Inspiration
for a Happier Life
Happiness… what is it?
Well, we could probably dedicate a separate website to
this subject alone.
First we must realise that happiness is very different
for almost everybody alive and as such cannot be encapsulated
into a single descriptive idea. What we can state with confidence
however, is that we are all actively pursuing happiness
in whatever form we believe it exists, or indeed believe
it should exist.
This concept is so important that ‘the pursuit of
happiness’ actually forms a prominent part of the
American constitution. 
With that conclusion in mind, we can deduce that there
must be a series of universal truths that appeal to each
of us regardless of what it is, or where we believe we can
locate our source of happiness.
Ultimately of course, happiness is subjective, but I’ll
stick my neck out and state that real and enduring happiness
can only be found within us, and not in some external materialism.
Certainly material wealth will bring a short term surge
of happiness, a brief buzz if you like, but this is actually
pride and the childlike epigrammatic excitement of ownership
which by its very nature is evanescent. As an example, just
look at the demeanour of any child the day after Boxing
Day!
Without wishing to sound trite, real enduring happiness
starts with accepting, embracing and loving who you are,
and making positive forward strides in personal growth and
development towards who and where you want to be. This is
a life long process.
In the world today, there is an abundance of personal development
schools that can help you reach your true potential and
discover authentic happiness. These range from NLP (which
is itself a derivative of Hypnotherapy) to the Anthony Robbins
model of living a dynamic life. All are relevant, all are
valid and I urge you to explore your own potential for personal
growth.
IT IS WITHIN YOU!
For your enjoyment and inspiration, I have included a selection
of anecdotes and wisdom by some of the world’s greatest
and most enlightened thinkers.
• Property is not essential. But happiness, a love
of beauty, friendship between all peoples and individuals
is life itself. Laurie Stockwell.
• To be without some of the things you want is an
indispensable part of happiness. Bertrand
Russell.
• Insanity is doing the same thing over and over
again and expecting different results. Albert
Einstein.
• Always be a little kinder than necessary. JM
Barrie.
• The man that bangs his head against a wall may
well learn a thing or two from the reed that bends in the
wind. Ove Arup.
• The more arguments you win, the less friends you
will have. Native American Proverb.
• Today I will approach life brilliantly, tomorrow
more radiant still… LM Tiller
| And finally a lesson for you to take wherever
you go. Perhaps you might even like to write it down
or memorise it and pass it on to a friend…it’s
a real gift.
This, in its simplicity, is immensely powerful and
I urge you to use it often.
The three gates
The Sufis advise us to speak
only after our words have passed through three gates.
1. At the first gate we ask ourselves “are
these words true?” If so we let them pass on;
if not, back they go.
2. At the second gate we ask “Are they necessary?”
If so we let them pass on; if not, back they go.
3. At the third and final gate we ask, “Are
they kind?”
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