Recognize that life experiences are raw data, and you have the choice to interpret them as either victimizing or as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than feeling controlled by external circumstances.
Approach all situations with an open ‘don’t know’ mind, rather than assuming you know the outcome, to relax, embrace new possibilities, and experience an enriching life regardless of whether things go as planned.
In daily life, observe the impermanence of all experiences, even annoying ones, to quickly let go of negative feelings and prevent them from lingering, understanding that whatever bothered you is no longer present.
Proactively decide to enjoy and appreciate the present moment, rather than reactively waiting for circumstances to dictate your feelings, as this intention makes appreciation easier and prevents life from passing by unnoticed.
Realize that the constant seeking of happiness or enlightenment in external places or future experiences is often the cause of unhappiness; true happiness resides in being content and grateful in the present moment.
Actively look for things to be grateful for, even small ones, as practicing gratitude attracts more blessings and unexpected opportunities, unlike cynicism which is unhelpful in the long run.
Shift your focus from owning things to appreciating experiences you cannot own (e.g., sunlight, laughter, nature’s beauty), as slowing down to appreciate these brings happiness into your life.
After a thought ends, tune into the tranquil silence before the next thought, as this empty and transparent awareness is your true nature and a source of peace and bliss.
Instead of blaming others for unhappiness, take time to examine your own unexpressed emotions and needs, as they might be the root cause of recurring problems that you haven’t dealt with.
Instead of running away or ignoring difficult emotions, sit with them to allow them to reveal truths and lessons about yourself, which helps them dissipate and prevents them from continuously influencing you.
When angry, quietly observe the energy of the emotion, recognizing and naming it, as this allows it to naturally change shape and disappear, often within about 90 seconds for psychological emotions.
Regularly check in with your body (shoulders, gut, etc.) to understand subconscious influences and unacknowledged impacts, as the body is wiser than we think and doesn’t lie about repressed emotions or stress.
Perform a simple meditation by scanning through your body from head to feet, observing sensations without judgment, as this acknowledgement helps tension release naturally without conscious effort.
Pay attention to bodily tension with an intention of care and love, as this acknowledgement itself helps relax and release the tension, giving the body the energy of care it needs.
Control your ambition to avoid overextending yourself, which protects your health, balances your mind, and allows you to find happiness in small things, creating a positive feedback loop.
Instead of solely pursuing external goals to feel worthy, investigate the underlying feelings of lack or past experiences that drive excessive ambition, addressing the source directly to find true contentment.
Shift focus away from self-obsessive thinking; making other people happy often leads to greater personal happiness, as we live in an interconnected web of reality.
Actively make other people happy, as this is a sure way to become happier yourself, recognizing that the well-being of those around you influences your own.
Engage in volunteer work, such as helping homeless people, to find a sense of meaning in life and experience increased happiness, as it gets you out of self-obsessive thinking.
Engage in small, friendly interactions with people you encounter daily (e.g., supermarket staff) to experience a boost in well-being and feel more connected to the world, even for just five minutes.
Spend time alone, ideally in nature and without your cell phone, for 30 minutes to an hour, to cultivate peace, restore balance, and reconnect with yourself and nature.
Find or create a specific ‘sacred space’ (e.g., a quiet corner at home, a favorite spot in a park, a local coffee shop) where you can go regularly to relax, be yourself, and enjoy moments of solitude.
Continuously check in with your body to gauge your energy levels; if you feel extremely tired from helping others, it’s a sign to prioritize self-care and nourish yourself to maintain balance.
Overcome the tendency for excessive self-reliance by practicing vulnerability and asking for help when you are struggling, as people are often willing to assist, and we are interdependent beings.
Listen to others with empathy, allowing them to feel heard and witnessed, as people often know their own answers but need a space to untangle their thoughts and discover them.
In relationships, especially long-term ones, interact with others as if it’s the first time you’ve met them, avoiding assumptions and judgments to foster genuine curiosity and new discoveries.
Do not ask what others have said about you, as people’s opinions often reflect their own experiences rather than an objective truth about you, and focusing on your own pure intentions is more important.
Recognize the impossibility of controlling how others think or what they say about you, as letting go of this desire frees you from significant psychological stress and struggle.
Instead of seeking external validation, become your own validator by writing down and celebrating all the wonderful things you’ve achieved over the years, recognizing your worth and contributions.
Send text messages to a ‘gratitude buddy’ or yourself whenever you feel grateful, creating a list to review when feeling down and fostering more gratitude in your life.
Actively seek out small, reliable sources of happiness in daily life, such as the smell of coffee or warmth of the sun, and intentionally engage with them repeatedly to cultivate contentment.
Regularly take pauses to slow down, which enables you to truly see and appreciate life as it unfolds, preventing it from passing by unnoticed and allowing you to enjoy the process.
Leave home five minutes earlier for work or appointments to create breathing space, reduce rushing, and allow yourself to relax during your commute, rather than mindlessly checking your phone.
To forgive, first try to understand the life experiences that led a person to behave in a hurtful way, as this understanding softens the heart and allows for release, rather than judging them as evil.
Walk as though your feet are kissing the earth, focusing on the process of walking itself rather than just the destination, to cultivate mindfulness, presence, and appreciation for the journey.
Avoid quickly concluding that things not going your way is inherently bad; maintain an open mind, as unexpected opportunities or different forms of happiness may arise from such experiences.