Inner Peace and Happiness

the best path

We spent March in Chile. Our new home is warmer than I thought it would be. A few more seals to doors and windows should make it better.

How to be happy, always and all ways, is the great mirror. Only the ego argues for upsets. Be at cause for what you think because you can exercise choice only at this level. What you do comes from what you think. Choice is the first tool for personal growth and mindfulness.

Every decision and reaction comes from perception, which only functions from the ego. Knowledge or knowing is not part of the ego. I have practiced having nowhere to go and all day to get there. Being nowhere to go, on purpose, attracts attention. I've had to have an answer for the majority around me who ask how come, what for, etc. When I don't have an answer, my ego clicks in, and "boom," the argument begins. Consider that nothing is wrong or broken and nothing to worry about. Thought is all dream, illusion, and delusion. How much, if any, do I have control over? That is an ego question. Knowledge would never ask that. While the past only exists in thought or doesn't exist, it seems helpful in marking the path. Action, acting without expectation or intention, leaves me doing nothing or investigating inspiration. Inspiration, sourced by the small voice within, allows me to be at ease with the path and present to now.

What was the thought?

Every experience and every feeling begins with a thought: notice what is/was it? When I am present enough, 'is' delightful.

Surrender to What "Is." Recognize what is instead of what it isn't.

"Accept - then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it. Make it your friend and ally, not your enemy. This will miraculously transform your whole life." - Eckhart Tolle.

Acceptance brings peace and transformation.

Don't Believe Everything You Think. Thoughts cause our suffering. Notice what you are thinking. Find the silver lining or a different, more positive way of seeing this situation.

Be Grateful. Focus on everything that's going right. "50 Shades of Gratitude" is to write out 50 things you are grateful for. It's not an easy task. The first ten are easy, the next ten are harder, and so on. But each item on your gratitude list is a step to a more positive mindset.

Let Go of the Past. The past doesn't exist except in our minds as a thought. The body doesn't know the difference between what happened in the past and what's happening right now. It's all thought. Let go of your past and set yourself free.

Forgive and be free. Forgiving someone (or yourself) is another way to get to a place of inner peace and happiness. Forgiveness is NOT agreeing with, approving, or suggesting you are; just forgive.

What you think you want may not be what you want. It is just a thought. Sometimes, our minds are filled with fleeting desires or societal expectations that we mistake for our genuine aspirations. Take a step back, reflect, and discern what truly aligns with your values and brings you joy.

Get Clear about what you want. What would make your heart sing?

Write a list of everything you want in your life. Writing it down is very important. Once you've created your list of things you want in your life, please read it. Then, reread it. Then, read it every day. In addition, please print it. Make many copies and post them everywhere. Keep a folded piece of paper in your billfold or purse. When you put your hand in your pocket or purse, take it out and read it.

Keep it with you. Again, what you focus on expands. Is this true?

The idea that what you focus on expands is rooted in several scientific principles and psychological theories. Here are some key areas of science that support this:

Positive Psychology & Law of Attraction:

Studies in positive psychology show that people who focus on gratitude and positive outcomes experience more positive emotions and life satisfaction.

The Law of Attraction (though not scientifically proven) suggests that thoughts and emotions shape experiences by attracting similar energy.

Neuroscience – Reticular Activating System (RAS):

The RAS is a network of neurons in the brainstem that acts as a filter for information. It prioritizes what you focus on and brings more information to your awareness.

Example: If you decide to buy a red car, you suddenly start noticing red cars everywhere. Your focus directs your perception.

Psychology – Selective Attention & Confirmation Bias:

Selective Attention: The brain only processes a limited amount of information, so it filters out unimportant details and focuses on what aligns with your current thoughts or goals.

Confirmation Bias: Once you believe or expect something, your brain subconsciously looks for evidence to support it, reinforcing your focus.

Quantum Physics – Observer Effect:

The Observer Effect suggests that observing something can change its behavior in quantum mechanics. Some interpretations propose that consciousness influences reality, aligning with the idea that focused attention shapes experiences.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Thought Reframing:

CBT techniques show that changing focus from negative to positive thoughts can reshape emotions, behaviors, and life outcomes.

Science supports that your focus directs your attention, perception, and experiences. Whether through neuroscience, psychology, or even quantum physics, what you focus on expands.

Most importantly, enjoy the journey. Notice how often your ego wants anything other than happiness.