More Ways to Find Happiness in a Recession

Following up on my Happiness in a Recession post in Monday's Kona Yoga newsletter, I'd like to reiterate the first five items introduced by Kimberly Palmer in bold, my comments follow:

1. Take Care of Yourself. Remember FAA in-flight instructions: put the oxygen mask over your face first and then help the person next to you.

2. Become More Charitable. Generosity can outweigh a sense of impoverishment.

3. Spend more time and money on enjoyable activities. Drop the should do's, have to's and must do's and opt for the want to's. Do what you want, not what's in fashion. Perhaps even consider working less?  "Treating the Blues Could Save the Planet".

4. Invest in relationships. Spend less time in relationships that tax and drain your energy and spend time with people who make you feel good (the ones who do #1 well and efficiently).

5. Focus on what you're grateful for. This may just be the most powerful. In the grand scheme of life, we are still so fortunate and blessed. Whatever you focus on, you get more of: it's your choice.

My additions:

6. Declutter: Make Room for More.

In the practice of Feng Shui, the flow of unimpeded energy, or chi, is the main goal.  Whether you are dealing with physical, mental or emotional energy, clutter blocks the flow. A Feng Shui consultant will often refer to a map in order to locate areas of your home which represent the different aspects of your life. Get rid of what's broken, not used or unwanted. You'll be surprised at what flows into fill the space. It's all about energy.

7. Learn Something New.

Learn a new language. Learn to tango. Try baking bread. Improve your reading or writing skills. Learn to sew. Some things might help you to save money, make you more valuable to a potential employer or open the door to something completely new and lucrative. Read what folks who were recently hired have to say about it.

8. Foster Creativity

Novelist Edith Wharton wrote, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” When the majority of people are looking around them and describing what's not working, the truly creative optimists will be looking the other way. Consider different points of view through such methods as Six Thinking Hats.

9. Regroup and Recoup

All your power exists in the present so drop the finger-pointing and blame-seeking. Driving forward while looking in the rear view mirror is hazardous! Affirm "something really good is going to happen as a result of this situation" and feel the excitement in your words. After a disaster, would you rather be looking for survivors or casualties? Look for that which pulls you forward.

10. Examine Your Beliefs

Some of the tell-tale words are "always", "every time" and "never". "I always end up on the losing side" and "I always rise to the occasion" are both beliefs, but on opposite ends of the stick. Your habitual thoughts can serve or enslave you. Decluttering works here too.

 What are your thoughts or experiences. Have you found other ways to be happy in the state of Doom & Gloom?

Photo: Mare.Bow