Hi there.
You know it's so easy to get caught in the idea that happiness is somewhere else,
In the next promotion,
The next relationship,
The next vacation.
We tell ourselves,
I will finally be happy when… and then place our peace just out of reach.
But real happiness isn't waiting for us somewhere down the line.
It's available now,
Here,
Often hiding in the simplest,
Quietest places.
So let's just take a moment to settle in.
Feel the weight of your body wherever you're seated.
Just letting your shoulders drop down a little more.
And allow your breath to slow down.
And just think about a time when you postponed happiness.
Maybe you thought,
When I lose 10 pounds,
Then I'll feel good about myself.
Or,
Once I move,
Everything will be better.
Just notice what it feels like to chase after peace.
And it's natural to hope for good things.
Sometimes we forget that joy doesn't need perfect conditions to bloom.
Even now,
In this ordinary moment,
Happiness can quietly unfold.
With your next few breaths,
Just see if you can soften your focus.
Let go of future goals,
Even just for now.
Breathe and invite yourself to simply be here.
Just noticing what's around you.
Maybe the soft light filtering through a window.
The gentle hum of life happening nearby.
Or just the steady rhythm of your breathing.
In and out.
Every one of these small details is a doorway into the present.
And let's gently explore what it would feel like to let this moment be enough.
You don't have to answer with words.
Just breathe into the question.
Often,
When we truly arrive in the moment,
Gratitude follows.
Not gratitude for something grand,
But gratitude for simple being.
For a breath,
Or a heartbeat,
Or a smile.
Just let yourself notice one small thing that you're grateful for,
Right now.
It could be your breath,
Or a feeling of stillness.
And it could be nothing in particular,
And that's just fine too.
And if you find your mind wandering,
Well,
That's part of the practice too.
When you've noticed that you've drifted,
Just gently guide yourself back.
No judgment.
Definitely no need to scold yourself.
The mind is like a puppy,
Learning to walk on a leash.
And sometimes it bounds ahead,
Or it tugs at distractions.
All we do is gently and kindly guide it back.
In his teachings,
Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that there is no way to happiness.
Happiness is the way.
Just reflect on that.
If happiness isn't a destination,
If happiness is woven into the path itself,
How might you walk differently through your day?
Good.
As you move forward from this meditation,
You might carry this idea like a small pebble in your pocket.
A reminder that even in busy,
Messy,
Unpredictable days,
There's always the opportunity to pause,
To breathe,
And to find happiness right where you are.
So,
When you're ready,
Just gently wiggle your fingers and toes.
You can open your eyes if they were closed,
And return to your day,
Walking your path with just a little more lightness,
A little more presence,
And with a lot more kindness toward yourself.
May you be happy,
May you be healthy,
And may you be at peace.
Thanks for joining me.
