Maria Gonzalez Blog
Mindful Leadership

Here’s an Effective Way to Create Inner Peace & Happiness

Have you ever wondered what it takes to feel true inner peace and happiness?  I am referring to the kind of peace and happiness that arises independent of conditions.  What this means is that you have these positive feelings without having won the lottery, without having received a promotion, or without having obtained any material thing.  All day long, you just feel good for no reason.

If this seems illusive, it doesn’t have to be.   One of the most effective ways to create this state of being, is to live life in an altruistic way.  Altruism is merely the desire for other people to be happy.  And when you focus on expressing this kindness to others, incredible things happen.  Suddenly, out of nowhere, you gain a sense of peace and happiness.  It just naturally wells up inside.

You may wish to try an experiment.  See what it would be like to experience “altruism” for 24 hours.  And, you might be amazed.

If this speaks to you, for the next 24 hours, create an intention that you would like to positively impact the lives of everyone you encounter.  And then set out to do it.  When you are driving, let someone who wishes to enter your lane, go ahead of you.  Open the door for someone.  Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line.  Buy a homeless person a cup of soup.  Hold the elevator door open.  When someone comes to speak with you, just listen.  Don’t rush them or try to “fix” anything, just listen.

The key in all of this is that you are to expect nothing in return, not even a thank you.

And then periodically throughout the day, notice how you feel.  You may even wish to try it for more than a day.  Creating a habit of altruism is life transforming.  The reality is that even though you are not intending to benefit, you can’t help but benefit.  That’s just the way it works.

Matthieu Ricard spoke beautifully about this in a recent Ted Talk.

http://www.ted.com/talks/matthieu_ricard_how_to_let_altruism_be_your_guide?language=en