What does happiness mean to You?
I think this definition is different for everyone, but today I want to draw attention to the topic of permanent happiness.
What does it have to do with yoga?
My observations and research show that this state depends on our state of mind and the feelings we cultivate and it has nothing to do with material things.
Recently my attention was caught by an article about research from Harvard on the happiness and health. It was emphasized that close relationships and social ties are necessary to achieve this state. They help our bodies feel satisfield and return to balance when something unpleasant happens to us. Today's society lacks the spirit of cooperation ,which is why loneliness is felt so much. We currently work longer hours and travel even longer to work or school, which means we have less time to make contact with others. More frequent watching of television or using a computer also contributes to social isolation. The development of the internet as a communication tool also plays an important role. Although it is supposed to help maintain contact with friends and family, it also reduces the need for face to face meetings in order to strengthen bonds.
People live so close to each other, they have so many neighbours and beautiful housing estates that are supposed to connect, but in fact apart from the everyday good morning's, we don't even know each other names not to mention the sense of community.
The next complement to happiness is to cultivate empathy and compassion. These are positive emotions that contribute to overall level of well-being and encourage finding peace. Empathy and compassion cause changes brain function that transform the way we perceive others. These changes cause us to relate to others based on what unites us, not what divides us. Studies show that higher levels of empathy make people more generous and ready to help.
Cultivating gratitude is also very helpful because then we notice ordinary activities in everyday life and do not chase after what seems to us to be missing.
So a sense of lasting happiness ensures stronger conections with other people and with ourselves. Increases our creativity and improves cognitive abilities. Above all our personal happiness has a positive impact on our family and society.
But I didn't mention the most important thing, that in order to achieve such a reality and future we should start to introduce changes with ourselves and our beautiful children's. For this purpose, appropriate education is needed, as well as popularization of methods that make happiness a realistic, achievable goal for everyone as a result of practice and mental training.
I really want our children to learn that true power, is to being helpful, compassionate, optimistic and full of hope. I believe that through yoga and meditation this is achievable.
Yoga is a tool that releases unnecessary emotions and short meditations helps to quieting the mind and listening to our hearts.
Thank you for your time.
Sending you lots of love
Magdalena Klimek
