Chapter 1: Understanding Happiness

When do you truly feel happy? I bet the answer aligns with when events unfold as you wish. But if this notion makes you uneasy, consider this follow-up: Reflect on a moment when things didn’t go as planned.

Where was your focus? Were you in control, quick to adapt, and able to gain new insights? Or did you feel lost, fixated on the past, lamenting the unfairness of the situation, and harboring frustration towards yourself and others? How long did it take you to emerge from that mindset? Days? Weeks? Or are you still clinging to it, bottling up emotions and reacting intensely to the slightest provocation?

It’s interesting how quickly we dismiss happy outcomes compared to those we perceive as negative. Is it that we feel a sense of entitlement to favorable results?

Holding on to unexpected events can send our minds into a tailspin, leading us to believe that overthinking will provide clarity. We find ourselves unable to sleep, eat, or focus on anything but the situation at hand. This shift in mood can alienate those around us, resulting in increased isolation.

This emotional turmoil feels like a persistent thorn. Many of us seek to numb the discomfort through substances, distractions, or the hope that time alone will heal our wounds.

If you've ever pondered how to quiet your restless mind or alleviate internal pain, know that you are not alone.

The pathway to liberation from this mental cycle lies in observing your inner drama and allowing these feelings to flow rather than suppress them. The key is to RELEASE.

You can achieve this by recognizing that your thoughts do not define you; they are simply experiences to acknowledge and feel. You can encounter these mental states without clinging to or resisting them. Cultivating awareness of your body and thoughts can help you slow down. Breathe deeply, adjust your posture, and the discomfort will dissipate.

Become an explorer of your thoughts. Witness them without becoming entangled, avoid fighting or hiding from them, and refrain from numbing yourself. Simply let things pass by maintaining awareness of your internal narrative.

Section 1.1: Practical Tools for Self-Reflection

Here are two practices to aid in your journey:

1. The next time you’re in distress, consider these four questions from Byron Katie:
   • “Is it true?”
   • “Can you absolutely know it is true?”
   • “How do you react when you believe that thought?”
   • “Who would you be without that thought?”
2. Additionally, reflect on Eckhart Tolle’s straightforward inquiry:
   • “Can you change the situation? If yes, take action. If not, let it go.”

Don’t take your thoughts too seriously. Challenge them and adopt a fresh perspective. Transform your thoughts, and you can transform your life.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Journey of Self-Discovery

Chapter 2: The Power of Inquiry

Hello, I’m Alina. I work as a coach and mentor, focusing on personal development, leadership, awareness, and the transformative potential of radical inquiry. If you're interested in receiving insightful content, consider joining my email list. For those seeking coaching, feel free to leave a comment.