There’s a profound difference between fleeting joy and lasting happiness.
This difference hinges on habits. Fleeting joy might arise from momentary pleasures, but true happiness? The Dalai Lama says that’s a product of consistent practice.
Consistent practice of what, you ask? Well, he mentions eight specific habits that truly happy people tend to follow.
These habits aren’t complex rituals, but simple actions we can incorporate into our daily lives. And guess what? I’m about to share them with you.
Let’s get started.
1) Compassion is key
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – The Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama has always emphasized the importance of compassion in our lives.
He believes that compassion is not just about feeling sorry for someone else’s suffering, but about genuinely caring for others.
This doesn’t mean you have to go out and change the world or save everyone you meet. It’s about cultivating a sincere concern for the well-being of others, even if they’re strangers.
Think about it. How do you feel when you act kindly towards others? There’s a certain warmth and contentment that comes from it, isn’t there?
According to the Dalai Lama, this feeling isn’t just a fleeting emotion. It’s a step towards true happiness.
2) Embrace change
“Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.” – The Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is a big advocate for recognizing impermanence, the idea that everything changes.
Now, I know this might sound a bit philosophical, but hear me out. I’ve personally found this to be a game-changer.
A few years back, I was stuck in a job that didn’t make me happy. I was comfortable, but I wasn’t growing. It took me a while, but eventually, I realized that my fear of change was holding me back.
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Once I acknowledged that change is a part of life and something to be embraced rather than feared, it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I left that job and ventured into the unknown.
Was it scary? Absolutely. But it also led me to opportunities I’d never have experienced otherwise. Today, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.
3) Practice mindfulness
“Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.” – The Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama often speaks about the importance of mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment.
Mindfulness isn’t about sitting cross-legged in a quiet room (though meditation can be an effective way to practice it). It’s about paying attention to the here and now, without judgement.
Research has shown that our minds are lost in thought almost 47% of the time. That’s nearly half our lives spent not fully engaged in what we’re doing!
By practicing mindfulness, we can reclaim some of that lost time and engage more fully with our lives. It helps us to appreciate the present moment and reduces stress and anxiety.
So whether it’s taking a few moments to focus on your breath, or fully immersing yourself in a task, mindfulness is a habit worth cultivating for a happier life.
4) Let go of your ego
“The foundation of the Buddha’s teachings lies in compassion, and the reason for practicing the teachings is to wipe out the persistence of ego, the number-one enemy of compassion.” – The Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama consistently emphasizes the importance of letting go of our ego in order to find true happiness. This is a core principle in Buddhism, where the ego is often seen as a source of suffering and discontent.
The book explores how our egos often convince us that we are separate from the world around us, leading to feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction. However, in reality, we’re much more interconnected than we realize.
When we let go of our ego, we become more open to others and the world around us. We understand that our actions have an impact on others, and vice versa. This realization can lead to a greater sense of empathy and compassion, contributing to our overall happiness.
5) Cultivate patience
“In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.” – The Dalai Lama
Patience, the Dalai Lama believes, is one of the pillars of lasting happiness. It’s about accepting that things take time and we can’t always control the pace at which life unfolds.
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There were times in my life when impatience led me to make hasty decisions. I’ve jumped into projects without fully considering the implications, only to regret it later. I’ve ended relationships because I felt they weren’t progressing quickly enough.
Over time, I’ve learned that patience isn’t about passively waiting for things to happen. It’s about understanding that good things take time. It’s about making peace with the fact that not everything is within our control.
Practicing patience has taught me to value the journey as much as the destination. It’s made me more understanding, less reactive, and, ultimately, happier.
It may be a difficult habit to cultivate, especially in our fast-paced world, but its impacts on our happiness are profound.
6) Embrace suffering
“If there is no solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it.” – The Dalai Lama
Now, this might sound counter-intuitive. How can embracing suffering lead to happiness?
The Dalai Lama explains this by emphasizing that life is full of ups and downs. Suffering is a part of the human experience, and attempting to avoid or deny it only leads to more suffering.
Instead, he suggests that we should accept suffering as an inevitable part of life. This doesn’t mean we should seek out suffering or fail to take action to alleviate it. Rather, it’s about acknowledging our struggles and using them as opportunities for growth and learning.
When we embrace suffering, we become more resilient. We develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and our emotions. This acceptance can free us from the fear and anxiety that often accompany difficult times, leading to a more peaceful, and ultimately happier, state of mind.
It’s not the easy path, but according to the Dalai Lama, it’s a path towards true happiness.
7) Practice gratitude
“When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.” – The Dalai Lama
Gratitude, according to the Dalai Lama, is another keystone habit of truly happy people.
It’s about recognizing and appreciating the good in our lives. This doesn’t mean ignoring the bad, but rather acknowledging the positive aspects, no matter how small or big they may be.
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Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing in our lives to the abundance that’s already present. By regularly expressing gratitude, we can cultivate a more positive outlook on life.
You could start with something as simple as noting down three things you’re grateful for each day. It could be anything – a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend, or just the fact that you’re alive.
Over time, this habit can help you develop a more positive mindset, which can significantly contribute to your overall happiness. It’s a simple habit, but its impact on our wellbeing is profound.
8) Cultivate inner peace
“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” – The Dalai Lama
Above all, the Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner peace. It is the cornerstone of lasting happiness.
Inner peace isn’t about having a perfect life free from challenges. It’s about maintaining a calm and balanced mind, regardless of the external circumstances.
This means accepting ourselves as we are, letting go of past regrets and future anxieties, and being present in the moment.
When we have inner peace, we’re less affected by external ups and downs. We’re more resilient, more compassionate, and more content.
Cultivating inner peace isn’t always easy, but it’s possibly the most rewarding habit you can develop in your pursuit of true happiness.
Conclusion
The Dalai Lama’s wisdom emphasizes one key point: true happiness is an inside job.
It’s not solely dependent on external circumstances, but on our internal state of mind, our habits, and our attitudes.
The eight habits we’ve explored today offer a roadmap towards that innate, lasting happiness. They’re practices that encourage self-growth, compassion, mindfulness, and inner peace.
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