Happiness....it's easy to know when you're not happy, but how often do you take time to consciously acknowledge when you are happy?  The Beatles' said it in song (Can't Buy Me Love) and an accumulation of stuff isn't the way to happiness either.  If August is National Happiness Month, what's a person to do to be happy?

There are a couple ways in particular to increase your likelihood of a joyous heart.  Take time each day to note one or two reasons why you're grateful.  They don't have to be elaborate--even just waking up for another day.  But cultivating gratitude will make you happier.  Need more convincing?  Visit Why Living A Life of Gratitude Can Make You Happy  Even if you read the article, this prayer of gratitude is worthy of repeating.

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~Unknown Author

Another sure-fire way to happiness?  Giving of your time!  Volunteering make you happy and is also just plain good for you.  And for further evidence read 6 reasons why volunteering is good for you.

Cultivating gratitude and making a difference...WOW--that sounds just like someone stepping onto their Embrace Activism yoga mat for their practice!  There are asanas that are good antidotes to the blues.  The group of asanas classified as Inversions are a natural way to boost your mood.  There are a wide range of asanas classified as inversions; the general definition being anytime the head is at a lower elevation than the heart.  More challenging inversions such as Sirsasana (headstand) should only be attempted with the guidance of a experienced teacher and with the go-ahead from your health care provider.  Other benefits of inversions can be found here. 

Sometimes being happy (or happier) just takes a change of perspective...another reason for Inversions as they literally change your perspective!

    Health, Wellness
&
  CURES!!
 Karen