What to Consider When Considering Happiness

Last time we talked about changing our mindset and what we can do to help us with that intention. To continue this notion, I wanted to start with something easy, no radical changes, they rarely work, when it comes to changing our habits, we need small steps. So, like I’ve said, let’s start with something easy and accessible. Nature.

I know, I know, some of you will say “I live in a big city, I don’t have the time to travel to the great outdoors.” And you don’t have to. Find a park, a playground surrounded with trees, find a meadow, no matter how small. Admit it, you’re already envisioning that bench under that tree. 🙂 I said it before, I’ll say it again, I’ll be saying it forever – we are one with nature. It fuels us. Quite literally actually.

Have you ever heard of grounding? As kids, we always run barefoot, everywhere, you know why? Because it’s natural, it is one of our basic instincts. It does us good and it feels good. That is grounding, walking barefoot on the grass, dirt, natural ground. This connects us with earth. And this is not new, this is a thousand of years old concept, and not just in our culture. (Read more about it here) So basically, standing barefoot on the earth connects us to the earth’s electric charge and our body naturally absorbs this electricity which does good to our bodies and to our minds. This is also a way animals heal themselves, so if you have a pet, take it to the park, the beach, anywhere where it’s natural and while you’re at it, take off your shoes, grounding is good for both of you. So next time the anxiety and stress take over, go outside (huge bonus if you have a pet as animals also have this crazy positive effect on our wellbeing) and ground away. 🙂 There are grounding techniques for anxiety (check it here) but sometimes just breathing and connecting to the earth can be enough, maybe playing with your dog, maybe just walking and absorbing the environment. Whatever you decide to do, take it outside! 🙂

When we spend time in nature, we live the life we’re made for, the calmer life with the slower pace, so we automatically feel more relaxed when in nature. And more relaxations means less stress, more happiness, and that is the whole point, isn’t it? More happiness in our lives, living the best life, finding joy in life. (more on how to)

You can go for a walk, alone or with a friend, partner, pet, you can have a family picnic, you can have a romantic date, sitting barefoot on the banket, kissing (extremely satisfying, highly recommend it :)), if that doesn’t relax you and make you happy… it will. 🙂 And when you go out, don’t forget to bring your positive mindset, so no matter what you decide to do, ride a bike, run or just sit and soak it up, do it with an open, positive mind, do it mindfully. We’ll talk about mindfulness more, but for now, be present, remember, present and positive.

It would be best if you could do some nature living on a daily basis but I get it, sometimes life can be hectic and you simply cannot make the time, but if you can, even for a few minutes, even just to stand under that tree outside your apartment, do it, acknowledge its existence, the beauty near you. And if you have a yard with any kind of green surface, well, you my friend, are on top of the world. 🙂

But if there is no yard, no tree, and no time, at least try to make a good use of the weekend, call your favourite people, your favourite animal or just go alone, but go, take some time, as much as you can, it will do you good, I promise, make it a routine. Take a good book, even a bad one, (don’t take any kind of screen with you, it is an unnecessary distraction) and just sit on that bench we talked about in the beginning or if you like to move, go on a hiking trip, even better, movement is always better. We’ll also talk more about that, but for now, just find what makes you happy and go do it outside. Be polite, though. 🙂

But even if you just stop to smell the flowers, it is a lot, we never do that anymore. We have this winter lilac in front of our house, at the gates, and it brings me so much joy because it’s the only flower we have that blooms in the winter. So every time I come home from somewhere, I go to it and smell it. Yes, it might look a little strange in this day and age, but who cares, smell the flowers! 🙂 And what’s great, now my husband does it too and it makes me so happy to see him do it and enjoy it and there is so much happiness from this one small bush with tiny pink flowers on it.

Don’t forget it, nature brings joy and happiness. 🙂

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

– Gary Snider