Finding Happiness with These Mindful Methods

Lisa Franchi March 01, 2013

Every one of us has difficulties – pains, disappointments, weaknesses, and failures that we want to overcome. But the absence of these issues does not mean happiness. What makes life happier and more worth-living is how we live it and how we deal with those difficulties. By incorporating these mindfulness methods, we can effectively face whatever challenges that come our way and live the happy life that we deserve.

Being mindful means teaching yourself to be more in control of your life. And when you are in control of your life, you have all the opportunity to become happy.

Choose how you want to behave.

We have the power to take control of our actions as we have the power to choose our thoughts. Make it a habit to consciously choose your behaviour from moment to moment. Will you be angry or will you stay calm and composed? Will you shout or will you say it gently? Will you frown or will you cry? Before you take actions, fine tune your mind and body with what you want to be and tell yourself “At this very moment, I’m choosing to…”

Choose your words.

How we construct our statements (whether directed to ourselves or to other people) has significant physiological and psychological effects. You need to choose the language that is pro health, pro life, pro well-being, and pro happiness. Remember, what comes from your mouth comes from your soul. You can be more in control of your life by replacing “I have to” statements with “I choose to”. You will realise how this little changes over your language can positively impact your view of life and improve your sense of self-empowerment.

State whatever activity you have to do. Say it loud.

Instead of just thinking about it, say your intentions out loud to increase your awareness. Again, begin with ‘I’m choosing to’ statements. This method makes you become more fully aware of your behaviour, replaces automatic behaviour with your true intentions, reminds you that you have the power to choose your behaviour, and takes away the sense of ‘disempowerment’ that makes you more prone to developing chronic illnesses. Examples are “I’m choosing to exercise before this day ends”; “I’m choosing to smile even if I don’t have any reason to”, and so on.

Pinpoint your automatic behaviours.

You may not be aware of it, but you probably have plenty of habits that are negatively affecting your health. Because we are all overwhelmed with our daily routines, we sometimes forget to assess whether those behaviours are pro health and happiness, or not. So before you go ahead with your usual activities, take time to assess your automatic behaviours – the habits and routines you’ve become accustomed to. It’s the first step to achieving complete self-awareness.

Choose to be responsible.

The moment you have established mindfulness and self-awareness in your life, you will find it easier to manage and control your actions, and choose to be more responsible for them. And because you are taking responsibility over your actions, you become more careful and smart when choosing your behaviour – a critical factor to living a happy life!

Many times, we appear to be very much aware and in control of our behaviour, habits, and emotions. But in reality, we are not. But by choosing to be mindful, you allow your conscious and subconscious thinking to work hand in hand and help you establish a stable physical and mental health. From choosing your words to choosing your behaviour, recognising your automatic or unconscious behaviour, stating your intentions, and being responsible for what you say and do, you are actually inviting health and happiness to your life!

Dear Readers,

Have you ever tried practising any of these mindfulness techniques? Did it improve your quality of life? In what way?

Share your comments below!