Mindful Happiness
Can mindfulness bring happiness? My answer to you is a definite yes. When we pay attention to the present moment and stop dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we will focus our awareness on the now. By practicing mindfulness, we start to acknowledge and accept feelings, thoughts, and emotions for what they are without judgement or criticism. Observing our mind will in turn allow us to be kind, compassionate, accepting, and forgiving to ourselves and others which will be beneficial at every aspect of our being.
When we are more mindful of what is going on in our lives, then we are able to focus on what is in our control so we can change it. We stop thinking about the circumstances that are outside of our control that will bring us misery and unhappiness. We will also stop looking for external success to make us happy. We realize that happiness can be created on the inside and that it is in our power to do better every time and every day to achieve excellence in our lives. It is not about getting it right every time or being perfect, but it is all about the small steps that we take on a daily basis to make us happy. After all research in the happiness field tells us that 40% of our happiness depends on the intentional activities that we have control over (Lykken, 1999; Killingsworth, 2016.)
Benefits of Mindful Happiness:
Deal with stressors more effectively
Experience positive emotions
Have loving happy fulfilling relationships
Be healthier and have more energy
Find a meaning and purpose in life
Emotional, mental, and spiritual fulfillment
Commit and achieve your life-long goals
Show skills and strength in coping with challenges
Earn more money and be successful in your career
Perform better at work and have high levels of productivity
References:- Lykken, D. (1999). Happiness: What studies on twins show us about nature, nurture, and the happiness set-point. New York, NY: Golden Books
Killingsworth, M. (2016). New research shows that mindfulness is the secret to happiness. Retrieved June 12, 2020 from
http://mrsmindfulness.com/ted-talk-happiness-is-mindfulness/
Raja Mishal, Ph.D. is a former Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University, and a former Clinical Director of the HLA Laboratory at Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dr. Raja was awarded several National and Provincial awards for her scientific research and publications. She surmounted numerous challenges including mental illness which made her realize that while genetics play an important role in our lives, it does not determine our fate and future if we choose to be happy and attain excellence. Today, she shares her passion, knowledge, and experience with others through her Happiness & Excellences Mentoring Programs which are offered in two languages, English, and Arabic.