Activity Number One

So, as per previous instructions, I realized that I should get started with my first activity that has been inspired from the book "The Art of Happiness".

Though I have only read the beginning few chapters, I have been inspired greatly by what I've read so far.  And I know I'll have many more posts this months about each new thing I'll be learning.

So, when deciding on an activity that I wanted to do, I was inspired by the idea of training the mind to be happy.  Now, the Dalai Lama states that when he says the "mind" what he truly is talking about is the entire essence of yourself as a human being.  So it's not just the physical mind but also the emotional and spiritual parts as well. 

So, how should I do this?  What should I do to train my mind to be happy?

Then I looked at the three things he states your mind should be trained to do to bring happiness to your life.  

1.)Practice compassion
2.)Appreciate what you have
3.)Asking yourself "Will this make me happy?"

So these three things will help me to train my mind to be happy. 

But how to train the mind? 

Then it hit me.  I'll try to use them everyday this week.  And I'll write them down when I do use them.

Seven days.  Each day writing down three things that I did or thought about that I was compassionate about.  That I appreciated what I have.  That I truly asked myself "Will this make me happy?" and answered that question.

So that's what I'm doing this week.  Technically I started this yesterday. So Sunday through Saturday I'm writing in my journal three different ways I've trained my mind during the day.  This will help me to be conscious of my thinking and actions, and realize how I could intergrate these lessons in happiness into my life.

I'm excited to see how this all turns out.  And I'll certainly let you know about it!