those who fall into the latter category must work harder at being positive and optimistic. It is important to monitor our inner dialogue to ensure constructive communication.

Buddhism, which represents an ancient philosophy rooted in the pursuit of inner peace and happiness, offers a unique perspective on the subject. In “The Joy of Living,” Buddhist monk Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche explains that happiness arises not from trying to change our behavior or thoughts to become better people, but from recognizing that we are already whole and complete. Buddhism teaches that happiness comes from a way of living that fosters serenity, joy, and confidence while avoiding anxiety, hopelessness, and fear.

If happiness experts agree that true happiness comes from within, it appears that we must accept the present moment as the only moment that matters. As Democritus once said, “Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.”

In conclusion, the pursuit of happiness is a personal journey that requires mindfulness, self-examination, and a willingness to change habits and thought patterns. Whether through smiling, positive inner dialogue, or Buddhist practices, finding inner bliss is a journey worth taking.

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