Instead of wishing you “a happy new year”, I want to wish you something else for 2012.

Happiness

As “happy new year” sound rings all around you, I would like to share a few thoughts that will help you to bring a bit more happiness to your life in this new year. One of the most important things to remember is that your happiness depends on your state of mind and your thoughts, feelings and emotions shapes the quality of your happiness or unhappiness in each experience. So, if you can develop a habit of looking back at your own thoughts, feelings and emotions when things hurt you or when you become unhappy, you can relieve your pain or unhappiness more easily. This will help you to have more happy moments each day.

Gift of peace

You might have received gifts from others as we celebrate the holidays and the New Year. It is nice to give gifts to others and receive gifts from others. How about giving a gift to yourself as a way of appreciating, accepting and respecting your own life? Give yourself the gift of peace. Out of twenty-four hours a day you can give yourself just five minutes as a gift of peace each day of this year. Make a habit of giving yourself the gift of peace five minutes a day. You will be surprised how good you feel to be still, quiet and let your body relax and mind slow down while taking each breath mindfully and be fully present in your life just for five minutes.

First thoughts of the day

Start the day with positive thoughts. When you wake up in the morning, as you open your eyes reconnect yourself with the world with a fresh, positive, creative, enthusiastic or happy thought. Some people wake up everyday to repeat negative, painful or unhappy thoughts from the previous day or days. Imagine yourself radiating rays of positive energy that will help you to attract good, happy and meaning people and experiences as you get out of bed and go out into the world. Set a tone for a good day by starting the day with positive thought and happy feelings. Remember, when you use your will and intention you will feel happy to do something small like this for you everyday.

Courage and commitment

I do not want to wish you a happy new year this time. But, I would like to wish you the courage and commitment to do these small things for yourself everyday so that you can earn your happiness in the year 2012. I am sure if you put your mind to it you can do that.

I am grateful

I feel a deep sense of Gratitude. I am thankful to all of you for being part of the great work we did in 2011. I send you my love and blessings and wish you inner peace, good health and spiritual wisdom.

May you be well and happy.

Bhante Y. Wimala