Happiness is a skill you can learn

In a world that often seems chaotic, maintaining happiness atop life’s messiness is important. Many view happiness as a byproduct of external factors, attaching themselves to circumstances and expecting others to fill the void. However, this leads to nothing but disappointments.?

Let’s come together without further ado and explore the idea that happiness is a cultivable skill, not merely a stroke of luck, as illustrated through the lens of Yasmin Mogahed’s inspiring book, “Reclaim your heart ”.

Happiness is your perspective journey?

It is beautifully described in the book how happiness is considered a myth nowadays. It is not genetics, emotions or the perfect circumstances. Instead, happiness is a conscious journey guided by choices that are aligned with our hearts, embracing both small and big sources of joy. Many struggle to find what makes them happy. The key lies in digging a little deeper through commitment, self-discovery, gratitude practice, and hope.

Placing external circumstances above oneself means surrendering the right to freedom to someone else. When they don't fulfil it, it breaks our heart. Mogahed encapsulates this beautifully in her book:

“However the problem wasn't with the vase, or even that the vases kept breaking. The problem was that I kept putting them on the edges of tables.”

― Reclaim Your Heart by Yasmin Mogahed

In this vase metaphor, Mogahed symbolises it as emotional well-being. It’s important to be mindful of where to invest your energy. The breakage signifies that a decision must be made with intention, not impulsivity. After all, our decisions and choices shape our emotional well-being.?

It is essential to understand and reclaim your heart to achieve happiness. Allowing external factors to dictate your emotional well-being is preposterous. It is high time to take the power back, embrace what brings you joy, and gather the strength to shape your happiness independently.?

Let’s reclaim happiness; one skilful move at a time

Every human beats a heart that biologically pumps, yet emotionally serves as a seat of many emotions, desires, pleasures, and needs. Perspective plays a big role; if you shift your focus from fleeting emotions to inner peace you'll notice that happiness isn’t merely about emotions such as excitement and fun momentarily. It holds a deeper meaning - a sense of commitment, and purpose aligned with your virtues. A fulfilled heart sends a powerful message; pursue personal growth, nurture valuable relations, connect with your spirituality, and maintain hope.?

Untangling from negativity?

The makeup of “Full heart” becomes possible only when the negativity is completely removed from the picture. Negativity manifests in various forms - envy, comparison, jealousy, and low self-esteem - all of which constrict our potential for happiness.?

According to this inspiring book, cultivating a “Full heart” involves practices such as gratitude, empowering personal growth, random acts of kindness, releasing resentment, mindfulness, journaling, untangling from the trap of apathy, and seeking vibrant comfort zones that allow our hearts to flourish. This is how we maximise happiness and minimise negativity.

Practising gratitude?

The easiest way to master the skill of happiness is through gratitude, transforming our perception of life. Gratitude is a powerful practice that nurtures our mental health, guiding us to find happiness and appreciation for what we have rather than crying over what we lack. Contentment is achieved by appreciating the present moment, regardless of external circumstances.?

The biggest lesson from this inspiring book is the significance of the present moment. Cultivating a mindful mentality and embracing whatever comes our way is where we experience profound happiness, irrespective of external factors.

At times, circumstances may seem odd, but we know that every dusk ends with dawn, and even dusk holds its own beauty. It’s up to you how you perceive it.?

The power of connections?

While being self-reliant is essential, happiness is not a solo venture. Humans are delicately woven into fabrics of human connections, precisely defining who we are. Family, parents, siblings, friends, and partners - all these connections replace our negative emotions with joy. Valuing our relationships contributes to personal growth and allows people to experience happiness together. In the book, Mogahed highlights the importance of being vulnerable, transparent, and genuine with loved ones, so promoting emotional authenticity instead of wearing fake masks. As delicate beings, having someone honest and real by our side is a basic need, leading to a positive and supportive social environment.?

Conversely, being mindful of the people around you is crucial. Not everyone is there for your well-being. Unhealthy attachments can damage not only your journey to happiness but also your overall mental well-being. Therefore, detachment from what is not beneficial for your mind and heart is the best way to embrace happiness .?

Self-awareness and acceptance

Self-awareness and acceptance are important parts of a happiness skill set.? Only by being aware of our hearts can we address negative patterns, allowing us to seize every opportunity for self-growth. This book serves as a call to action, empowering us to write our own stories, paint our canvases with beautiful colours, and accept ourselves free from negativity and self-doubt. Through self-reflection, we can familiarise ourselves with vulnerability, enhancing our capacity for happiness.

Patience and Resilience?

Acknowledging that life is full of challenges and setbacks, what truly shapes our aura is how we respond to them. Patience and resilience are integral to the pursuit of happiness . The more patient and resilient you are, the quicker you can bounce back from downfalls and more gratitude you cultivate for emerging stronger. This mindset fosters inner peace and, ultimately, happiness even in the face of adversity.

Summary

In this blog, we have explored that happiness, like any other skill, is something we strive to learn and master. To make a healthy and happy life possible, a crucial skill to embrace and learn is happiness. The tips mentioned above enable us to rewrite our narratives, shifting our focus from meaningless things to meaningful results.?

Always remember that happiness is not a given or gifted power; It is a learned skill.

With the practical insights of Yasmin Mogahed’s book, we are empowered to take control of our emotional well-being. Happiness, dear readers, is not a destination but a journey that, with the right skills, you can gracefully navigate. For more beautiful insights, must read the book, “Reclaim Your Heart ” by Yasmin Mogahed.

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