#25 & #26: Life Secrets and Tips

I haven't shared life tips from High Existence in a while, so I thought I'd post about two today.

25. Read Zen and the Art of Happiness by Chris Prentiss. This book will give you the knowledge and instruction to be happy at all times, regardless of the circumstances. Yes this sounds like an oversimplification of happiness, but I assure you that this book will change you in an amazing way.

While I don't know anything about this book, I did some research online and it has some great reviews. I am always looking for new books to keep my mind fresh and my heart open (people wonder why I don't watch TV or prioritize movies.... I would MUCH rather read). This sounds like it definitely meets my qualifications. 

Here is an excerpt from Amazon: In Zen and the Art of Happiness, you will learn how to think and feel so that what you think and feel creates happiness and vibrancy in your life rather than gloominess or depression. You'll learn how to adapt to life's inevitable changes, how to deal with stress in a healthy way, and how to nurture a mindful happiness in your daily life. Most importantly, the gentle wisdom of Zen and the Art of Happiness will show you how to invite magnificent experiences into your life and create a personal philosophy that will sustain you through anything. A timeless work about the art of happiness, the way of happiness, the inner game of happiness.

Sounds fabulous to me! I think we could all use some tips about how to de-stress and how to rewire our thinking to ensure maximum vitality in our lives! The next tip...

26. Develop the ability to forgive. Forgiveness is something that most people fail miserably at even though it's so simple. Grudges only bring more misery to those who hold them and prevent good relations with the target. YOU make mistakes all of the time, so why not have mercy when others do? Remaining angry feels horrible, while forgiving someone brings a refreshing sensation to the mind and healing to the relationship.

Forgiveness is so healing, and until we truly practice it altruistically, it's impossible to really reap the benefits (peace of mind, light heart, clear conscious, abundant light). Our ego and our pride LOVE to get in the way of forgiveness. We like to feel like our emotions are justified and knowing that someone has wronged us (putting them in the "bad guy" position). Usually, when we want to withhold forgiveness from others, we are feeling badly about ourselves underneath all else. Whenever you are finding it difficult to let go of the actions or words of others, ask yourself what holding onto that weight is doing for you. Is it allowing you to be the victim? Validating being hurt? Making the other person wrong? Demanding attention from others? You will probably answer "yes" to all of those things. I have been there (strangling the possibility for love by withholding forgiveness) enough times to know. Sometimes for 10 minutes, sometimes for 10 years. It is so much lighter on the heart and mind to surrender our pride and to be ALL about love and acceptance. When you are honestly committed to those two things, there simply isn't any room in your being for grudges. Life is too short to cut people out for the things they may have done or said. Don't waste any time blaming your parents, holding a grudge against that friend, or wallowing in your hurt...because you will miss the beauty and possibility that await around every corner if you do. Be at peace. Treat yourself and others with love.