3 Keys to Happiness

[Guest guest]

Three Keys To Happiness <br><br>By Vikas

Malkani<br><br><br>Life has a way of taking unexpected turns - of

throwing surprises at us when we least expect them. In

many ways, life does bring one down. When unplanned

and unexpected events come into our lives, they leave

us in a state of pain, grief, doubt, fear and

depression. <br>One feels the need for a strong and stable

foundation that one can depend on when life's river takes

unexpected turns. A simple formula is needed that can keep

us grounded on the path and pointed in the right

direction - that of flow, let go, forgiveness and

happiness.<br><br>Here is just such a simple solution, presented in the

form of three keys, that when remembered and

practiced, keep us going in the right direction and while we

walk the path, they also are the catalysts in bringing

happiness.<br><br>Key 1 - Keep Your Heart Free From Hatred<br><br>When

people, events and circumstances go against our wishes,

desires or expectations, they create reactions of anger

and frustration within us. These reactions are

natural and must not be denied or ignored - rather their

underlying reason must be seen and overcome - that of our

pre-decided ideas and expectations being

thwarted.<br><br>These emotions occur as a natural progression of

painful events and are fine as long as they are felt and

released. The problem lies when we cannot let-go of the

feelings and they tend to seep into our hearts where they

fester till treated. If such is the case, these negative

feelings tend to influence our way of thought, and

necessarily, of action and become an integral part of our

outlook towards life itself. Then everything with an

origination within us carrier the subtle flavour of these

very negative feelings.<br><br>The first secret of

happiness says that no matter what emotions we feel

temporarily, our hearts must remain free of hate.<br><br>Key 2

- Keep Our Mind Free From Worry<br><br>We worry

when our thoughts travel either to the future, or

linger in the past. Worry is a phenomenon which depletes

energy and divides attention - leaving us incapable of

giving our best to the moment before us. <br><br>The

only way to give a 100% of yourself to the task at

hand is to be totally present in the present moment

without thinking of what's gone by or what is still to

come - both cases where we have no say or control

anyway.<br><br>Performing the action totally and to the best of one's

ability brings back a positive result based on the law of

karma - "As you sow, so shall you reap" - a result

which would not be possible had we divided our inner

being with worry.<br><br>The second secret of happiness

is to always perform actions based on careful

thought and planning, but without worry.<br><br>Key 3 -

Give A Lot, Expect A Little<br><br>It is crucial for

our happiness to come to the realisation early in

life that it is our own expectations and pre-conceived

ideas and hopes, which when frustrated, cause most of

our pain and agony.<br><br>Once this understanding

has stabilised within us, we begin to live for the

moment, and within ourselves instead of seeking outward

or external reinforces for our self-esteem or

happiness.<br><br>It is not enough for us to be passive spectators of

our own life, we must also be willing to give and

share freely of our best qualities without waiting for

a similar return.<br><br>It is both wise and

practical to remember the advice of numerous spiritual

masters that "It is in the giving that we receive." The

free giving of your own self without strings attached

bring both peace and contentment in the long

run.<br><br>The third secret of happiness is to give a lot and

expect very little.