| Genuine Happiness In Our Spirit of Unity | by Kate Peppler Sitting here at a restaurant, I am enjoying people watching. One couple in their mid-30s did not say a word to each other throughout their entire meal, that is, until the enormous ice cream Sunday for two arrived. Then, they finally smiled and began to talk. Another table of 12 was a gathering of relatives. All were thrilled about the new infant's arrival to the family. The teen girls and women were literally standing in line to hold the adorable infant in pink lace. At that table, there was lots of conversation and laughter. People at both tables showed moments of happiness. Were they genuinely happy? The truth is, everybody wants it. Few know how to attain it. Most don't really know what it is. One poignant statement comes to mind to explain the illusive word, happiness: "I practically sizzle with zeal with the mighty works that are mine to do!" Can you imagine waking up one morning thinking these words? Charles Fillmore, co-founder of Unity, a non-traditional Christian denomination, wrote these words in his journal one morning -- at age 94! I believe that anyone who can say about their life that they "practically sizzle with zeal" must know genuine happiness. We're not talking ice cream Sundays. We're talking about a theosophy (theology and philosophy) of life that exudes from our being, not as a fleeting moment, but over the long run. I believe that being genuinely happy does not come naturally. In the U.S., it seems that we expect that we should be happy. If we aren't, it's because either something is wrong with us, with others in our lives, or with outer circumstances, all of which prevent our happiness. In other words, we keep looking outside of ourselves for happiness. How did we get so far off course? Happiness is not out there. Happiness, genuine happiness, comes from within, from our connection to our higher consciousness. I remember the day I turned the corner of my journey in life towards discovering happiness. It was a bright, sunny, fall day outdoors, but a dreary, pessimistic, rainy day in my heart. I had a beautiful home, no debts, good career, wonderful child and an ideal husband. So, why wasn't I happy? I was feeling cheated from my deserved happiness. On this fall day, a friend called, saying, "Want to come to church with me today?" I hadn't been to a church in years. Mainstream Christianity had not worked for me. Maybe because I was feeling so unhappy, I surprised myself by saying, "Sure." During the service, a few tears trickled down my cheeks. I had at long last found my spiritual home and knew, at that moment, that I would become a Unity minister. From that Sunday's talk, I understood that, "If we aren't happy in our present circumstances, and if we think that we can find something better elsewhere, we're kidding ourselves. We will just keep repeating the circumstances, and therefore, might as well learn our lesson where we are at." So, that's what I did. Over the next months, I discovered that I was expecting others to make me happy, and that I was looking outside of myself for happiness. The kind of happiness that brings us "zeal" can only comes from within! About a year later, I realized that I loved my life, just as it was. What was the difference? Me. My thinking! I'm not where I want to be in consciousness, nor will I ever be. What I have learned is that life is meant to be a continuous journey, not a destination. I have learned to love my spiritual journey in which I am continuously learning to integrate the "good" and the "bad," appreciating all of life's experiences for personal, professional and spiritual growth. How do I know that I am closer to being happy? I feel happy (content, appreciative) most of the time. I feel the "zeal." How do we become happy? Here are some tips: • Moment-by-moment, as often as possible, be aware of your thoughts and emotions. Notice that your thoughts create your emotions. A possible affirmation to repeat many times daily: "I Am a source of God's light; I Am optimistic." • Happiness is a decision. Affirmation: "I now choose to allow God's love to fill me with peace, harmony, and joy." • Don't wait to be happy. You deserve to be happy now! Even saint-like people who think they don't deserve to be happy, won't be. Affirmation: "Right here, right now, I choose to love me as I AM." • Count your blessings. Every day filled with regrets about your past, is a day taken away from loving life. No matter what your outer circumstances, there are many things to be grateful for. Affirmation: "Every moment I discover more to be grateful about. Thank you God." • Fears thwart happiness. Choose to face your fears. Fears are only thoughts anyhow. Affirmation: "I now let go of my fear of _____ by changing my thinking to ______. Thank you God!" (Fill in the blanks). • Discover your "mighty works that are [yours] to do." There are infinite opportunities to serve, from volunteer work to listening to someone who needs to talk. Affirmation: "God, work through me now." • Practice spontaneity and laughter, now. Be spontaneity. Laugh. If you feel down, affirm: "The Truth is, I Am happy." • Be with people who support your practicing positive thinking. Coming to a Unity Church is a good place to find positive, caring people. Affirmation: "I now attract people to me, who, like me, practice spiritually oriented, positive thinking." • Most importantly, pray -- but not the prayer of supplication of "God make me happy." Be proactive. Go within and feel, listen, affirm God's love and wisdom from within YOU. Practice these nine turning within, God-centered, positive prayers mentioned above. They are the: Prayer of positive thinking, Prayer of mental thoughts of happiness, Prayer of being receptive now, Prayer of gratitude, Prayer of letting go of fear, Prayer of service, Prayer of laughter, Prayer of true friendship, and Prayer of practicing the presence of God within. In Our Spirit of Unity is a new monthly column prepared by Unity ministers throughout the greater Twin Cities. To subscribe to Daily Word or to learn more about one of the seven Unity Churches/Centers in or near the Twin Cities, call: Unity Christ Church, Golden Valley 763-521-2793; Unity East, Newport/Woodbury 651-731-5330; Unity North, Coon Rapids 763-521-4793; Unity of St. Cloud Area, St. Cloud 320-255-9253; Unity, Sanctuary of the Heart, St. Paul 651-222-1732; Unity South, Bloomington 952-754-6489; Unity of the Valley, Burnsville/Savage 952-884-6656, or visit www.unityminnesota.org. Kate Peppler, M.A., is a Licensed Unity Minister and Spiritual Coach in the Twin Cities. She specializes in working with people who have been on a quest to grow personally and spiritually, and who are seeking to further heal from childhood issues and abuse, emphasizing positive thinking, affirmative listening, and trauma somatic release work. Contact her at (651) 770-9700. Copyright © 2003 Kate Peppler |
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