Ten Techniques to Be Happier in 2016 (Part 2 of 10)

Technique #2: Meditate

In a nutshell, meditation is a “training of the mind” which has been practiced by individuals and certain religions for centuries with the goal of promoting relaxation, concentration, and building internal energy.  Even today, however, meditation tends to be misunderstood as some sort of weird mind-control hocus pocus used by hippies and yogis, when in fact it is nothing more than a collection of techniques and tools used to quiet the mind and increase one’s focus. 

In today’s day and age, our minds are very busy – creating problems, solving them, and creating new ones.  Meditation assists us in ceasing that vicious cycle of thinking, allowing the mind to remain still and empty for a short period every day.  People who regularly practice meditation describe themselves as feeling calmer, more in control, better able to face the challenges of the day with greater equanimity, and decreased susceptibility to road rage and other violent outbursts. 

 

One of the key benefits of a daily practice of meditation is holding one’s attention in the present.  In his 1971 book on meditation, yoga, and spirituality, Ram Dass reminds us to Be Here Now.  Believers of this philosophy will tell you the past contains nothing but pain and disappointment and the future only fear and uncertainty, leaving the present as man’s only refuge of solitude and peace. Meditation is a simple tool to help you get present and stay there longer, thus increasing your level of happy. 

 

There are many terrific books, recordings, and apps introduce to meditation.  One of my favorites is Headspace simple easy to follow 10 day instruction that will teach newcomers how to meditate.  Simply Being is another good one.  Both are available in the iTunes and Google Play stores.  There are dozens of meditation and self-hypnosis apps out there as well.

Om-m-m-m-m-m.