I am sure you think of “happy” as a very positive and wonderful word. Yet it can be an elusive concept when we try to explain what makes us happy – let alone how remain in that state.

In “The Art of Happiness” Dalai Lama uses this phrase to describe what lies behind happiness:

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
– Dalai Lama

And Sharon Salzberg, the author of many books including “Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation”, teaches us this about happiness:

“While happiness is an end in itself, it is also the state of mind we can have right now.”
― Sharon Salzberg

Now, while I will not comment much upon Dalai Lama and Sharon Salzberg’s quotes, I want to move your attention over to this quote by  Paramahansa Yogananda’s which I believe ties is together nicely:

“Learn to be calm and you will always be happy.”
– Paramahansa Yogananda

It will come as no surprise that I tell you that meditation is the vehicle by which you introduce more calm into your life, and thereby more happiness.

Being able to calm yourself in stressful situations, or calm yourself before the storm arrives, is priceless when it comes to living a happier life.

And all it takes is your commitment to sit down and meditate for 10 minutes per day. It gets easier day by day, and you get happier as a result – day by day.

I hope this gives you some inspiration to get started, or perhaps adds to your passion for meditation as a life changing skill.

What makes you happy? Please share your thoughts in a comment below!