As a child, we want to be understood and appreciated. As adults, we want to be understood and appreciated. As a society, we want to be understood and appreciated. As a person, we want to be understood. As a human living in a world that offers so much changing by the day, it is important to be open to the message of the great Indian yogi Paramahansa Yogananda.
Every day brings its own set of challenges. Whether you’re going through a difficult time, or just feeling a little blue, here are eight ways to appreciate life.
Thirty seconds later, I will be silent for a minute. It will be a moment of quiet reflection in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in France. It seems that sixty seconds is not enough time to find peace in such tragedy and chaos.
What happened in France is very timely. This came in the midst of a particularly intense period of self-examination and transition that I found unsettling.
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Hunting happiness
Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m looking for happiness. I was so busy with my quirkiness and paranoid pursuit of my own pleasure that I forgot to be present. I was so busy with my own mission to find and destroy everything I didn’t like in my life and in myself, that connecting to an inner world seemed impossible….. There was enough conflict in the world without me!
It got me thinking: When there is so much strife and sadness in the world, does my reflection on myself make sense?
All the effort I put into understanding myself and finding meaning in my life is, frankly, exhausting. This breeds resentment, which cannot be good in a world where terrorism is a real threat. The truth is that if we want to create harmony in the world, it has to start from within.
Inspiration from the Dalai Lama
In response to the terrorist attacks in Paris, the Dalai Lama said: Violence is the reaction of short-sighted and uncontrollable people. I am 81 years old and I believe that this problem cannot be solved by prayers or by government help. We need to start with the change at the individual level and then move on to our neighbors and society.
Inspired by the Dalai Lama’s quote, I came to a simple conclusion this morning: I need to appreciate life more and blame myself less. Therefore, starting today, I have made the following commitments to help me embrace and appreciate the life I have here and now, instead of constantly looking for something else.
Maybe you want to. Here are eight ways to help you enjoy life every day:
1. Always get out of bed with a positive attitude
Remember that every day is a gift. Every morning we have a new palette to paint with.
2. Do not drown in confusion and reflection
Reflection is useful, repeated over-analysis is not. Don’t try to understand everything, because you won’t always get the clarity you need.
3. Keep moving
Don’t just stand there. If you don’t know which way to go or what’s good for you, keep trying new things. Recognize that every experience is an opportunity for growth.
4. Appreciating the little things
Look for beauty every day. It’s there, and we often have to adapt to it.
5. Caring for each other
It’s not always about you. Take into account the interests of others and act in their best interests.
6. To love unconditionally
Love as much as you can, without expectations. Love without judgment.
Practice forgiveness and give the object of your affection the freedom to express itself in its own way and respond to you. Together you will learn to speak a new language that you have created.
7. Make your mom proud
Act with honor, humility and grace as often as you can.
8. Limitation and simplification
When difficulties arise, do not close yourself off or turn in on yourself. Lean into life – breathe it in. Choose to consciously simplify and soften when you feel like you’re having a bad time.
I hope you will adopt some of these ideas. What value do you place on life? Share it with us below!