The Three Keys to a Happier Life

Have you ever wondered what you would need to enjoy a happier, more rewarding life? If you haven’t thought about this subject lately, don’t worry. You won’t have to go far to find an inexhaustible supply of answers. There’s no shortage of suggestions. Just open your favourite social media platform and scan the ads. It seems that every advert offers some kind of shortcut to happiness. But do they actually deliver on their promises? What do you really need to make your life a richer, happier experience?

If we could distil the wisdom of the ages into a simple formula that could help you live a happier, more fulfilling life, which principles would you include?

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

-      Buddha

The conclusion we can draw is that the ancient key to happiness can be summed up in a very simple principle: we need to give away the things we’re searching for. Does that surprise you? Let’s take a closer look.

Power is an interesting place to start.

History reminds us that the quest for power has dominated human affairs since the dawn of time. It’s an observation that’s as valid today as it was during the foundation of the first cities in the Fertile Crescent. There has always been an irresistible craving for power. The desire might appear in many different guises but civilisations have risen and fallen according to the rhythm of this fundamental drive.

It isn’t always obvious. Sometimes, the desire reveals itself in the more subtle expressions of manipulation and indirect control of others. Some people are adept at using guilt, withdrawal of approval and criticism as their tools of control. Whatever form the desire for power assumes, it’s a primal urge to control others. So, if you aspire to enjoy real power in the world, what should you do?

The answer might seem very strange to you. The secret is to give it away. That’s right. The more you give power to others, the happier you’ll feel. Our greatest challenge is to gain control over ourselves rather than seek to dominate others. You can assess an individual’s comfort with the reins of power by determining how willing they are to give it away.

Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, a happy occupation and freedom in all just pursuits.

-      Thomas Jefferson

This is far more than simply acknowledging the utility of delegating to others. It’s a personal declaration of your belief in the value of empowerment. By seeking to empower others, you empower yourself and you participate in the quest for a better world that everyone can share.

When we referred to three keys to a happier and more fulfilling life, you might’ve guessed that love was going to feature prominently in our list. The love, care and support of others provide a powerful source of deep-seated happiness, whereas the absence of love leaves a hole in our lives that casts a bleak shadow over the quality of our daily existence.

Yet, if you aspire to have more love in your life, the answer is to learn to give it away. This means offering unconditional love as a means of enriching the lives of others. It might seem like an unusual concept, especially within the context of our cultural norms. We’re more accustomed to trading our love and affection in return for something that we want in exchange. Unconditional love offers a route to an exceptional level of personal empowerment that can serve as a potent catalyst in the lives of others. 

I would want everyone to love someone in the purest sense of the word - an unconditional love in which you don't expect anything in return.

-      Michael Arden

The third secret to a happier and more empowered life touches on an aspect of the human condition that is rarely discussed. It refers to the presence of true greatness within the hearts of every individual.

If you aspire to true greatness in your life, the answer is to recognise this quality within yourself whilst endeavouring to recognise it in everyone you meet. It might not be appropriate to put your recognition of other’s greatness into words. But it will show in your attitude and in your behaviour. There’s a profound degree of natural respect in this powerful adjustment to your perspective. It offers a wealth of unexpected benefits. Both for you and for the ones whose lives you touch with your willingness to recognise the true greatness within them.

These three simple measures are the catalysts for a greater measure of personal happiness and a liberating sense of empowerment. The advantages will extend across every aspect of your life. Your actions will extend beyond your perception and touch other lives in a powerful and positive way. You can become the catalyst for positive change in your life and in the lives of all those whom you meet.

Make today the day when you open your life to new levels of happiness and make a commitment to help others share in the experience.

I remember my first visit with my guru. He had shown that he read my mind. So I looked at the grass and I thought, 'My god, he's going to know all the things I don't want people to know.' I was really embarrassed. Then I looked up and he was looking directly at me with unconditional love.

-      Ram Dass

Are you ready right now for a completely fresh approach to life’s great adventure? Get in touch with us today for a free session to discover how the growing global movement for personal growth, success, change and empowerment can enhance your life!

Greg Parry created The Wellness Foundation and the Cognitive Empowerment Programs specifically to help people master their stress, overcome their limitations and explore the power of their true potential.

You can contact Greg at:

greg.parry@thewellnessfoundation.eu