Wouldn’t you like to be happy all the time? Who wouldn’t? The fact is, it’s possible. But, ah, like so many things, there’s a trick. The trick is that happiness does not come from things. “Oh, I know I’ll be happy if I can just get ________ (you fill this in): that promotion, a new car, win the lottery… oh, the list is endless! Those who have learned this secret of happiness attest that happiness is an attitude; it is a conscious choice; it is a deliberate act of will.

There’s a fun little book by Paramhansa Yogananda (author of the well known classic, “Autobiography of a Yogi”) and it’s titled How to Be Happy all the Time. The author writes, “To seek happiness outside ourselves is like trying to lasso a cloud. Happiness is not a thing: It is a state of mind. It must be lived. Neither worldly power nor money can ever capture happiness.”

One who discovers that true happiness is within lives like a king, whether in the sunshine of success or under the clouds of conflict. Some of the key points the author makes in the book include separating needs from wants; living within your means; sharing what you have with others, having a clear conscience; learning proper behavior and attitude; and much more! Happiness can be learned by the calm, steady, day-by-day practice of simple attitudes, affirmations, and techniques.

Omprakash Rider teaches classes on this subject (and others) at the Ananda Meditation Temple, 23305 Bothell Everett Highway in Bothell, down the street (north) from Country Village. Upcoming classes include How to Have Courage, Calmness & Confidence.  Call 425-806-3700 or visit www.AnandaBothell.org for more information.