Happiness is a Decision

“Happiness is a choice”, a man announced with a big phoney smile at a round-table discussion during a

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

seminar.  “You just have to decide you want to be happy.”  Who was this arrogant know-it-all…this boring “polished suit” who represented the epitome of an insensitive heart full of soul- attacking platitudes?

What about a mother dealing with a child facing the end of its life.  What about people held prisoner in a foreign country with no sign of another soul knowing they were missing?  Or people facing their own death or grieving the death of their beloved?

‘I’ll make a decision,” I thought. “I’ll steer clear of you for the rest of this conference!”

That was over thirty years ago. Soon after the conference, my life included an unwelcome turn.  I felt flushed into a quagmire of misery.  The happiness claim haunted me like a case of silent reflux   I laughed at it.  I wrestled it.  I tried it, only to end up pooh-poohing its ability to offer any comfort.

There were even times, in a state of frustration, when I actually suggested others try it.

Thankfully my soul had known there was a nub of truth resting in his claim.  I wasn’t able to ignore it.  I learned that happiness really is a decision.  Perhaps if this profound insight had come in different packaging or tones, it may have been more acceptable at that time.  However, in spite of my desire to judge the man and ignore the gem, his bold claim had hooked me.

Over time, I’ve learned to observe myself with a view to catch my self-talk.  Discovering the amount of negativity hidden in the folds of my inner prattle has been daunting.  With patience that could only come from some Divine Form, I’ve been able to realize the layers and depth of negativity.  My “aha” moments have come in manageable downloads.  Divine Source has loved me into seeing the teachers who appear with perfectly customized teachings and impeccable timing.

And it continues.  When the dark strikes now, I know it will pass.  Thanks to life, different teachings and patient people, I’ve discovered – even in the darkest moments – I will not be consumed by negativity.   It will not last.  How did I get there?

Here’s what I do outside of meditation – whenever needed: 

Observe my thoughts and words.  With each discovery of negativity (there’s many!), I stop the thought or comment.  When I have time alone, I recall or do something that gives, or has given, great joy.  I hang on to those joyful feelings for 17 seconds which gives Source a chance to download positive energy into my being.  Why 17 seconds?  I don’t know.  But I hold it and I can feel a shift.  I scan my list of joyful stuff in my life and FEEL those joyous feelings for 68 seconds.  Why 68 seconds?  I don’t know.  I just follow the instructions given by a teacher – in this case, Esther Hicks.   Then I watch.  Amazing things happen – a transformation from negativity.

I experience less negativity all the time in my life though I hold no delusions of being cured!

In addition to immediate weeding of negativity, I meditate routinely.  My technique continuously changes.  It began with a busy brain that revisited every unwanted issue in my life and, after time, has matured into a quiet, silent, breathing time – frequently with my Beloveds.  I chose my technique according to my feelings and surroundings – sitting, walking, puttering, etc.  One teacher would not give me a lesson with my cat present.  Today, he frequently joins me.  He folds himself into my yogic lap, purrs as he blinks sleepy, adoring and contented golden eyes, then falls into a deep sleep that continues for 6 or 7 hours.

We both receive healing energy into every cell of our bodies.

I recently learned an amazing statistic:  Only 1% of our population knows about this simple technique.  It’s NOT a secret.  It’s simply too simple to be believed.  Some of the 1% were born doing this – without ever being taught.  They have always manifested whatever they want.  Simple as that.  They know about Love and call Source, the Universe, God by a name that removes barriers.  They quietly bypass religious tenants that serve to control the masses instead of passing on a legacy taught by many great Masters that was meant for each of us.

I live to emulate this default of happiness.  It’s a forever job.  It’s funny though.  A happy person can really bug a lot of people.  So I will warn you:  If you practice this and see an amazing number of your dreams come into fruition, people will notice.  You may be attacked – boldly and subtly.  You may be called ‘unauthentic’ or phoney.  You might be seen as unrealistic.  You may be envied and put down.  In other words, negative people will be repelled.  Sometimes their reaction stings until you remember that life’s purpose can only be fulfilled within a state of positive frequency.  A positive state can only expand – so you’ll be given many reasons to remember its value.

There’s no need to justify, explain or defend.  Let your life be the evidence.

You’ll also find yourself walking away from gossip.  You’ll want to build, develop, support, and perpetuate positive efforts instead of criticise, condemn, reduce, denigrate or reject them.  You’ll find yourself with a new desire for goodness that carries great impact.  You’ll find goodness happens, words come, clarity appears without effort.  You’ll learn how effort is a sign of negativity being present.

In summation, this means the man at the conference is actually one of my best teachers.  His seemingly crass attitude and brash words kick-started a significant journey.  I apologize now for laughing at his polished suit.  I simply didn’t know how much my own patina needed tending.  Thank goodness my soul did!

Happiness – accepting ‘being’ AND knowing there’s more ‘becoming’.