However, if we pay attention to the professionals, we will realize that we are incorrect. Being happy is a state that comes from within and true happiness rises when we are in touch with ourselves, when we are aware of the here and now. How many times have we heard the phrase ‘be present’?
Despite this, ‘being present’, nowadays it’s more difficult than we think, due to the existence
of technology. Technology is in constant progress and evolution. We could not imagine our lives right now without it, and this is because it occupies all aspects of our lives. Since the appearance of computers, and as a result, the internet, televisions and over all smartphones, nothing is the same. The way we communicate or even entertain ourselves has changed, being completely dependent on technology. Life has become digitalised.
Nevertheless, we are not in a position to say or even assume that we would be happier in a world without technology. Looking back, not so many years ago, when technology was barely present, people were not happier or unhappier than they are in the present days, they were simply happy in a different way. Regardless of this, professionals remark that disconnecting from technology completely, detaching ourselves from these devices, and spending a day with loved ones will make us feel freer and therefore happier.
It is for this reason that the practice of mindfulness has become widespread in recent years. Mindfulness means to achieve awareness of self and reality in the present moment and in a non-judgmental manner. This awareness can be achieved through the practice of particular meditation techniques derived from those used in Buddhism. In other words, the practice of mindfulness sees as its main goal the fulfillment of a maximum degree of consciousness through which each individual should achieve a state of well-being. In fact, by becoming aware and non-critical of themselves and reality, individuals should be able to control and contain negative emotions, feelings and thoughts that can lead to suffering. The main way to accomplish this ‘process’ is through the act of meditation. There are different meditations approaches such as: Body scan meditation, Sitting meditation or Walking meditation. From Praxis we invite you to try any of them, given all its health benefits.
Linked to all of this, it must be mentioned in the ‘World Happiness Report’. The study informed us that the happiest people in the world live in sub-zero temperatures, swim in cold water and pay high taxes. Finland is at the top of the list as the happiest country in the world in 2022. The land of a thousand lakes is home to approximately 5.550.000 inhabitants. The secret of this civilization is to take pleasure in the small things such as a ray of sunshine on a winter day, the sound of the waves while you read your favorite book or the smell of a good croissant in the oven.
I don’t know if you notice dear reader, that all of the practices that we invite you to try all lead to the same conclusion, you have to be Now and Here. That’s why, the next sip of coffee you drink, do it being conscious, the next word you read doing consciously and the next
mouthful you take, do it consciously.