How to be Happy

by Fay Maguire in Spirituality, June 29, 2008

The Dalai Lama has a set of steps to happiness, which I would like to share with you. Whether or not you are a believer in “good karma” , these tips represent sensible advice for improving your well-being.

The Dalai Lama has a set of steps to happiness, which I would like to share with you. Whether or not you are a believer in ”good karma”, these tips represent sensible advice for improving your well-being.

Everyone has a different view on what makes them happy, and what they need to do to makes others in their lives happy. The steps below are not exhaustive and it may be that you can add on your own tips for yourself and others.

See that great love and great achievements involve greater risk. Without risk we grow stale.
When you lose, don’t also lose the lesson.
Follow the 3 R’s: respect for self, respect for others and responsibility for your actions.
Remember that not getting what you want is often a stroke of luck. How many times has an apparent disaster ultimately worked out in your favour?
Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
When you realise you’ve made a mistake, correct it immediately.
Spend some time alone every day.
Open your mind to change but don’t let go of your values.
Remember silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honourable life. When you get older you will be able to revisit your achievements with pleasure and pride.
A loving atmosphere at home is the foundation of life.
In disagreements, bring up only the current situation. The past is the past.
Share your knowledge. Don’t hide your expertise when it could help others.
Be gentle with the earth.
Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never visited, or do something you’ve never done before.
Remember the best relationships are based on love rather than need.
Judge your success by what you had to give up to achieve it.