Happiness.

I would like to share some thoughts on what it might mean to really change your moods.

 

An example might be when we feel pretty rotten one day and somebody comes to tell us to 'cheer up'.  Normally, if we really are upset about something, it can have the opposite effect.  It could make us angry or defensive or even more intent on being upset. Its not really a position of growth.

If, however, when we are feeling rotten somebody comes and asks us if we are ok; allows us to talk about what is making us feel rotten, and allow us to realise the place we are at without judging our mood; it can feel like a weight has been lifted and somehow our mood might elevate slightly or even greatly.  This could be more along the lines of growth.

Happier lives doesn't mean obliterating or forgetting the unhappier times, or denying we have challenging moments, it also doesn't mean we should focus so fully on it that we miss the beauty in our lives.  We need to treat ourselves in the same way as the person in the second example.  We should try to recognise our rough times, try to understand and release the problem rather than forcing the issue into a deep recess of our mental or physical make-up.   I hope that meditation can give you that space to be honest with yourself and allow you to grow.