7 Simple Tips for Inner Happiness and Contentment

In this crazy, interconnected world, the most enduring happiness is that which comes from within, independent of external sources. 

This intrinsic happiness brings a deep-seated sense of contentment and well-being.

Aristotle said, 

"Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” 

For him, true happiness is achieved through living a life of virtue and excellence. 

The Dalai Lama echoes this idea, stating, 

"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” 

This perspective aligns with simple living, where the focus is on actions cultivating inner strength and resilience.

Intrinsic happiness is sustainable and universal. It provides a stable foundation that can withstand life's ups and downs, regardless of cultural or economic backgrounds. 

As Swami Vivekananda observed, 

"The goal of the world is happiness, and peace."

Cultivating this inner happiness and peace involves a shift in mindset and lifestyle away from mainstream pursuits of material goods, fame and fortune. 

It requires letting go of the constant need for the external validation these things bring, and instead focusing on personal growth and self-awareness. 

This shift can be immensely challenging, but is also extremely rewarding.

One effective way to cultivate intrinsic happiness is through mindfulness.

Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. 

As Jon Kabat-Zinn explains, 

"Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment.”

Another powerful practice is gratitude. 

Expressing gratitude for the blessings in one's life can foster a deeper sense of contentment. 

As Melody Beattie notes, 

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more."

In the context of simple living, cultivating intrinsic happiness involves simplifying one's life and reducing external distractions. 

This can mean letting go of unnecessary possessions, simplifying one's schedule, and focusing on what truly matters to you. 

As Jun'ichirō Tanizaki explains, 

"In the darkness of the room, the light of the candle is all the more brilliant. In the silence of the night, the sound of the wind is all the more poignant."

To cultivate intrinsic happiness, the following 7 actions have proven to be beneficial:

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Dedicate a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness meditation.

2. Gratitude Journal: Keep a daily gratitude journal.

3. Simplify Your Life: Declutter your physical and mental space.

4. Engage in a Daily Practice: Participate in mental, physical, and spiritual activities that bring you a sense of purpose.

5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your strengths.

6. Cultivate Strong Relationships: Build and maintain strong, supportive relationships.

7. Reflect on Your Values: Ensure your actions align with your core values.

In the words of Seneca, 

"As long as you live, keep learning how to live.” 

The pursuit of intrinsic happiness is an exciting lifelong learning experiment in self-discovery and growth. 

By embracing the principles of simple living and cultivating inner peace, you can achieve a state of happiness that is not dependent on external sources but rather rooted in the depths of your being.

As we continue our journey, we consider that true happiness is an inner state of being, not an external condition. 

By focusing on inner growth and well-being, you can lead a life of profound contentment and fulfillment, regardless of how much stuff you have.

It is a hard worked for happiness that is enduring because it can’t be taken away.

That is the best kind of happiness there is, a desirable state that is attainable by all regardless of circumstance.

 

Contemplation Crisis

We hear a lot about the polycrisis, a tsunami of crises, each one alone an existential wave about to wash us all out to sea.However, the Contemplation Crisis is never mentioned as one of them. 

Some call it an attention crisis, but that may be somewhat simplistic. Whatever we call it, it is something we might think of taking a look at, and soon.

Albert Camus said, "In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion."

But really, who has the time, quiet space, or will to go there? 

The modern world is engineered for full-throttle living—24/7/365, no breaks except for the burnt out. Even rare downtime gets hijacked by "must-do" tasks or the endless spin of 24-hour news. 

And when we finally pause to pay full attention to our minds, strange and scary things emerge: discomfort, hidden pains, the raw self we've dodged. 

It takes courage to commit to that place.

One can never relax long enough to be contemplative because working yourself to an early death has been sold as a virtue as well as a requirement.

If we are to prioritize self-care, optimal health, and perhaps our very survival, it means making regular space for down time, in spite of an unrealistic and exploitative work ethic. 

And not only down time, but alone time as well. 

And not just alone time, but quiet alone time.

The reason it is so important is because quiet and solitude are precursors to something even more important—contemplation.

Thomas Merton, a modern contemplative, warned: "Contemplation must be possible if we are to remain human.” 

We have an instinctive need for harmony, peace, tranquility, order, and meaning—none of which define our current frenzy. 

Merton pointed out that our ancestors once lived more leisurely and spiritually. 

That kind of life is something I've been working on since retiring from teaching 24 years ago to embrace simplicity and intentional, contemplative space.

Merton's warning sounds serious. Is it possible that we are missing the real existential threat—our lack of time and ability for contemplation? 

In the relentless pursuit of getting more and getting it faster, we have lost our path and forgotten the vital importance of contemplative activities.

Perhaps we're afraid to confront ourselves there—horrified by the discomfort and pain it reveals. Yet humans that we are, we'll also find bliss, and eventually, an unshakeable contentment and peace.

We have been so distracted for so long that we have forgotten the wisdom passed down to us from contemplatives in the past. 

As Pythagoras urged: "Know thyself; then thou shalt know the Universe and God." 

Aristotle echoed: "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." 

The best path? Contemplation. Without it, we're lost.

So how do we start, in a world that fights our every pause? 

Begin small, with practices that honour simplicity and build that quiet alone time. 

Here are a few contemplative anchors to weave into your days:

Solitary Nature Walks: Step out alone, no phone or podcast—just the rhythm of your feet on earth. Let thoughts wander without agenda; Pythagoras might approve, as this "knows thyself" through the universe's quiet mirror.

Breath-Focused Sitting: Five minutes daily, eyes closed, savouring your breath like it's a three course meal. It's Merton's harmony in a micro-dose that counters the 24/7 grind with a pause of pure presence.

Journal Prompts in Stillness: In a dedicated quiet corner, scribble unfiltered responses to "What am I avoiding today?" or Camus's turnaround: "What world am I turning from right now?" Unearth discomfort, invite bliss.

Evening Unplug Ritual: Ditch screens an hour before bed for candlelit reflection—read a single ancient quote (like Aristotle's) and sit with it. Reclaim ancestral leisure, one flicker at a time.

Mindful Chores: Turn dishwashing, weeding, or just about any activity into meditation. Give full attention to the task's texture and tempo. It's contemplation disguised as "busy," proving even everyday tasks are sacred moments.

These aren't fancy retreats; they're easily accessible rebellions against the speed ethic, fostering the courage to go deeper. 

Start with one, and watch the contemplation crisis recede, wave by existential wave. 

Along the way, we will reclaim our calm, and our lives.