Happiness is a direct experience of enthusiasm – Remember, it is not how or when we accomplish something that matters most; it is the sense of enthusiasm during the process that demonstrates our quality of life.
Enthusiasm promotes union because it is a shared language. As Paolo Coelho writes in The Alchemist, “There was a language in the world that everyone understood. It was the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love."
What are you enthusiastic about today?
If you hesitate to answer that, then there is learning here. We should not wake up and dread the day, worried about the hours ahead of you. The first thing we grasp upon awakening shouldn’t be our I-device or blackberry; it should be the most positive thought that guides our Dharma. This singular thought, since our conscious brain can only hold one at a time, inspires the quality of the rest of our day through sheer enthusiasm. And yoga teaches us that the things we focus our thoughts and energy upon grow bigger.
"Enthusiasm is not the same as just being excited. One gets excited about going on a roller coaster. One becomes enthusiastic about creating and building a roller coaster." Bo Bennett
As a result “You will wake up every morning with a limitless reservoir of energy and enthusiasm. All your thoughts will be focused on your definite objective. You won’t have time to waste time. Valuable mental power will, therefore, not be wasted on trifling thoughts. You will automatically erase the worry habit and become far more effective and productive. Interestingly, you will also have a deep sense of inner harmony, as if you are somehow being guided to realize your mission. It is a wonderful feeling.” – Robin Sharma, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
Why learn the language of Enthusiasm?
Enthusiasm gives us the chance to change our Happiness set point. And happiness helps us harness the power of our minds and hearts to work together. When what we think, feel and do are in alignment, we naturally live in a state of easeful joy. This is our birthright. We simply have to remember to remember. And once we do, we can celebrate! Never again wake-up with anything less than excitement to live the best day ever. Love yourself, love your day, love your life!
