When we ask people about their wishes and desires, they reply: I want a car, I want a relationship, I want this or that. But if we dig deeper everyone wants to be happy. People believe that having a car, love, new sofa will give them happiness. This is true even for spiritual people who seek happiness through meditation, yoga classes, new age workshops, etc. The fact is we would prefer being happy under a bridge dressed in rags to being depressed in a wealthy mansion.

So, why do we need meditation, therapy, workshops or new love, furniture, Ferrari to be happy? Or better, why do we think we need those? The answer is both simple and not. Look at children or animals. They love life and are happy -- no techniques, no effort required. Have you ever observed a toddler learning to walk? Determined to continue trying until success, they fall and get up and try again -- again and again! Mostly young kids smile and are happy. Their crying spells are very short. They know naturally how to be happy. Why?

Young children and animals, unless made neurotic by adult humans, are naturally connected with the Force or with the Source. And this Energy is naturally happy -- called Ananda in Sanskrit. This Source Energy is eternally blissful. It eternally follows Its Bliss. It does not disconnect from being happy! So, the issue of being happy is not about getting something but about remembering who you really are!

I find the question of getting back to happiness really weird -- now that I have long forgotten those neurotic days of my youth. The method I recommend nowadays is mostly about creating enough space in your life to stop and relax and connect with your body and mind. Meditation can do it. Walking in a forest can do it. Or on a beach. Anything to give your mind a break -- a break from that mad rush to find happiness through acquisition of things, ideas, techniques, money. Being patient with oneself and remembering it is a process is also helpful.

We will discuss more during the class. Bring your questions, stories, ideas -- and your happy inner self. Outer, neurotic self will be welcomed as well and as it is -- no judgments, no assumptions. Play with your neighborhood toddler or your cat to prepare for this class.

May you be better and better always!

Copyright (c) Dr. Anatole Ruslanov