An Exercise Plan For Building The 'Happiness Muscle'

The show Hot Pursuit of Happiness had so much material in it that you can use to be happier, I wanted to share it here. 

First, the idea is that Happiness is A Muscle.  You get better at being happy as you use that muscle. Which doesn't mean you walk around in bliss all the time, but it does mean that you meet life's challenges with greater clarity of mind and have a lot better time of living in general. 

Here's four non-painful ways to start pumping that muscle... (click 'Read More')

1. When you feel yourself spinning return to the moment.  Consider and ask yourself: 'What is really happening right now?' 'Where am I?' 'What is going on in my body?'
2. Be grateful daily.  Write down and spend time considering what you are grateful for - large and small.
   
3. Release expectations.  Let your hostages go!  Let other people be who they are and return to your own business.  Tell yourself: 'it is not this issue that is bothering me, it is my issue with this issue.'
   
4. Be with.  If that sounds impossible try this:  'What I think should happen here is...' and finish the sentence. You will normally uncover your own agenda. Have your agendas always turned out well?  Have you always bee able to tell everything that was really going on or how it would turn out?  Release your grip on what you don't like and remind yourself that things pass. This creates space for your creative mind to begin working again instead of being paralyzed.

One additional way to hoick yourself back to happiness is to make a practice of creating memories. In moments when you feel something nice, something wonderful, or something magical, take a moment to engrave it in your mind.  Feel it in your body and allow yourself the full experience.  Then bank that memory to use later when you need it!

---

In addition, listen to the show with Lisa Cypers Kamen on Hot Pursuit of Happiness or go to 101 New Pairs of Glasses and check for the topic "Happiness" where you might find another perspective...