How To Find Happiness in Turbulent Times

Those of us on a spiritual path often find ourselves in the midst of a moral crisis: do I help alleviate the suffering of others or the suffering in myself?

And before you think— I’m just trying to get back to good health, that’s not a spiritual practice— it most certainly is. The return to balanced wellness is ultimately harmony between ourselves, each other and source. (More on that later!)

But, easing another’s suffering doesn’t completely eradicate it in ourselves. If we do not have a proper foundation, giving from an empty cup is a house of cards.

Therefore, don’t feel guilty if this is you and you know that more of your time should be focused on yourself. If each person took care of himself, we’d have a perfect world. If more people did it, we’d at least have more to share.

1. Get Back to Optimal Health

It is the very foundation we often take for granted when we have no affliction and want want want, not realizing we should be grateful that our limbs even move. When you eat to feel well, you create harmony in the body. You’re not tired from junk food or the sugar crash. You have more energy and therefore, more to give.

2. Focus On The Little Things Alleviating suffering doesn’t have to be on a massive scale to matter. It can be as simple as holding open a door, letting someone go in traffic or appreciating when someone does this for you! The little things we do in our community ripple out and become bigger manifestations in the world. A kind gesture could stand between a content or violent child. A well timed ear could save a life. And the more time we get to free up in our own life, the more time we can dedicate to others.

3. Put it All in Perspective The healer does not try to actively change the world because he knows it will eventually change itself. With all our juxtaposing energies, he knows what’s down will be up, and out of chaos will come order. Worrying less is also huge factor in sustaining optimal health and collective moral/wellness. Focusing solely on what you can control is liberating.

4. Find Your Passion There’s no better way to see the glass as half full as when you’re working towards something you love. It’s cliche, but no less true, that passion yields momentum, and bunch of natural happy chemicals that flood you with optimism and inspiration. Often, it includes collaboration, which get you to meet a bunch of new people, potential friends and mentors. The challenge of doing something unique to you, boosts confidence and expresses your spirit to the world, giving a person a sense of belonging, influence and pleasure.