In his recent book, Happiness Now William Holden describes happiness in this way: "Every form of unhappiness is a manifestation of fear. Thus, fear and unhappiness are inextricably linked --- they are the same thing. Unhappiness is born of fear and it gives birth to fear. When we give our power to unhappiness, we automatically side with fear, and we automatically become very afraid of everything."

Recently I had the pleasure of taking my daughter to Lincoln Center for a workshop on how ballet is choreographed to reflect the music and the synchronicity between the two. Besides for wonderful music and the visual feast of watching the New York Ballet dancers perform, I was struck by the orchestra. Each musician played their individual instruments, doing their own part and yet the whole was so much more than the sum of the parts.

In life, we each go about our business, playing our part. We don't get to see in a visual way, how each of us constantly contributes to something much larger and bigger than ourselves. If we did, we would not downplay or minimise the role of our contribution or ever feel inadequate or insignificant. We are all part of a universe, where each person is crucial to the overall picture .. and the melody would not be the same if we were not a part of it. We do not have to succumb to the fear of separation... we are all a vital part of a vibrant and benevolent universe.

Similarly, when the dance is a reflection of the music and it's perfect sound, there is harmony and congruence, with unlimited potential to achieve. When we tap in to the music we can really appreciate it's vast potential and beauty. When we allow the music to permeate our bodies and minds, then we can be inspired and be at peace with it. The song of the universe is there for you to enjoy in abundance....

Six Tips for Happiness
Advice from Tal Ben-Shahar

1. Give yourself permission to be human. When we accept emotions — such as fear, sadness, or anxiety — as natural, we are more likely to overcome them. Rejecting our emotions, positive or negative, leads to frustration and unhappiness.

2. Happiness lies at the intersection between pleasure and meaning. Whether at work or at home, the goal is to engage in activities that are both personally significant and enjoyable. When this is not feasible, make sure you have happiness boosters, moments throughout the week that provide you with both pleasure and meaning.

3. Keep in mind that happiness is mostly dependent on our state of mind, not on our status or the state of our bank account. Barring extreme circumstances, our level of well being is determined by what we choose to focus on (the full or the empty part of the glass) and by our interpretation of external events. For example, do we view failure as catastrophic, or do we see it as a learning opportunity?

4. Simplify! We are, generally, too busy, trying to squeeze in more and more activities into less and less time. Quantity influences quality, and we compromise on our happiness by trying to do too much.

5. Remember the mind-body connection. What we do — or don't do — with our bodies influences our mind. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating habits lead to both physical and mental health.

6. Express gratitude, whenever possible. We too often take our lives for granted. Learn to appreciate and savor the wonderful things in life, from people to food, from nature to a smile.

"Vision without action... is a dream;

Action without vision.... is a nightmare"

I recently came across this concept and I think it is very poignant.

"Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day; allows you to keep no cash balance; every night deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do with such an account???
Draw out every penny, of course!!!Every one of us has such a 'bank'. Its name is TIME. Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off as lost whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft.Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the records of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against tomorrow. You must live in the present -on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success!"

How true this is! If we adopt a posture of time is money, a precious commodity to be used wisely, then it is easier to help prioritize what we want to do with it and how we want to spend each day. Make today a great one!

Happy New Year! Usually at the beginning of each New Year, I make a list of resolutions...... I must lose weight, I will exercise more (restraint and physical); I will be more organized. By the end of the first week, I have usually blown my diet, comforted myself by eating more and chastise myself for being such a loser (or non loser as it were!).

This year is different.... instead of creating a list of to do's, I decided to create a spiritual foundation upon which I would like to base my year upon. The deeper and stronger the foundation, the more secure and thus free, the structure. A deep foundation will support a tall building. While we all acknowledge the importance of a strong foundation, when we look at a building, we never actually see the foundation... it is concealed, creating the illusion that it does not exist, but without it, the building cannot stand.

As I contemplated the form of my foundation, I decided that I want to create a foundation of happiness and joy. A foundation has to embrace a vision and then action can solidify and enhance the structure. Happiness and Joy, for me is to know that all is well in this moment and to realize that only in the here and now can I actually effect any change. There is no use beating myself up about past failures or regrets nor does it make sense to worry about the future, which only leads to anxiety and angst. The only thing that is real is the present... and that is where change and progress can be made. To live with this belief that all is well, I have faith in G-D, or the Universe or the Cosmos that everything is as it needs to be. Challenges are an opportunity for growth and development , when you have faith. I want to be fearless as I expand beyond my usual comfort zone in order to work on the projects that are inspiring to me right now..... becoming healthy, writing creatively and inspiring others to thrive and grow.

Set aside some quiet time aside to think about this question: What spiritual foundation would you like to create as a platform for your life in 2008? Don't "think" about it too much - just notice what arises for you. Then say it out loud and let it resonate within you, and take a step imagining yourself stepping into that experience. Write it down, pin it up in a spot you can see it everyday and then begin to create the reality, day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute.

May 2008 hold great blessings and happiness for you and your loved ones!