Here's to achieving everyday bliss
In the relentless pursuit of grand achievements, we often find ourselves overlooking the small, everyday moments that truly make life meaningful.
We’re conditioned to believe that happiness lies in reaching significant milestones—be it career success, acquiring material wealth or achieving societal status. However, in this race to attain the big things, we lose sight of the profound joy that comes from appreciating the little things. Life is not just about the peaks; it’s about savouring the journey, embracing the simple pleasures and nurturing the moments that keep us grounded. By focusing on these tiny details—like a kind gesture, a quiet moment of reflection or the warmth of a loved one’s smile—we stay connected to our roots, grow as individuals, and experience a deeper, more enduring sense of happiness.
Happiness is a Practice
Happiness is not a fleeting state of mind that we experience only during moments of triumph. It is a way of life that we cultivate daily.
Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s inevitable that we will face challenges, disappointments and setbacks. However, the true essence of living lies in how we choose to respond to these adversities. The real ‘taste of life’ comes from maintaining our joy and inner peace, even when circumstances are tough. By consciously practicing happiness, we learn to find light in the darkest moments, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. This practice teaches us that happiness is not dependent on external circumstances, but rather on our internal state of being.
The Spiritual Perspective
There’s a popular saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” While this encourages us to make the best of a bad situation, spirituality offers an even deeper approach. True spiritual understanding comes when we reframe and transform our perception of life’s challenges. Rather than simply accepting difficulties and striving to cope with them, spirituality empowers us with the choice to reject these challenges altogether. This perspective suggests that “When life gives you lemons, don’t take them.” We can decide not to let these challenges take root in our minds and hearts. By choosing to stay resilient and joyful, and by refusing to let stress or negativity dominate our lives, we embody the essence of true spirituality.
Spirituality equips us with the tools to change our perception and become resilient in the face of adversity. It teaches us that our inner strength is dynamic and capable of adapting to the circumstances we face. When times are good, spirituality encourages us to be proactive, to build our inner reserves of strength and wisdom, and to prepare for whatever life may bring.
During difficult times, spirituality guides us to surrender—to let go of resistance and embrace a state of softness. This dual approach ensures that we are not only prepared for life’s challenges but also that we can navigate them with grace, maintaining our composure regardless of the external situation.
Practices for a Joyous Life
To cultivate a life filled with joy and happiness, it’s essential to integrate spiritual practices into our routine. These practices ground us, align us with our higher purpose and help us navigate life with peace:
Practicing Gratitude: It is one of the simplest yet most profound ways to cultivate happiness. By consciously acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in our lives—no matter how small—we stay grounded in reality and develop a positive outlook. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a deep sense of joy.
Positive Affirmations: Beginning and ending each day with positive affirmations helps align our thoughts with our goals and intentions. These affirmations serve as a powerful reminder of our potential. By regularly affirming positive beliefs, we programme our minds to seek and attract positivity.
Nadi Shodhan and Bhedan: These ancient yogic breathing techniques are designed to balance the body’s energy channels—Ida (left) and Pingala (right). By practicing Nadi Shodhan (alternate nostril breathing) and Bhedan (breath control), we harmonise our breath, which is the foundation of a balanced body and mind. . Siddhohum Kriya: This powerful Himalayan technique is a profound spiritual practice that helps us connect with higher energies. Through Siddhohum Kriya, we express gratitude, surrender to a higher power, seek blessings and open ourselves to receiving those blessings. This practice fosters a deep sense of spiritual fulfilment, aligning us with the universe’s abundant energies and bringing joy into our lives on a daily basis.
The author is a spiritual master and founder, Akshar Yoga Kendraa