Happiness and the Now

On the occasion of Swami Sivamurti's inspiring words, we came across a very interesting Harvard study on happiness. The researchers estimated that we spend about 47% of our day thinking about things that are irrelevant to the activity we are doing at that moment.The research goes on to state that this tendency of the mind to wander all the time is the main factor of unhappiness in humans.In fact, how often our mind leaves the present and where it tends to wander has far more influence on our happiness index than the activities we engage in.The research concludes that mind wandering is one of the main causes, not consequences, of unhappiness.

At a time when we strive at all costs to create the ideal external conditions for ourselves, (or when mental hyperactivity is considered a virtue) it helps to remember that happiness lies more in connecting with the now, and less in what is ultimately contained in it.

Yoga has the transformative nature that established and sustained it as a science for thousands of years when it begins to be applied to everyday life. Beyond its wonderful by-products (healthy body, calm mind, etc.) it primarily gives us a vast array of tools to expand our awareness of each moment. The key lies in observation... Let this observation be our exercise for the summer. Observation can be made on the body (posture, temperature, heartbeat...), on the way we breathe or on the stimuli we take in at any given moment (sounds, images, smells).It's not the tool that matters, but the essence behind it.

This incessant connection with the moment brings out a source of vitality, peace and joy. This is ultimately the ultimate practice of Yoga.

Let's pause, take a breath and feel ourselves. Let's erase any resistance and see/appreciate what is there. Let's make the Now the primary focus of our lives. The key to happiness is held in the present moment.

Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it. Make it your friend and ally, not your enemy. This will transform your whole life, miraculously.

 E. Tolle