5 Ways to Find Happiness, Peace & Purpose in a Broken World - Rachel Devine
Life can often feel busy, stressful and chaotic. On certain days, life can go in many directions, often finding yourself in a multitasking environment. With so many responsibilities and worries, it can be difficult to feel truly content, peaceful and happy on the inside. Chaos seems to be more of the order of the day, than calm. We come to a point where our life morphs from each moment, to an hour, to a day, to months and then years and before long when we look back we don’t see much meaning rather than our daily routine. However, there are many effective ways to cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and calmness in your daily life.
Live in the Present
One of the most important keys to happiness is to live more fully in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Practice mindfulness by paying attention to the sights, sounds, sensations, and emotions you are experiencing right now. Studies show that mindfulness can reduce anxiety, improve focus and heighten enjoyment of life's little pleasures.
Set aside 10 minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breathing. When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the present. You may be surprised at how calm, clear and refreshed this makes you feel. Sitting quietly for 10 minutes can rejuevenate your whole day with peace.
Find Purpose and Meaning
Finding purpose and meaning is extremely rewarding. Identify causes, hobbies or volunteering opportunities that excite you and allow you to use your talents to make a difference in the world. Seeing how you positively impact others will give you a sense of significance. Whatever you love doing can be transformed to your purpose in life, as long as it benefits mankind in some way.
Look for meaning in small acts too - creating a beautiful meal for your family, playing a board game with your kids, or brightening a co-worker's day with a compliment. Even simple connections with family or friends can instill a sense of purpose.
One of my favorite quotes is from Harold Kushner.
“Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter, so that the world will be at least a little bit different for our having passed through it.”
You can also take, What’s my Purpose in Life Quiz? This quiz will help you determine your purpose in life.
Take Care of Your Body
Our physical health and mood are intricately connected. Make taking care of your body a priority. Try to eat a balanced, nutritious diet, drink enough water, get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly and exercise regularly. Consider adding mind-body practices like yoga, which lowers stress and induces calm. dWhen your physical health improves, your happiness does too.
Cultivate Gratitude
Practicing gratitude transforms pessimism into optimism and reminds you of the blessings in your life. You may adapt a more positive outlook. Make a daily list of at least five things you are grateful for - from your family to your pet canary to clean drinking water. Express thankfulness and appreciation to others often. Also, express that appreciation to others, by simply saying, thank you. This simple act keeps you focused on the bright side of life. A study from the Mayo Clinic on gratitude show positive results to our mental and physical wellness.
Meditation Practice
Daily meditation helps train your mind to tune into inner peace. Find a quiet space, get comfortable and close your eyes. Focus on your inhales and exhales for 10 minutes - if your mind wanders, gently return focus to your breath. Picture yourself in a place that makes you feel happy and just rest in this place for a few minutes. You have the choose to make meditation as deep as you want or as simple as you want. With regular practice, meditation reduces anxiety and negative self-talk while boosting self-awareness and attention. Meditation connects you to an inner core of calm and serenity that you can access anytime.
In conclusion, by intentionally living in the present, finding deeper meaning in your activities, taking care of your health, cultivating an attitude of gratitude and meditating, you can unlock sustainable happiness and inner peace. The daily habits that nurture your spiritual, mental and physical well-being will allow you to weather life's ups and downs with optimism, joy and tranquility.
Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.
Please leave your comments or contact me with any questions.