Happiness and Yoga

Happiness and Yoga

Happiness is a state of mind; that is, it is all in your mind. According to Descartes, the great philosopher, you are your thoughts, and your thoughts become you. In other words, you are the creator of your thoughts, which then become the substances with which you weave the fabrics of your own life, be it a happy or an unhappy one. In addition, "too much" thinking may also make you unhappy, especially if your thoughts focus on unhappy things.

According to CNN on how yoga may help you realize your resolutions in life:

simply resolving to do something isn't enough. You need the means to start on the right path and stay the course. Too many of us set large-scale intentions but fall short on a follow-through strategy. That's where yoga comes in: the ancient practice can provide the resources and support for a multitude of modern-day lifestyle changes. . . . .

If you want to be happier, your wandering mind is likely your biggest obstacle. According to a 2010 Harvard study, 47% of their time thinking about things that aren't happening. Understandably, spending half your life lost in thought is considered a major cause of unhappiness.

Yoga is a practice based on mindfulness that emphasizes using your breath to consistently connect to the present moment. It also teaches you how to breathe deeper and use meditative techniques to tap into your parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress and increase happy hormones. . . . .”

You must be mindful of your breaths, which is a way to re-focus your mind on the present moment. If you have a compulsive mind -- that is, constantly thinking of the past and the future --you are not living in the present; not living in the now means your mind is obsessed with past memories and worries of future happenings. Remember, the past was gone, the future is unknown, and only the present is real. Therefore, the key to happiness is slowing down your compulsive mind. Yes, yoga is an exercise that may do just that.

Read my book Be A Better And Happier You With Tao Wisdom. It shows you how to live your life as if everything is a miracle. The book is based on the ancient wisdom of TAO from ancient China. True human wisdom requires you to be mindful of what is going on in your mind, and be mindful of others through love and compassion; mindfulness holds the key to understanding who you really are and what you really need in your life in order to be a happier individual.

Stephen Lau

Copyright©2018 by Stephen Lau