Thought For Today

Friday, October 23, 2009

Happiness and a Lotus Life


image from google image search click on image for link (if I did it right)



Radiate Happiness



Have you ever noticed that happiness is not a dependency, it is a decision? You don't actually need anything to be happy. It's not something that comes from outside, it comes from inside, and when you radiate a happy energy you'll be amazed what it attracts into your life. Don't worry, be happy...sound familiar? Decide now, be happy, and watch magic begin to enter your life. http://www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk


Remember Things of Happiness


When you feel tired, remember things of happiness and you will regain strength. http://www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk

Lotus Life


The lotus is a symbol of purity. Its roots are in the mud, but the flower remains above dirty water. Live a lotus life. Be in the world, but unaffected by impurities. http://www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk/


For me, the last three thoughts for today fit together. The first one, Radiate Happiness, is so true. There are times when you are happy through and through, it just bubbles out. Nothing can go wrong, life is pure pleasure and joy. People want to be near you and interact with you. They leave with a smile and a more joyful heart. You walk down the street smiling that big wide Happy smile that comes from deep within. While you're walking you might be humming, singing, whistling, the happiness is so great. If you're sitting, you might be tapping your toes, your pencil, or bobbing your head to an inner Happy beat. All the sudden you notice that someone else is humming the same tune, smiling a little wider, walking a little lighter. The Happiness that you radiated touched others without even trying. The day itself is Lighter just because of your happiness. Just look around with open eyes and see how your Radiating Happiness attracted so much without you even trying! Amazing the power of Happiness!!



The second falls in with the first. We can change our mood instantly by looking for or thinking of Happy things, Happy Thoughts. On those dreary, cloudy, rainy, drizzly days, doesn't seeing the sun crack through or a rainbow appear bring instate smiles? Well on dark days when your mentally exhausted, just think Happy thoughts and before you know it, your heart is warmed and the color has come back into your spirit. OK so I hear some saying, "how can I think happy thoughts, I'm tired, it's dark?" and "well... it's downright nasty here inside me, there's no way happy thoughts can help; there aren't any happy thoughts.". I suggest reading the comics, look around and see if you can't find a smiling face, or remember a day when you were a child that made you smile: remember flying a kite, playing ball, giggling with your best friend... By the sheer act of trying to think of those good times from the past, soon your insides start to change a bit, that dark cloud lifts just a little, that bleak firm mouth starts to turn up a bit. Maybe you're not laughing on the outside, but a smile is creeping onto your face and into your heart. The sheer thought of Happiness, Happy Memories can bring out the sun on even the darkest days. Try it today and watch; feel and be the change in your life today.



OK so you can see the connection of the first two but the Lotus Life.... come on that doesn't fit here... Well I think it does. It brings forth the Purity and Lightness of the soul, of ourselves. Rooted deep, we can thrive above the muddy waters of life to live as the beautiful lotus. The roots run deep and hold firm brining nourishment and growth. We have a Soul, a Spirit deep within. It feeds us, holds us, and constantly invites us to grow. The pond, or waters of human kind are muddy and murky, difficult to see through at times. Have you ever felt that the world around you is trying to muddy you and take you over to a darker side? I know I have from time to time. Daily life can get overwhelming and threatening. So I fall back to my roots. It's there that we can each find and draw upon the strength and purity of the ages and rise above the murky waters of life to emerge a lotus of Purity and Light. It's not ignoring the day to day challenges of life, it's in realizing that that's just it, it's just a day to day, it's not eternity, and we can persevere and grow through it all. My Foundation and my Light are eternal. I draw upon my roots and find Strength and Hope to get me though to the Promise of Purity in the Light.


So how does this relate back to the first two? Happiness is part of how we make it through the muddy waters of life. By being happy, finding happiness, we Lighten our soul and bring Joy to our hearts. When the impurities of daily life bring you down, tire you out, think of your roots, think of Happiness. Remember the joy of a lollipop, the fun of chasing bubbles, the pleasure of burying your face into the soft fur of your favorite pet... soon there is blossom of joy inside ready to bloom. Life seems worth living and the Light of the sun brings Pure Joy, and a full heart and your Lotus shines Pure. The Beauty and Happiness that is in you Radiates around you and attracts Joy, Peace and Love.

May you Live a Lotus Life. May you Radiate Happiness. May you find the roots of Joy to lift you, nurture you through each day. May your Light Shine and Blossom bringing Purity of Life, of Spirit, of Joy for yourself and others. May Peace, Joy, Love and Light radiate Happiness in you, through, you and with you today and always. Love and Light, Nina P




20 comments:

Cloudhands said...

I know that people who don't live mindfully in happiness just don't quite get it. But, after a little practice it works like a charm. I have choosen to live a happy life and so I do. Being mindful is a bit of a strain at first, but the reward is Joy and it is fun in the learning.

Jill said...

Wow, Nina, I really really needed to read this today. It is cloudy and rainy here, both outside and inside. Just a yucky day, but I am now feeling lighter and brighter. I am filling my heart with happy thoughts and smiling from eart to ear. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Its like the mind has moods and therefore different bouts of weather. Some days its cloudy, somedays its rainy, and we usually enjoy the sunshine. However, true happiness can be found above the atmosphere and weather of the mind where one realizes that the sun is always out, day or night, and is perpetually shining.

Janice Lynne Lundy said...

Nina, I love the idea of a Lotus Life. This post offers such richness, so much to ponder. Layers of lusciousness. The notion of being very aware of what roots you, what your foundation is, and always returning to that is beautiful. Powerful! With that, we can weather anything.

And then the notion of attuning ourself to happiness, looking for, allowing our eyes to find it in the simplest of things. I''ve often referred to it as "sniffing out joy." Sometimes we just have to take a little sniff, and there it is. xoxo

cheatymoon said...

Oh I like this post very much. Always reach for what feels better. :-)

Unknown said...

Great thoughts on choosing happiness, and a fascinating comparison to the lotus. Long ago, the Christian writer Paul, sitting in prison, wrote "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation."
It's a secret anyone can learn. Sounds like you have. For others who might want a little help discovering that secret, you might find Journey to Joy helpful. See http://amzn.com/144218776X

miruspeg said...

Oh Nina I really needed to read this post tonight.
I have been feeling very "flat" all day and trying very hard to lift my spirits which worked for part of the time but I still felt drained.
I will print out this post as a reminder of the Lotus Life.
Bless you dear friend.
Hugs
Peggy xxx

Autumn Leaves said...

Such deep thoughts, Nina. Being one who runs on emotions (much like a car runs on gas), simply deciding to be happy has never been an easy task for me. If something bad happens I am plummeted into the depths of worry and despair. Your message is a good one and when I've been able to manage to do just what you prescribe, it truly is infectious!

Anonymous said...

You leave me speechless. The wish at the very end should be on a greeting card. If I received those words from a friend or loved one my heart would soar as it did today. :)

Unseen India Tours said...

Beautiful words and lovely shot !! Thanks for sharing Nina !!Unseen Rajasthan

Renee said...

Nina what an important post. I believe many things are a choice too.

Thank you for your important comment on abuse. I am thankful that no one has ever tried to crush me, and when I see that some friends are I can't even control myself.

My wednesday's women are always fiction but I hoped that maybe if someone was in this position they could see their way out of it and if they read your comment, I think that will help them even more.

Love Renee xoxo

Deann said...

Thank you for your cute poem comment on my post...your gift of words is endless.
Love and light to you Nina P.

Anonymous said...

Every day is a flower. You just have to look at yourself.

♥ Braja said...

I like those; think I'll go and join up to their daily email....

Nina said...

Thank you. You my friends give me happiness and strength. Through your visits and comments and my visits back with you. I've learned so many things and find so much Joy in knowing (Ok so maybe only in the blog world) each of you. Our souls meet and energy mixes to form new thoughts, new possibilities, new happiness. We are all part of the lotus reaching towards eternity. May you find happiness above the clouds where the eternal warmth of the sun is found. Blessings. Love and Light, Nina P

Sniffles and Smiles said...

I LOVE this...just so many gems packed in here...it's hard to know where to begin...and so I won't even try...I will just say that you are inspiring...and you have brought me big, big smiles today!!! Thank you for visiting, for leading me back to your beautiful space...for extending your hand of friendship!!! I reach in return...and send you hugs, Janine XX

Anonymous said...

Hi Nina!
Than you for visiting my blog today with such inspirational words.. It is people like you who bring love into the world that allows me to direct my love and shine outwards with my art.
Hugs, and wonderful write you have done..
Hugs, Darlene xo

Beth Niquette said...

Wow--you are so right. Happiness is a decision. It is up to each individual whether or not they're happy.

I learned that years ago as a newly wed. The most important thing to my husband is my happiness. And to be happy is MY choice. Anyone can pick out something during the day, or about one's family about which to be unhappy!

How amazing that we have the ability to choose to let the sunshine in!

Anonymous said...

Yes - we can choose to be happy, or not. We can nurture it or neglect it. It is no accident that the lotus is the symbol of the Buddha. When I see a lotus, I think of its many petals - the many paths to happiness and enlightenment. Also the many layers of the soul and reality.

Anonymous said...

That is a lovely post Nina and words of truth echo within.
Sometimes it's easier said than done though *sigh*
*whispers* feel free to give me kick up the bum!