You Owe It To Yourself and Those Around You to Be Happy

In the stillness of the studio space this week, I heard my yoga teacher's gentle voice calling us to prepare for practice. "Breath is like a sponge wiping the mind clean. Listen to its flow and wipe away the cobwebs of winter." I was touched by the simplicity of that statement while pondering later its depth. A balance was being established in the stillness. Noise from the outside was removed. Sounds of waves upon the shore energized the breath. A collective energy rose and from the solitary space of the mat, I was moved to engage. There was balance and a euphoric feeling in the studio.

As the world celebrates the first day of Spring and International Happiness Day, I am reminded that the yoga experience encourages practitioners to carry moments of calm, restorative peace from the mat to off-the-mat realities. Mindful that the spirit of positivity and well-being have lasting effects on changing cultures, practices, and the tone of conversations, I applaud the United Nations' resolution to "recognize the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals..." 

While believing that happiness is the limitless joy of having mind, body, and spirit connectedness, I know that this state is one to be attained through conscious efforts. A 2013 study by UCLA and University of North Carolina researchers noted that a specific kind of happiness has a powerful effect on our health. It is an unselfish happiness that involves a purpose in life. So, today, when I saw that the PFWChat community, led by Katia Miller, would be discussing "The Pursuit of Happiness," I was drawn to the conversation. A quote by Gandhi tweeted out during the chat resonated with me. "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." Positivity helps achieve personal balance and affect others. Why not reflect upon the essence of this statement as we finish our tasks for today? Let your stillness in the moment bring happiness and a reflective spirit that will quiet the outside noises. 

You owe it to yourself to be happy!

Let your positive energy touch those around you

and bring them a sense of peace as well. 

Take a moment to listen to Pharrell Williams' infectious Happy Music Video to spread the Happiness Vibe. http://youtu.be/y6Sxv-sUYtM