Introduction
The instinct to seek happiness is one of the most human feelings there is. At a very basic level, things like food, water, and other human needs give us pleasure. But once your basic needs are fulfilled, what will make you happy?
Many people have explored this idea, but the practical advice of a Buddhist monk stuck with me, and I decided to spread his message.
His Advice
- Look inside, not outside
The outside world will give you temporary pleasure, not true happiness. To be happy, you must look inside yourself and be content with who you are.
- Accept the realities of life
Whenever things do not go your way (and they won’t always go your way!), you have two choices: focus on the pain of misery or to focus on the lesson you have learned. If you learn and grow from your mistakes rather than focusing on what has already happened, you will be happier.
- Practice generosity
It is simple: give to others without expecting anything in return. Do good deeds because others have done good deeds for you.
- Forgive yourself and others
Do not hold on to the past. Not only forgive others for their mistakes, but perhaps more importantly, forgive yourself. If you beat yourself up about the errors of your past and fail to move on, you will never be happy.