Searching for Happiness? Try Living in the Moment

I believe true happiness must come from within. And in order to “make peace” within ourselves, we must try our best to live in the moment, every moment of the day.

Mastering the art of living in the moment takes courage. Having awareness of the fact that most of our thoughts are held captive in the past or anxiously awaiting the future is the first step to freedom.

How do we live in the moment?

By awakening to the present, clearing away our illusions or the “dust in our eyes” that cloud our ability to see what is real.

Here is one example: many of us try to seek help and relief from our problems outside of ourselves. We imagine that, “If only he/she would do that for me or say this or give me what I need…,” we would be happy.

The reality is that expectations are a set-up for disappointment. The more that we expect someone to do something (and inevitably they don’t deliver), the more we set ourselves up for frustration. The fact is that the expectation was only our own – and had nothing to do with the other person’s wishes or intent.

If we can live in the moment, we become more aware of these patterns within ourselves.

When one lives authentically in the moment, one becomes clear on how connected we all are. When we are mindful of our actions, we are better able to experience a joyful awakening to the interconnectedness of all beings in the world, not to mention the marvels that lie within our very selves, so that we may walk with buoyant steps as we proceed on our life’s journey.

When we live in this space, perspective becomes crystal clear. When someone says or does something that feels hurtful, it will no longer feel as hurtful, it just is. It is a comment or action taken by another without any judgment or meaning.

Imagine the peace and joy that would come with that belief and orientation to the world! After all, we were born into this world knowing nothing, experiencing our world, moment by moment. Along the way to adulthood, our experiences shaped our beliefs and it is our negative views that can get in the way of living mindfully.

Over a lifetime, we accumulate memories and experiences that can do one of two things. They can be a comfort to us and propel us on in this life with joyful expectation or they can hold us back and prevent us from achieving genuine happiness.

Why? Because we have the tendency to live in the past or the “what ifs” of the future. Instead, we need to focus on truly living… right here… and now.