How mindfulness meditation increases happiness

In today’s culture where busyness prevails, and may even be worn as a badge of honour, it’s all too easy to tell ourselves that we don’t have time for our own personal growth, mindfulness, meditation, or even for happiness. So many of us walk through our days in a trance of modern-day busyness, rushing from one task to another, rarely experiencing the beauty and richness of life. We live with an ache in our bones and our hearts, knowing that there is something more, but not quite sure how to access it.

So if you are here reading this blog because there is some part of you that believes life could feel better than it does, well done! Just being here is a great step! In this blog we’ll explore what real happiness is, and how mindfulness meditation can help you to feel happier, from the inside out.

Is wanting personal happiness selfish?

Regardless of our life circumstances, we all have the right, and the capacity, for happiness and fulfilment. Not the shiny new car or new I phone type of happiness, but the deep and enduring sense of happiness that fosters resilience, fulfilment and meaning in our lives. The type of happiness that acts like a container, holding our joy, our gratitude and our compassion. This vessel can also house our sadness, grief and sorrow in its safe confines. Allowing you to feel resilient, alive and aware, even amidst the challenges of modern-day life.

But I get it, with so much war, unrest, climate pressure and inequality within the world, it can feel selfish to take the time to experience greater happiness. It’s important to remember however, that the pursuit of happiness and fulfilment is not a selfish or indulgent act. It is quite the opposite. When we can cultivate this deep sense of happiness and well-being within us, we are more likely to contribute to our communities and to the world around us in positive ways. When we experience happiness and fulfill our hearts become open and abundant, we become less critical and more accepting. We become more present with those we love, more curious and compassionate towards the experiences of others. We feel inspired and energised to contribute in both small and large ways to our communities and to the world in which we live. We walk through our days with a sense of openness, creativity, and a generosity of mind and spirit that can touch those around us in far reaching ways.

What is the secret to happiness?

Throughout history, and across the globe, people have searched for happiness.  Explorers have sailed treacherous seas, pilgrims have walked hundreds of miles, monks and priests have commited to lives of solitude and silence. In today’s society people work long hours, tirelessly grinding away in the pursuit of happiness, convincing themselves that happiness is just around the next corner. 

Wisdom leaders from both the East and West, great poets and philosophers, neuroscientists, positive psychologists and global leaders, have all been curious about the idea of human happiness, for the conditions within which it grows, for how it feels in our minds, our bodies and our hearts. Amidst it all, there is one golden thread that ties all these theories and perspectives together. This golden thread, that happiness comes from presence, from awareness, from acceptance. Happiness comes from ‘doing’ less, and from ‘being’ more. 

Happiness is not a destination we arrive at when certain conditions are met, it is rather, an enduring quality we can grow deep within us through the acts of slowing down, cultivating present moment awareness, coming home to ourselves, and leaning into what is good, what is real, what is enduring in the world around us. 

Mindfulness meditation for happiness

Mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool for cultivating happiness, because when we practice mindful meditation, we slow down, rest in the present moment and experience the ‘being’ state. When we learn to come down from our thinking mind into our bodies, our breath and the present moment in meditation, it’s like we are strengthening our ‘being’ muscles. This means that when we are moving through our days, it will be easier to pause, take a break from striving and planning, and actually enjoy the life that is here right now.

When we cultivate our capacity for presence, for ‘being’ the ordinary moments feel more enjoyable. A walk with a friend, a warm cup of coffee, a perfect piece of fruit, a laugh with your child or a rewarding conversation at work. All these simple things feel more satisfying and contribute to our happiness because we have been present for them. 

Keen to try mindful meditation for happiness? Download the free happiness meditation here today, and learn first-hand how it feels to be happy today, not someday when …