Randy Taran, Founder & CEO of Project Happiness, producer of the award-winning Documentary and author of the book Project Happiness, talks about ways to be happier with small changes that yield big results. Below is a post from her Alphabet of Happiness, exploring happiness expanders from A-Z.
No matter what obstacles appear, happiness, in one form or another, can always be accessed, from the inside. The good news is that the more we train our brains to recognize happiness triggers, the more we become attuned to the good feelings they evoke. Today, let's look through the alphabet to the letter "I", to focus on intuition, intention and one of my personal favorites, inspiration.
Intuition
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. -- Steve Jobs
We all have it. Intuition comes knocking in many ways - it might be in the morning shower, while going for an evening run, or it could appear out of the blue in the strangest of places. When going to sleep you could ask yourself a question that is on your mind, and wake up with a brilliant answer that you had no access to before. The message can be faint and fleeting, like a whisper. Or the message can be loud, like a gut feeling that won't let go. When you just know something is right against all odds or when you have a feeling in the pit of your stomach that someone is two-faced, trust it. Trust your gut, and trust the flashes of insight it's offering you. You know on a deep level what is right. A word of caution -It's easy to talk ourselves out of considering the intuition and moving back to "data that is logical." The antidote is to recognize our intuition and give it some respect! Don't judge it - let it speak - the details will come later. Intuition is your inner wisdom peaking through the layers of mind chatter. The more you listen to your intuition, the wider the path you open for it to show up. Allow yourself the mental stillness that intuition loves, so it can guide you to your next steps. The answers and the clues are inside of you.
Intention
Our intention creates our reality. -- Wayne Dyer
Intention is more than a hope, and it is different than a desire. Intention has focus and clarity of purpose behind it. When you intend to do something, you have made a decision. You have set your mind to see something through from an abstract idea to the concrete outcome in the light of day. It often involves repeated efforts, which are part of what it takes to progress: in music, sports or any domain. Intention is a foundation that drives forward motion.
Another key ingredient of intention is that it has to be important to you on a personal level. What is an intention that speaks to you right now? It could be about your own inner development, or it could be around how you relate to others. It could be about goals in the outer world, or it could be to be a part of a cause that you find meaningful. Declaring your intention helps you mobilize your attention, energy, resources and passions. Be aware of the power of intention - you are moving forward!
Inspiration
An artist's duty is rather to stay open-minded and in a state where he can receive information and inspiration. You always have to be ready for that little artistic Epiphany. ~ Nick Cave
Inspiration is like a flame that is lit from within. No one can dictate what inspires you -- it is personal. There are as many sources of inspiration as there are people, but some in particular stand out. Are you be inspired by music, by nature, by brilliance, by beauty? Or is it great food, stunning architecture, or the unconditional love from a pet? Many experience inspiration from a moving speech, acts of kindness, or by just noticing what is present. Inspiration can be accessed by the stillness within, or by the vastness of the galaxies. The truth is that inspiration is everywhere from the most familiar situations found in everyday life to the feeling of awe experienced when connecting to something extraordinary. Each source of inspiration acts as a pathway that connects us to the best within ourselves. We all have the power to inspire. By acting on inspiration, we enliven ourselves, as well as impact others. When we are inspired by others, it's a message that a like-minded part of ourselves is preparing to emerge. Inspiration is an interconnected dance that brings us all back into communion with our true essential natures. What or who causes you to feel inspired?
What are some other "I's" that bring you to your happiness? What part of you is waiting to emerge?
For more by Randy Taran, click here.
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