The Secret to Happiness: 5 Tips to Feel More Grateful and Blissful

Did you know that gratitude is scientifically proven to strengthen your immune system and make you happy and hopeful, and lonely and alone? It is true, and although science has only recently discovered this fact, Buddhists do not know it for years.

On a recent trip to Bhutan, my husband and I went up to the Bumdra monastery and erected 11,500 feet [11,500 m]. The air was fresh and clean, and the views were breathtaking. But when the sun went down, I could only concentrate on my cold hands and feet.

As we huddled in the fire, I just wanted to get in my sleeping bag and warm myself. Temperatures had dropped to just below freezing, and any pleasure I might have had my teeth whitened.

Our guide, on the other hand, seemed insensitive. She was wearing Gho, a traditional knee-length dress tied around her waist - but here I was, tied up in my low-cut coat, cold.

I asked him if he was cold, and he replied that he was grateful to be able to camp in this holy place.

I kept asking him, since I could not really believe his answer. I did not really understand how he could ignore this cold-blooded cold. Had he not wanted a warm jacket; he didn't need a heater?

His response calmed me down: “Instead of focusing on what I don't have, I focus on what I'm doing - I'm lucky to have a fire, I'm lucky to get this job, I'm lucky to have a tent, and I'm lucky to have your company. ”

I saw that he was already sharing a very important secret to happiness. Focusing on our blessings allows us to celebrate the present moment and keep our focus on the good instead of the bad.

It is human nature to want what we do not have and to focus on the bad — instead of celebrating what we have and focusing on the good.

My husband and I had planned this trip for months and had spent many hours climbing a mountain. But when it came up I was complaining that I was hot, and now I was crying from the cold. But as I listened to our guide share his vision of infectious gratitude, my attitude changed, and I began to focus on my blessings.

I began to enjoy the amazing darkness and tranquility of the night sky. I started to focus on the stars, which I would never really enjoy living in a city that hid light. I began to really listen to this wise man and to enjoy his stories.

Here's the thing: gratitude has the power to suppress negative feelings. You can't really pay attention to what is missing or what's wrong if you let your mind focus on what it is.

As I began to enjoy the peace of the night with my husband, my condition changed, the cold subsided, and I was suddenly filled with joy and gratitude for this wonderful event.

Climate change, goods come and go, and experiences - good and bad - all come to an end. But our state of gratitude allows us to be fully present at every moment and to enjoy every last moment.

Here are a few simple things to try to start feeling happier:

1. Keep a thank-you note.

Make gratitude a daily routine. Each day, write down ten major events that happened to you or that you are grateful for. Keeping your eyes focused on what is right will make the difference.

2. Practice awareness right now.

The habit of being completely present and wishing for something in the future or in the past - but just being grateful for what it is - can change your mind. Hold on there for that moment to skip, and gently remind yourself that you are back.

3. Think bigger than you.

Share in something that is important to you. As you get to know other people who are more in need than you are, you will begin to feel a deep appreciation for what you have.

4. Share love with your family and friends.

Cultivate appreciation for others and always let them know that you are grateful for them and what they are doing for you - either helping out at home or inviting them to a nice dinner. Focusing on the good will make people want to keep doing it!

5. Submit complaints instead of thanks.

When you find yourself focusing on what you believe you lack - I wish my car was better, my house was bigger, I had more money - instead I have thoughts of what you are grateful for.

What are you grateful for today?