HAPPINESS

(Based on a presentation by Melinda Conner at the 2016 Healing Touch Worldwide Conference)

What is happiness?

• a biochemical reaction to a physical or emotional stimulus (wait – this doesn’t sound too exciting!)

• a change in individual perception – it IS a CHOICE

• an opportunity for a new experience

• an art – we can develop skill in happiness with practice

Why be happy?

• It feels really good.

• It changes relationships in a positive way.

• Happy people live longer.

Are you happy?

• If the answer is “Yes, but . . .” this means there is room for changes to bring more happiness.

All these increase happiness:

• Some love connection – spouse, romantic partner, close friends, close family

• Compassion without boundaries

• Some level of honor

• Service to the community of the earth as a whole

• Spirituality – the brain is hardwired for it!

• NOTE: Money is NOT on the list

Things you can do every day to increase happiness:

• Stretching, exercise, movement or dance

• Trying something new

• Feeling you did something well

• Loving someone (human &/or animal)

• Honorable action

• Altruistic action for family, community or earth

• Regular spirituality, whether meditation, prayer, quiet contemplation, spiritual reading or singing, mindful walking

Give it a try, you have nothing to lose but sadness, anger, depression or despair, and so much to gain.