4 Questions to Ask Yourself If You Are Seeking Happiness

For most of us, happiness continues to be illusive. Why is that?

Here are four questions to help you understand why.

The answers to these questions will help you overcome your blockages to happiness.

Why does thinking lead us to so much unhappiness?

Because…  In our thoughts, we are endlessly craving and never satisfied.

Besides, most of our thoughts are about the past or future. But the only time we can be happy is in the Present Moment.

The solution: Quiet the mind. Be still. Go within.


What is the alternative to excessive thinking?

Acceptance. Don’t judge. Don’t criticize. Just accept everybody and everything as being the way they’re supposed to be at this moment in time.


How can we let go of the power that the external world has over us?

You can't find happiness in the world around you, because the world is an ever-changing illusion. Because it is ever-changing, happiness in it is fleeting. That which brings you a sense of happiness today can be gone tomorrow.

Suffering exists because of our attachments to other people and the things of this world.

We fear that we might lose those external things, and when we do, it causes us enormous unhappiness.

Remember: you created the kind of world you see around you. Change what’s “in here” and the world “out there” will begin to change as a result. Why? Because you’ve changed your perceptions of the world.

Don’t be so attached to external things, people, events, or outcomes. Let go of your expectations.


What does it mean to “look within” or “go within”? How do we do this?

Instead of looking outward for guidance and confirmation from other people and your past experiences, focus your awareness within. During meditation, focus your awareness perhaps on the brow chakra or the heart. Focus on your breath. Let any thoughts that may arise during meditation pass through you without focusing on them.

And, when physically looking outward, simply watch and observe, without making mental commentary on what you see and without judging and criticizing. You are the witness to everything around you. You don’t have to be a participant in all of that drama.