People seem to spend a lot of time looking for the meaning of life, or at least how to live a happier, more fulfilling life. It’s easy to try and find contentment in buying bigger, better, more expensive things, from cars and homes to watches and designer handbags. But just collecting more and more stuff doesn’t make you happy. It makes you frustrated and dissatisfied. The answer to fulfillment is much simpler. It’s within your deepest self.
Here are some tips from the master of personal development and spirituality, Deepak Chopra.
1 – Know Yourself
Fulfillment lies in knowing yourself – the good and the bad – and accepting it. You are so much more than your job or your house or your relationships. The innermost you is full of potential. All you have to do is look beyond the externals, beyond the ego to discover your true purpose and blossom into your best you.
2 – Tune Into Your Innermost You
Meditation is the easiest way to cut through the noise of everyday life and really listen to your innermost you. Meditation carves out space where you are detached from the bustle and demands of your day. Even better, developing a regular meditation practice will help you cultivate inner peace and a new calmness that stays with you even outside your meditation session.
3 – Choose Clarity
People who are content and fulfilled in their life don’t have illusions about finding happiness in possessions. They know and accept their true selves, their strengths and weaknesses.
You can cultivate clarity by meditating on the fundamental soul questions: Who am I? What do I want? Why am I here? Think of the times in your life when you felt happy, useful, and purposeful. Think of how you felt during the process rather than the outcome.
Keep a journal to write down all the insights that come to you during meditation. The clarity you gain from these insights will help guide you in taking aligned action.
4 – Live Mindfully
You can integrate your new clarity and awareness into your regular daily activities by choosing to practice one-pointed awareness. This is simply taking one activity, which can be anything from washing the dishes to brushing your teeth, and giving it your full, focused attention. Don’t let your attention drift, just stay in the present moment and observe every aspect of this activity.
This form of mindfulness meditation can have a powerful effect that helps to build your ‘present moment’ muscles.