Let us welcome the new year with open arms and alet go of the negativity that holds us back. Only a heart bereft of pessimism can embrace happiness

Happiness is the one thing that everybody is seeking. People do find happiness but it is momentary; for couple of hours or days. True happiness is when you find inner stability and comfort. You know you are connected to something unimaginably bigger and that there is an unshakable power within you. Here are a few pointers to ensure that happiness simply wells up in you.

Health: In India, “swastha” refers to one who is established in oneself. A healthy person has a smile on the face, love in the heart and strength and vitality in the body. Seeing life with the eyes of wisdom makes negative emotions go away and you start smiling from the core of your being.

Attachments: These cause feverishness that take away peace of mind. You are in pieces and fall prey to misery. Your first step is directing your attachment to the Knowledge and the Divine. Your non-attachment to the mundane is your charm. Your attachment to the Divine is your beauty.

Problem: Five steps to solve a problem are as follows: 1) Accept the problem and see it as a challenge. 2) Know that the problem is not real. 3) Know that nature has provided you the solution even before giving you the problem. 4) If it concerns people, keep in touch with them instead of avoiding them. 5) Talk less and give time a chance.

Insecurity: How much time have you spent being insecure and gloomy? It builds up toxins in your body. Know that there are good people in the world who will come to your help. There is a power which will guide you and help you out. With this wisdom and understanding, get over your insecurity.

Negativity: This mindset needs a hook to hang on — this person or that thing. Negativity or aversion for even one person can guarantee a one-way ticket to hell — you need nothing else! Don't focus on the support of negativity; look at the seed. In a negative atmosphere, be like a drop of ghee and float.

Success: My parameter for success is an undying smile, a confidence that cannot be shaken and a fearless attitude. Take life not as a struggle but as a challenge; not as a suffering but a way to express the multitude of emotions.

Break through all the barriers and feel that you are Blessed. This is the one and only step you have to take — the rest will happen happily enough.

(The writer is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Spiritual Guru)

(www.artofliving.org)