The Happiness Advantage: Happiness Fuels Success

If you have not seen this TED Talk with Shawn Anchor, you are in for a treat.  In this clip, Shawn talks about the new brain science, a new take on ancient wisdom. Research reveals that we can predict only 10% of our happiness from the external circumstances of our current life situation.  In fact, it is the way that our brain processes those external circumstances that accounts for 90% of our happiness.

Our current formula for success in life, school and business is:

work hard ➔ become successful ➔ get happy

The trouble is, this formula doesn't work!  Every time we achieve success, we set a new, bigger, better goal. In this way, happiness stays out of reach, just beyond the horizon.

When we have a positive approach, our brains perform 31% better than when we are in a negative, neutral or stressed state. "Our brains on positive" increase our intelligence, creativity and energy levels. 

We can rewire our brains in two minutes per day.  Shawn recommends:

• note 3 new things you are grateful for each day, so you can teach your brain to scan for the positive
• journal one positive experience, allows your brain to relive it
• exercise because it teaches your brain that your behaviour matters
• meditate so you can learn to focus on the task at hand
• engage in conscious acts of kindness.  These can be as simple as a smile, a tidbit of praise or a little courtesy on the road.

The new formula for happy is:

focus on the positive ➔ brain floods with dopamine ➔ dopamine makes you HAPPY ➔ happiness fuels success

All of Shawn's ideas can be found in the work of the Dalai Lama and many other wisdom teachers. Watch the whole talk for his funny stories and engaging presentation.

Yoga Aids Recovery from Surgery - A Student Story

In times of crisis, it can be helpful to draw on the philosophical aspects of yoga  to shift your perspective. Gail Hartshorn, a student in my classes for the past 3 years, shared this story with me.  I hope it will inspire you, if you should find yourself in a similar situation. 

"I recently had major abdominal surgery. The surgeons were amazed at how well I withstood the 5 hour operation and how quickly I recovered. When they asked me how this could be, I attributed it to my yoga practice. Studying with Axel for 3 years has made me physically stronger, mentally more determined, and emotionally and spiritually more grounded. I found that I approached the surgery with confidence, optimism and hope.

I am very grateful to Axel for his teachings, encouragement and support which have changed my life day to day as well as in times of crisis."

As a yoga teacher, it is always rewarding to receive this kind of feedback from students.  I am impressed with Gail's resolve and her commitment to applying her learning from yoga study and practice to her recovery.

Start Where You Are

The human body is amazing. This video is a peek at the advanced practice of postures that require both hyperflexibility and strength. These lean, light-bodied practitioners have devoted a great deal of training to the art of the posture. Many yoga students don't know that hatha yoga was developed to prepare the body for long periods of sitting in meditation. A means to an end, not an end in itself. It is important to remember that hatha yoga practice can benefit bodies of all ages, shapes and sizes. We do not need to achieve advanced postures (like those in the video) for yoga to improve our health and fitness. Many simple postures have wonderful therapeutic benefits. While this video shows a competition, a yoga class is not the place for a competitive atmosphere. Start where you are and appreciate the body you have.

Mantra and Prayer for the Loss of a Loved One

Student Question:  My mother just died and I am trying to remember your teachings on loss.  Can you help?

Many students are searching for practices and rituals that are meaningful for them when they experience the loss of a loved one.

You may find the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche helpful during this time if you are already inclined toward Buddhist teachings.  In Chapter 19, Helping After Death, Rinpoche recommends reciting the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum which is the mantra of the Buddha of Compassion.  Alternatively you could recite Om Ami Dewa Hrih, the Mantra of the Buddha Amitaba, the Buddha of Limitless Light.  Or you can recite any prayer while holding the image of your loved one.  As you recite, you can visualize your mother surrounded by Divine Light. Alternatively, creating an altar with your mother's picture and any object that reminds you of her can serve as a reminder to say your prayers or mantra during the day as you pass by. 

You may remember my teachings on impermanence as a support during this time. Chapter Two of Sogyal Rinpoche's book  deals with impermanence and will be a helpful review.

We Inspire Each Other

I am pleased to recommend to you, Dr. Joey Shulman's latest book, The Metabolism Boosting Diet: Burn Fat, Balance Hormones and Lose Weight for Life. Dr. Shulman is the founder and CEO of Shulman Weight Loss Clinics and the author of five books, including The Last 15. She has been an inspiration to many who want to lose weight, feel better and enjoy life more.

Refer to page 13 in the The Metabolism Boosting Diet, for Dr. Shulman's references to a yogi who inspires her. I am the yogi!  I am grateful to Dr. Shulman to referring to the pearls of wisdom she receives in my classes.

My comment,"Dissatisfaction is an indication of progress" sparked a reflection that we can welcome dissatisfaction rather than pushing it away. It is our soul's way of signaling that we would like to make a change.

Thank you to Joey for her comments. Her work inspires me too.