ARTICLES & BLOG
Happy New Year? Life Goes On
We started and ended 2023 with grief. In January my aunt passed away and last week on Wednesday my father in law.
This is Life.
Since the Review 2023 blog in early Dec life has radically changed. One weekend we are celebrating Christmas with family; joyful moments, lovely food, games, photos and conversations making memories.
The following weekend, having the funeral for my father in law, feeling shock, disbelief, grief, sadness and much more. This is Life - joys, happiness and sadness, grief.
We started and ended 2023 with grief. In January my aunt passed away and last week on Wednesday my father in law.
This is Life.
Since the Review 2023 blog in early Dec life has radically changed. One weekend we are celebrating Christmas with family; joyful moments, lovely food, games, photos and conversations making memories. The following weekend, having the funeral for my father in law, feeling shock, disbelief, grief, sadness and much more. This is Life - joys, happiness and sadness, grief.
‘Khabie Khushi Kabhie Gham’ - sometimes happy, sometimes sad.
I have found that writing helps me express my thoughts, feelings and cope with the changes.
On Christmas Day (Sunday) my father in law, Harshna’s dad, who is in Kenya had an emergency operation which went well though a bit more complicated than initially thought. Tuesday night we get a message that the body is struggling to cope with the changes of the operation. Wednesday evening I take the call to be told that he has just passed away. Devastating news. Harshna and her brother made arrangements to go to Kenya landing on Friday morning for the funeral and cremation on Saturday. None of us have slept well these last few days.
Time has gone strange - it’s just about a week since he passed away yet a lot has happened in that week. The first few days felt they were passing very slowly.
We had our first New Years Eve apart in a long time, second maybe in our 27 year marriage.
December and January are heavy months for us with various family member death anniversaries including my father’s near beginning of December and father in law towards the end.
There are some resources to help with grief we have created and collated including a video of losing a parent, spouse and helping children. These can be found at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/positive-grief.
Highly suggest you save/bookmark the link and go through the materials before you experience grief. As the brain on grief goes haywire on emotions/thinking.
Gulabchand (Jayendra) Premchand Kanji Shah (Hansas)
27-5-1947 - 27-12-2023
Gulabchand (Jayendra) Premchand Kanji Shah (Hansas) 27-5-1947 - 27-12-2023
He was calm, humble, friendly, helpful, funny, curious and happy to learn.
We are grateful to have had him in our lives creating many memories. In particular in the Summer of 2023 when we had a family holiday together in Kenya.
I am grateful for technology that allowed Harshna to video call her parents each day and stay connected.
I am grateful for international travel options.
May Your Cup Always Overflow
--John Paul MooreI've never made a fortune,
And I'll never make one now
But it really doesn't matter
'Cause I'm happy anyhow.
As I go along my journey
I'm reaping better than I've sowed
I'm drinking from the saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I don't have a lot of riches,
And the going's sometimes tough
But with kin and friends to love me
I think I'm rich enough.
I thank God for the blessings
That His mercy has bestowed
I'm drinking from the saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
He gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough
I'll not ask for other blessings
For I'm already blessed enough.
May we never be too busy
To help bear another's load
Then we'll all be drinking from the saucer
When our cups have overflowed.
May your cup always overflow.
I am reminded in the difference between contact and connection shared in Positive Grief, here is the snippet:
In the full Positive Grief talk I shared at a high level the Top 5 regrets of the dying by Bronnie Ware. Earlier this year some friends recommended reading that book. I got hold of it and read it. It is awesome. Sharing the observations of a palliative care nurse who looks after terminally ill patients in their final stages.
The empathy, care and compassion Bronnie showed in her role has helped me in my role as a carer for my mum. See blog post on A Christmas Care-Role Who Cares?. Reading the book expanded the top 5 regrets.
Top 5 Regrets of the Dying - Bronnie Ware
A palliative nurse called Bronnie Ware who cared for people in their last 12 weeks of life has captured in the book The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying :
I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. (Values/Purpose/Meaning)
I wish I hadn't worked so hard. (Balance)
I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings. (Emotions/ Gratitude Letter)
I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. (Connection)
I wish that I had let myself be happier. (Focus on Happiness)
Personally and through Happy Life Habits I am working on not having these 5 regrets.
How about you?
Shaileen Shah - Happy Life Habits Coach, Speaker & Trainer
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list and join the Happy Life Habits Community WhatsApp Group
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Happy Life Habits Positively Impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels
11th November : Today I am reminded...
I am reminded that memories creating and remembering are important…
Saturday 13th November is World Kindness Day. When we practice kindness we release the happy chemicals in ourselves, in those who receive the kind act and also in those who witness it. It’s what I call the Triple Whammy.
What is the difference between skills and values/qualities?
Looking Back, Looking Forward Workshop
11th November : Today I am reminded...
I am reminded that memories creating and remembering are important, my mum has Dementia.
Today is Remembrance Day, Veteran's Day, Armistice Day. The 11th Hour on the 11th Day of the 11th Month.
I am reminded of those
"who gave their todays so we could have our tomorrows".
I am reminded of the sacrifices to protect freedoms and give safety.
Today is the 11 month since my dad passed away. I am reminded of his kindness, positivity and helpfulness. I am reminded of death and that life is short.
Today is my nephew Kush's birthday, he is twenty something. Happy Birthday. He dropped out of Cass Business School to follow his entrepreneurial spirit and passion to be creative with his awesome street jewellery business Feather Pendants. I am reminded of birth, happiness, following your dreams, being creative.
Today is my second Workshop on Gratitude Journaling for Happiness with the Charity Mind in Enfield and Barnet. I am reminded of the power of gratitude, journaling, Thanksgiving towards the end of the month. I am reminded how blessed I am to do what I love and love what I do: Positively Impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels.
On Saturday 16th it is World Kindness Day. I am reminded:
"In a World where you can be anything, be Kind"
Today, what are you reminded of?
World Kindness Day
Saturday 13th November is World Kindness Day. When we practice kindness we release the happy chemicals in ourselves, in those who receive the kind act and also in those who witness it. It’s what I call the Triple Whammy.
Do some purposeful acts of kindness
Happy Life Habits as an act of Kindess and Thanksgiving has gifted tickets for the Last Inspiration Point Podcast episode on December 8th with our friend Vicky Johnson - co-founder of the Museum of Happiness. See here for tickets and please note the episode has been extended to more that the usual 1 hour.
What is the difference between skills and values/qualities?
I shared this question in the HLH Facebook Community group and got some insightful answers. I did some research, reflection and share my thoughts here.
Skills can be learnt, trained and relate to what we do. They are often what comes after “I can …” or “I am able to…” e.g. I can swim, I can drive, I can read. They are to do with doing.
Qualities / Values are innate, they are related to character, to who we are, to how we do things. E.g. they often come after “ I am…” E.g. I am patient, I am kind, I am happy. They are to do with being.
I think skills we acquire and qualities/values we uncover, nurture, cultivate. Both can require effort, focus, learning, practice, training.
The Happy Life Habits 30 Day Gratitude and Habit Immersion Training Course starts by sharing knowledge and training to develop the skills to be grateful and journaling thereby with consistent, daily, focused practice it develops and nurtures the qualities in us so we move from practicing gratitude to being grateful - we uncover the qualities of who we are.
What I am finding is that many people see training as a cost as opposed to an investment. They would be happy to spend £125 on a meal or two out at a restaurant or a night out but not see the value of investing £125 in themselves to develop lifechanging habits. They do not measure the investment cost to being in the same place in 1 years time. No growth, no progress - the same old, same old.
The HLH Master Mind Group will continue in 2022 to focus on skills training, learning and nurturing qualities looking at topics such as productivity, Energy, Sleep, Nutrition, etc to help us put into action changes for improving ourselves and our lives.
Looking Back, Looking Forward Workshop
A great way to consider the skills and qualities we have and those we want to develop is by doing a review / reflection of the last year and plans for the following year. The Looking Back, Looking Forward Workshop helps with this. This workshop is £20 but you can attend for free by investing in yourself during November with one of these Happy Life Habits products or services:
Happiness Journal - get started with instant happiness and positivity plus start of positive habits - £25
90 mins Gratitude & Journal Workshop - learn how to develop positive habits and get started with using the journal (included as part of workshop) - £55
30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course - full on focus and support to develop the positive habits in gratitude & journaling and rewire the brain for a new mindset. £125
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaileen-shah/
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Extra Time - How will you spend it
What would you do if you had 60 mins more in the day?
More time on health, exercise, meditation, being with friends/family, sleeping, Netflix, working, learning?
Take a moment to really think.
What would you do if you had 60 mins more in the day?
More time on health, exercise, meditation, being with friends/family, sleeping, Netflix, working, learning?
Take a moment to really think.
Magic Wand waving...
Well those in the regions where clocks go back on Sunday you have the opportunity to use that "extra" hour.
I'll use it to learn and plan, what about you?
You could watch the Positive Grief recording, register for a HLH Course, watch Inspiration Point Podcast, do a google review or get a regular dose of positivity, inspiration, happiness with the regular sharing in the Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Positive Grief Action and Help Requested - takes 5 mins
Positive Grief - it's now been 4 weeks or almost 1 calendar month since I did this talk (recording plus additional resources can be accessed from here).
I'd really appreciate if you could take a few mins to fill out this short questionnaire so that:
(1) Get feedback on talk / recording
(2) Get input to develop a Free Positive Grief Support Group service
The questionnaire can be kept anonymous and you have the option to leave contact details if you want to be part of the Support Group etc.
Here is link for the questionnaire : https://forms.gle/toR4Kbe1fAyCRPpbA
Takes 5 mins
Thanks in advance
Seen shared on Facebook
Stress
Stress is natural, it is our body and brain's way of protecting us from danger and threat - to save our life. I have often shared that stress itself is not the problem but how long we hold onto the stress is the problem. We need to learn to put the stress down before we pick up again.
This is where self care practices such as mindfulness, gratitude and journaling help.
These have helped me deal with the stresses of life and continue to do so. Don't wait to be chronically stressed to react to find a solution/remedy. Act proactively now and respond by investing in you self care and coping mechanisms to build your resilience.
Invest in the 30 Day Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course - 2022 Dates have been amended.
Scentered : Product Review
I was aware that smells can evoke emotions and feelings. We can all relate to the case of freshly baked cookies / biscuits transporting us back to happy times in childhood or the sweet smell of cinnamon / gingerbread associated with Christmas. Also aware that Lavender can help with sleep. Our sense of taste is very much related to our sense of smell, remember when you have been ill with a blocked nose and everything tastes bland or different.
Smells detected by the nose send a message to the brain which sends to the limbic system which is important for memory, mood and emotion.
Some facts from https://www.aromaco.co.uk/20-fascinating-facts-about-our-sense-of-smell/
Your scent cells are renewed every 4 weeks
Studies show that 75% of emotions are triggered by smell which is linked to pleasure, well-being, emotion and memory
The sense of smell is the first of all our senses to develop. Even before we are born, our sense of smell is fully formed and functioning.
Your sense of smell accounts for 75-95% of the impact a flavour has. Without being able to smell the difference between onion and potato, it’d be difficult to tell them apart.
Recently I was given a product to review. It was the Scentered Signature Collection of Wellbeing Ritual Balms - 100% Aromatherapy. Not really having used aromatherapy or essential oils except on the occasions of having a cold using menthol or Eucalyptus based products and good old Vicks or a splash of aftershave after shaving I was curious.
This collection has five handy sized balms to help us feel:
De-stressed
Escape
Focus
Happy
Sleep Well
Each is blended with 100% natural, eco-conscious, plant based ingredients to create fragrances with therapeutic effects. Imagine you want to feel
De-stressed before an important meeting
Focused while you work on an important activity
Needing to get a good, rested sleep
Just need an uplift of feeling happier when feeling a little down
Escape and be inspired
then use the appropriate balm following the 3 simple steps:
STOP : apply to wrist, neck and temples
INHALE : deeply
RESET : your mood
I have done this before going to sleep when feeling in need of a deep relaxation, before sitting to get on with some work, before my public meetings and private meetings and it has been beneficial. The wonderful scents are released immediately as well as noticing them over time and reminding to be centred. Each is combined from 3 exotic ingredients including : Chamomile, Lemon Myrtle, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Neroli amongst others.
The 3 simple steps are quick and easy to apply with the balms coming in a portable, handy size.
It is part of my self care ritual that I used these to feel a particular way at particular times. I also love the fact that 10% of net profits are donated to Women for Women International - a charity.
I applied focus balm before writing this piece, it worked.
Find out more at: https://scentered.me/
https://scentered.me/products/signature-ritual-collection
Additional information
https://www.fifthsense.org.uk/psychology-and-smell/
https://www.aromaco.co.uk/20-fascinating-facts-about-our-sense-of-smell/
A mindfulness Exercise
There is a quick grounding mindfulness exercise called 5-4-3-2-1 related to the senses and observing and connecting to your senses right now, give it a go
5 - look for 5 things around you right now and say them out load
4 - 4 things you can touch and feel
3 - 3 things you can hear
2 - 2 things you can smell
1 - 1 thing you can taste
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaileen-shah/
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Take A Moment
Sometimes we just need to take a moment to catch our breath, reset ourselves or get ready of the next challenge. Take a moment now to reflect on the last few months of this year and what you have experienced and learnt. Take a moment to reflect on what you want to experience in the next 3 months and also by the end of the year. I’ll take a moment here to share what Happy Life Habits has planned over the next 3 months. We are your partner on the happiness journey.
Sometimes we just need to take a moment to catch our breath, reset ourselves or get ready of the next challenge. Take a moment now to reflect on the last few months of this year and what you have experienced and learnt. Take a moment to reflect on what you want to experience in the next 3 months and also by the end of the year. I’ll take a moment here to share what Happy Life Habits has planned over the next 3 months. We are your partner on the happiness journey.
Just 2 mins…
If Happy Life Habits has positively impacted your happiness & wellbeing levels by any of these:
Attending a course or workshop
Support during Mental Health Awareness Week
Participating in the book club
Attending a Happiness Booster session
Coaching session
Inspiration Point Podcast (live or recording)
Reading a blog article
Reading a post/video/quote etc on Facebook/ LinkedIn/ Instagram / YouTube etc
Just a chat
Then please take 2 mins to fill out this google review so we can reach and serve more people.
Inspiration Point Podcast Last Episode
This week we have the last episode of Inspiration Point Podcast Series 3 (attend with gifted ticket using promo code ‘GUEST’) . With that episode we have continuously served 12 weeks, each week of Inspiration Point Podcast through series 2 and series 3. The feedback from those who attended the live episodes is that majority:
Would recommend Inspiration Point Podcast to family and friends
Compared to start of episode, at the end of the episode their happiness levels were higher
I thank all the guests who have taken part in the 3 series we have had so far (18 episodes), the sponsors and all those who have attended the live episode or caught up on the recording. Each episode has been special, insightful, inspiring, positive and I have learnt much from it. There are patterns and differences. Please do share any feedback you may have.
If you would like to take part in a future episode or know someone who might please share this form. The more forms filled the sooner we can plan series 4 and 5 later this year.
Speaker Events
We continue to host and share events and also get invited to speak at those organised by various communities, groups, companies and organisations.
This week we take part in a wellness talk, as series organised by Shrimad Rajchandra Dharampar Mission. It is a free event open to all.
Happiness at Work - Help Wanted
We could do with your help to support Happiness at Work. We have a range of talks/workshops on offer and can also do bespoke sessions. If the below topics are of interest let your HR, Managers, Leaders, networks know of these services and we could be sharing them at your workplace to everyone’s benefit. Also see further below about Mental Health Awareness Week.
For a successful engagement we will thank you with the Happiness Journal (£25) used in the Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course.
SOME OF THE TOPICS OFFERED BY HAPPY LIFE HABITS INTO THE WORKPLACE ARE:
The Role of Effective Self-Care in Positive Leadership
A Framework for Work-Life Harmony
The 7 Habits of a Happy Workforce
Increasing Positivity & Resilience in Stressful Environments
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey’s work)
The Secret To Long Lasting Happiness: The Gratitude Workshop
Being Centred during uncertain, changing times
Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
The Happy Life Habits Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course will be one year old on 1st June. We just finished the March course and have June and November this year. For June we have option of morning sessions or evening sessions.
The course run over 30 days helps to develop habits in both Gratitude and Journaling and reap the benefits of these practices. The first session, a Journal Workshop has been extended to 90 mins from original 60 mins incorporating ideas on habits from various sources including: Atomic Habits - James Clear, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey and the ideas of B.J Fogg and Charles Duhigg.
If this year you want to deepen you Gratitude practice, develop it as a new one or add a journal practice then this is the course for you. The benefits delivered by the course are immense, far reaching and in excess of the investment price.
The course price will be going up on 17th May - after Mental Health Awareness Week. You can secure a place for June or Nov at the current price by registering before mid-May.
Really do not miss out on this opportunity to develop these skills during 2021, I currently have not idea if and what frequency will run the course in 2022.
Mental Health Awareness Week : 10-16 May
Last year we supported Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) in various ways on each day. This year we will support MHAW. If you are aware of any resources or events please do let us know by 25th April so we can include them in an article before MHAW.
We have a free 21 Day Simple Living Challenge that will start on 10th May. Each day you get an email in your inbox with a thought, reflection or action and you can go onto the kindspring platform for the challenge and share your experiences and read the other participants. I found these challenges a brilliant support during the pandemic and lockdown months.
To join click here: https://www.kindspring.org/challenge/join/2041/
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
A NEW HOPE? OR NO HOPE?
Sometimes with the restrictions of lockdown, the negative news, so many deaths and cold, dark winter we feel like there is no hope and at other times hope is all we have.
The original classic Stars Wars was titled Episode IV : A New Hope. In this blog article I share some recent positive news stories, resources and Happy Life Habits activities.
Sometimes with the restrictions of lockdown, the negative news, so many deaths and cold, dark winter we feel like there is no hope and at other times hope is all we have.
The original classic Stars Wars was titled Episode IV : A New Hope. In this blog article I share some recent positive news stories, resources and Happy Life Habits activities.
Everything is F*cked : A book about Hope
Sometimes it feels like the title of this book. This is a book I recently got hold of, still to be read but looks interesting and the author’s previous book I have seen mentioned.
““Why should I fear death? If I am, then death is not. If Death is, then I am not. Why should I fear that which can only exist when I do not?””
Wonderful Positive News about HelpVeerNow
Veer is a 4 year old boy, son of our friends and from the communities we are part of. He has low blood counts and desperately needs a stem cell donor. The family have set up HelpVeerNow to raise awareness and help campaign to get more people on the the donor lists so they can find a match for Veer and also help others in the same situation to find a match. The numbers of people registered to be a donor is very low especially in BAME. To find a match is like finding a needle in a haystack. It needn’t be. If everyone, including you and people you know registered then there would be plenty of needles to be easily found.
The wonderful news is that three 90% matches have been found. A few months ago there weren’t and the family had been told that Veer had months instead of years to find a transplant donor as his counts had dropped.
You can listen to the family’s journey on the BBC World Service recording. It is very powerful, positive, uplifting and funny with the mention of a stem cell donut! and Veer going out to look for his superhero donor. What comes through the the emotional and mental struggles, them leaning into their Jain faith and keeping focused on the positive. Even with Veer having a match, the campaigning continues as many more people needed on the registers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct1fq8
I am privileged to say the family are part of the Happy Life Habits Community, attended workshops and training courses. In May 2020 when a Veer’s Virtual Extravaganza was held, Happy Life Habits was honoured to serve in opening the Extravaganza with a Happiness and Gratitude workshop.
Resource: Coping in a Crisis
Hansa Pankhania a new acquaintance is an author, coach and consultant who will be in a future series of the Inspiration Point Podcast. She has written a variety of books on Stress, Crisis as well as stories. Her most recent is title Coping in a Crisis and covers coping with loss, financial loss, grief, relationship and including coping strategies. The book is free to download from www.aumconsultancy.co.uk.
Hansa has been inspired by Deepak Chopra’s WellBeing Centre - more in future Inspiration Point Podcast .
JVB London: The Future of Wellbeing & Higher Consciousness by Dr. Deepak Chopra
Recently I was able to attend a zoom meeting with the world reknowned Deepak Chopra. It was organised by JVB London and titled The Future of Wellbeing & Higher Consciousness by Dr. Deepak Chopra. The recording is here and well worth listening to. It resonated on some many levels for me and I loved watching it.
Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
Gratitude has been shown to increase the chances of psychologically surviving hard times. In the HLH Gratitude Workshops I share that gratitude helps :
Us feel less deflated
Gives Hope
Helps Heal
It certainly has done this for me through life’s various challenges and has helped over 50 people who have taken the 30 day Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. It is a pro-social behaviour making use feel more connected.
I’ll share a recent testimonial:
“I’ve just completed the Happiness and Gratitude training programme that Shaileen hosted.
We all ‘know’ what to do and how to ‘be’ happy, positive and grateful but it’s not always something that’s at the forefront of our minds when we are in the day to day of our lives. I booked on this course back in November as something to look forward to for the start of the year.
Alongside Shaileens’ great questions and coaching support, there was a daily journal to complete.
The whole programme was really, really good. My mindset has grown stronger as a result of the course and for anyone who wants some MH (Mental Health) support, to be able to see the ‘wood for the trees’ or like me, just wants to spend a bit of time focussing on the ‘haves’ vs the ‘have nots’ - this is for you.
I highly recommend it to you and to anyone who supports MH in the workplace. It’s fabulous.”
If you want to know more, sign up or join waiting list go to https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/habit-immersion
Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2
We reach half way through series 2 with 2 fantastic episodes completed and the 3rd due in a few hours as I write. The sessions I have found and feedback received as being unique, inspiring, positive, uplifting and an hour well spent. Episode 5 is about my cousin Dr Ajay Shah who is the older brother of episode 3 Niraj Shah. Earlier we shared Veer was looking for a super hero to be his stem cell donor. Episode 5 is Dr Ajay Shah - Super Hero Doctor. In recent ITV news about the Covid19 vaccination programme, Ajay has been caught in action.
Past recordings you can find at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point and if you would like or know one who may be great to take part in a future episode please fill out the simple form at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point-form.
Happy life habits connected conversations
I have recently had wonderful conversations related to Happy Life Habits projects. One was with a friend, HLH community member and course graduate. They asked what is the difference between motivation and inspiration. I had a good think, some ideas, did research and confirmed my thoughts plus additional concepts. We had a great conversation sharing and deepening each of our understanding. I’ll share at a later date the ideas shared. That conversation, the HLH Book Club plus writings on connection, relationships, isolation shared over the last year help give more traction to the idea of Connected Conversations.
To help foster connection, reduce sense of isolation and pro-social behaviour plus its benefits we have a new initiative we are exploring: Connected Conversations. It is not a workshop, it is not a talk. It’s a conversation.
30-60 mins - join on time, leave at anytime
1:1 and 1:many conversations
Move to different conversation groups at will
Using wonder.me platform
Discuss, share, express, explore, listen, connect
Theme: Relationships and Connection
Date & Time: Sunday 14th Feb 10:30am -11:30am
Where: Wonder.me
Here are some links to previous articles and workshop recordings from 2020 on Happier Relationships that I am quite proud of and people have found useful. https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/news/2020/2/6/happier-relationships
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
GIVING THANKS ON THANKS GIVING
Thanks Giving is a traditional time when many people reflect on gratitude and give thanks for what they already have. Traditionally Thanksgiving started as a harvest festival to give thanks for the harvest collected.
WHAT CAN YOU GIVE THANKS FOR, BE GRATEFUL FOR THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE IN YOUR LIFE?
Could it be for hot running water? shelter, family, friends, food, heating, transport options, work, study, community, hospitals, etc?
Thanks Giving is a traditional time when many people reflect on gratitude and give thanks for what they already have. Traditionally Thanksgiving started as a harvest festival to give thanks for the harvest collected.
WHAT CAN YOU GIVE THANKS FOR, BE GRATEFUL FOR THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE IN YOUR LIFE?
Could it be for hot running water? shelter, family, friends, food, heating, transport options, work, study, community, hospitals, etc?
The beauty of gratitude is that it amplifies the good we already have, it helps rescue us from negativity or struggles and fosters connection. It heals, gives hope and helps us not feel deflated.
““Always start with thanksgiving; be thankful for what you already have and see the miracles that come from this one simple act.” ”
Thank You
Happy Life Habits takes this opportunity to thank all the people and organisations that have supported it during this year either by hosting and event, investing in a service or product, being a speaker, a sponsor, attendee, sharing / liking/encouraging social media posts and reading the articles.
Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course Attendees
June, July, Sept and Nov graduates - 45+
The graduates who have gifted or recommended the course
HLH Book Club members
Happiness Booster, workshop, Inspiration Point attendees
Sponsors :
Lightside Financial (Priti Shah)
Raymond James Stanmore (Kamal Haria)
Balance Consultancy (Shandip Shah)
Aegis Life Financial (Yogesh Nagpal)
Drop Me Limited (Khilan Shah)
Vision One to One (Nehul Shah)
Speaker Workshop
Uday Shah
Inspiration Point Podcast speakers
Nick Williams
Anuj Shah
Chantal Coady OBE
Sanjay Shah
Beejal Coulson
Shandip Shah
Companies and organisations hosting events or investing in services
BVJ
HB Accountants
David Phillips
Xerox
Will Writers Society
Shree Chandana Vidhya Peeth (SCVP) Jain School
Shishukunj
Oshwal Association UK
Young Jains
Help Veer Now
Podcast hosts
Malini Shah - Mind, Body Heart podcast
Camden Boyd - The Happiness Question Podcast
Together in Isolation article contributors
Bhavik Haria for his 5 day video challenge
Happy Life Habits Community
Happy Life Habits Team: Harshna and Priti
https://www.awakin.org/read/view.php?tid=2465
Half A Pomegranate Brian Conroy
Early one morning, the Buddha and his disciples set off on an alms round. He announced that on that day all of the offerings they received would be given to the poor.
The community sat beneath the red blossoms of a sala tree and waited. Soon all of the most important dignitaries from the surrounding area came to make offerings.
First to arrive was King Bimbisara. He offered lavish gifts of gold coins, gilded lanterns, and necklaces sparkling with precious gemstones. The Buddha accepted these offerings with one hand.
Next to arrive was Prince Ajatashatru. He extended offerings of intricate carvings, mouth-watering foods, and sticks of fragrant ox-head sandalwood incense. Again, the Buddha accepted these offerings with one hand.
These were followed by offerings from minor kings, brahmins, elders and laypeople. The Buddha accepted all of their offerings with a single hand.
Late in the day, a dishevelled old woman appeared before the Buddha. She bowed respectfully and said, "World Honored One, by the time I heard you were accepting offerings, I had already eaten half of this pomegranate. I am just a poor old woman. The only thing I have to offer is the other half of this pomegranate. I hope you will accept it."
Those gathered looked on in embarrassment at the old woman's meagre offering. But the Buddha extended both of his hands and gratefully accepted the half a pomegranate.
When the old woman was gone, the Buddha's disciple Aniruddha asked, "Why did you accept the old woman's offering with both hands, but all of the others with only one hand?"
The Buddha replied, "This woman gave all she had without expecting reward. I needed both hands to accept such an abundant offering."
Here is a podcast where I share about gratiude
Some useful Thanksgiving/ Gratitude resources
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_do_we_celebrate_thanksgiving_in_a_pandemic
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
WHAT DO WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON? COMMUNITY.
This article I am exploring the idea of community. Community has been a great support for me over the years and in particular during the Covid-19 Pandemic as previously written in Together in Isolation. There are many ideas and resources in that article that have helped me and can help you as here in the UK we go into a 2nd national lockdown. The themes covered are:
CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES NATURE ROUTINE SPIRITUALITY & FAITH
HEALTH HUMOUR & FEEL GOOD CONNECTION MINDFULNESS & PRESENT MOMENT
LEARNING KINDNESS REFLECTION, GRATITUDE AND JOURNALLING
3 of the Inspiration Point guests have contributed to that article before the 1st national lockdown in March 2020.
Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash
Happy Diwali and Happy World Kindness Day
The team at Happy Life Habits wish a Happy Diwali and Happy World Kindness Day to those celebrating.
In this short article I am exploring the idea of community. Community has been a great support for me over the years and in particular during the Covid-19 Pandemic as previously written in Together in Isolation. There are many ideas and resources in that article that have helped me and can help you as during 2nd national lockdown. The themes covered are:
CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES NATURE ROUTINE SPIRITUALITY & FAITH HEALTH HUMOUR & FEEL GOOD MINDFULNESS & PRESENT MOMENT CONNECTION LEARNING GRATITUDE AND JOURNALLING KINDNESS REFLECTION
Three (Nick Williams, Sanjay Shah and Beejal Coulson) of the Inspiration Point guests have contributed to that article before the 1st national lockdown in March 2020.
Being Part of Communities
Being parts of various communities has been a huge support to me. Recently over a 7 or so day spell in my calendar almost each day was community related activities including Happy Life Habits (HLH). This was :
Thursday : Attending a talk organised by Shishukunj
Sunday : HLH Gratitude & Journal Habit Training Course workshop
Monday: HLH BookClub
Tuesday: HLH Inspiration Point
Wednesday: Diwali meeting for celebrations planned on 14th November by SCVP and Young Jains
Thursday: Co-Facilitating Young Jains Enriching Conversations on these of Diwali: Shine the Right Light
Friday : Teaching at SCVP Jain School
Happy Diwali to those celebrating. Happy World Kindness Day - 13th Nov.
I enjoy and learn from being part of those communities and feel connected.
We also received good news that the HelpVeerNow campaign shared. Through their efforts to get more people registered on donor databases to increase the chances of finding a bone marrow match for Veer; a registrant in India has been found to be match for another person - saving a life. Without the HelpVeerNow campaign and community the donor may not have registered. This gives hope that a match can be found for Veer. Register and tell others to register, details at www.HelpVeerNow.org
What is Community
From wikipedia
A community is a social unit (a group of living things) with commonality such as norms, religion, values, customs, or identity. Communities may share a sense of place situated in a given geographical area (e.g. a country, village, town, or neighbourhood) or in virtual space through communication platforms. Durable relations that extend beyond immediate genealogical ties also define a sense of community, important to their identity, practice, and roles in social institutions such as family, home, work, government, society, or humanity at large. Although communities are usually small relative to personal social ties, "community" may also refer to large group affiliations such as national communities, international communities, and virtual communities.
The English-language word "community" derives from the Old French comuneté (currently "Communauté"), which comes from the Latin communitas "community", "public spirit" (from Latin communis, "common")
From the Jain faith we have the concept of interdependence shared as …
Parasparopagraho Jīvānām (Sanskrit) is a Jain aphorism from the Tattvārtha Sūtra [5.21]. It is translated as "Souls render service to one another". It is also translated as, "All life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence." These translations are virtually the same (by virtue, that is), because Jains believe that every living being, from a plant or a bacterium to human, has a soul and the concept forms the very basis of Jainism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasparopagraho_Jivanam
On reading the chapter on Ego from Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty in preparation for the next HLH Book Club session he quotes the Dalai Lama as saying
Under the bright sun, many of us are gathered together with different languages, different styles of dress, even different faiths. However all of us are the same in being human beings, we all uniquely have the thought of “I” and we’re all the same wanting happiness and in wanting to avoid suffering
Happy Life Habits (HLH) has been working hard to serve and cultivate a community of people who want to positively impact happiness and well-being levels. When we are happy, kind, optimistic or hopeful by contagion the people around us also feel that. An act of kindness done to one person ripples out to 6 others and then with each of those 6 rippling to another 6 for three further levels.
Through the HLH Community FaceBook group, the workshops, Inspiration Point, Book Club, Habit training courses we seek to bring people together, have a sense of connection, share inspiration, support each other and build a positive community.
If this resonates with you, you can help us with the crowdfunding campaign running for a few week. You can donate, claim a reward such as a journal, workshop or a place on the Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course starting 4th January 2021. If we reach our target and meet some other criteria, the Mayor of London will give us additional funding which will allow us to do more for free or low cost.
https://payitforward.london.gov.uk/hlh-sharing-positivity-resilience
Many thanks to those who have already supported and shared the campaign.
Over the remaining part of this year we have a few events detailed on the events page.
These include:
Last Episode of Inspiration Point Series 1 : 24th November
Manage Your Mindset and Money Workshop : 1st December (in collaboration with Priti Shah from LightSide Financial)
Remaining Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course sessions for November (you can secure place for £60 instead of £75 via crowdfunding)
Looking back, Looking Forward Workshop : 13 Dec (TBC) (sign up via crowdfunding)
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Happy Birthday - Time to Connect
I write this on the eve of turning 50. What to say? These birthday celebrations are way different from what we had in mind last year or even at the beginning of this year. We were making plans to have family from USA and Kenya come visit during the summer and arrange a few get togethers with both sides of the families - both in terms of mine and my wife’s as well as both in terms of my dad’s and mum’s side. This is a lot of people. The celebrations would be for my son turning 16, completing GCSE exams and me turning 50. With the pandemic issue we can’t have more than 6 people meet.
I remember before I turned 24, I had just started my first real job and career out of university. I was a junior consultant in a US based technology consulting firm. I had been to Cambridge, Massachusetts for month long orientation training. During one weekend we had driven to New York, the Big Apple. I was then back in the UK working on projects, work then had become quieter in the UK. During September they shipped a few of out to projects in the USA. I ended up in Lansing, Michigan for a good few weeks. One weekend we took off to Lake Michigan - more like am ocean than a lake. I ended up spending my birthday weekend driving with a friend to Toronto, Canada where he had his family. I was away from family and friends. Being with my friend and his family was fine but I felt alone and did not enjoy that birthday experience. I enjoy being around people, especially family and friends and I enjoy celebration birthdays. Happy Birthday - I has HAPPY in the phrase and it has Birth - Life, so a Happiness Coach calling his company Happy Life Habits loves celebrating birthdays be they his own or others.
I was reminded by Facebook of a post from a few years ago which is a real treasure and I share here which share the difference between a contact and connection.
A Monk of the RamaKrishna Mission was being interviewed by a journalist from NY.
Journalist - "Sir, in your last lecture, you told us about Jogajog (contact) & Sanjog (connection). It's really confusing. Can you explain ? "
The Monk smiled and apparently deviating from the question asked the journalist:
"Are you from New York?"
Journalist - "Yeh..."
Monk - "Who are there at home?”
The Journalist felt that the Monk was trying to avoid answering his question since this was a very personal and unwarranted question. Yet the journalist said: “Mother has expired. Father is there. Three brothers and one sister. All married..."
The Monk, with a smile on his face, asked again: “Do you talk to your father?"
The journalist looked visibly annoyed...
The Monk - “When did you talk to him last?"
The journalist, supressing his annoyance said: "May be a month ago."
The Monk: “Do you brothers and sisters meet often? When did you meet last as a family gathering?"
At this point, sweat appeared on the forehead of the journalist. Now who was conducting the interview, the Monk or the Journalist? It seemed that the Monk was interviewing the Journalist.
With a sigh, the Journalist said: “We met last at Christmas two years ago."
The Monk: “How many days did you all stay together ?"
The Journalist (wiping the sweat on his brow) said: “Three days..."
Monk: "How much time did you spend with your Father, sitting right beside him?"
The journalist looking perplexed and embarrassed and started scribbling something on a paper...
The Monk: "Did you have breakfast, lunch or dinner together? Did you ask how he was? Did you ask how his days are passing after your mother's death?"
Drops of tears coming out started to flow from the eyes of the journalist.
The Monk held the hand of the journalist and said: “Don't be embarrassed, upset or sad. I am sorry if I have hurt you unknowingly... But this is basically the answer to your question about "contact and connection (Jogajog and Sanjog)". You have 'contact' with your father but you don't have 'connection' with him. You are not connected to him. Connection is between heart and heart... sitting together, sharing meals and caring for each other ; touching, shaking hands, having eye contact, spending some time together...You brothers and sisters have 'contact' but you have no 'connection' with each other...."
The journalist wiped his eyes and said: "Thanks for teaching me a fine and unforgettable lesson"
This is the reality today. Whether at home or in the society everybody has lots of contacts but there is no connection. No communication... Everybody is in his or her own world.
Let us not maintain just "contacts" but let us remain "connected"; caring, sharing and spending time with all our dear ones.
*****
The Monk was none other than Swami Vivekananda
Lessons Learned at 50
There are many people who have come into my life, there are many mistakes made, lessons learned, many inspirers, many joyous moments and continue to do so. Some of these lessons relate to a few themes.
TIME is our most precious resource. We don’t know how much we have left so use it wisely.
CONNECTION is central to our existence. The much loved and shared Brene Brown quote says it all. Check out this awesome blog on connection.
We have 3 main relationships or connections:
with our self
with others
with our higher self, nature, universe, God
The Happy Life Habits logo is all about connection, it is a connected pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
The below quote was share on HLH Community group when within a few days we developed the HLH Book Club. Thanks Mary T for inspiring it.
“‘Time is our most precious resource. We should not waste it. If it fits with my mission, serves, feels right, positively impacts, makes me smile, adds to the greater good, enthuses and inspires me and have the opportunity to be with wonderful like minded people - why wait? ”
Manage your TIME, ENERGY & ATTENTION
I am hoping to share sessions on this in 2021
HABITS OF THE HEART & SOUL : GRATITUDE, COMPASSION, KINDNESS, LOVE, FORGIVENESS, MINDFULNESS
return wonderful returns when developed - they are all about connection.
“Our life is made up of a series of moments. We live moment to moment. The more happy moments we can have and create the happier our life will be. ”
All the current Happy Life Habit projects and activities relate to these themes : The Happiness Boosters, The Gratitude Workshop, The Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Course, The HLH Book Club and the newly launched Inspiration Point. I look forward to connecting with you and being part of the Happy Life Habits Community with you.
Many thanks to all the attendees, participants, partners, supporters and sponsors.
With Love, Warmth, Gratitude and Kindness
Shaileen Shah - The Happiness Coach - 50 Years Old - still got a long way to go.
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Opportunity for a Win-Win Partnership
Happy Life Habits is running a Free 90 min Gratitude Workshop in October. I have run Gratitude Workshops for the last 6 years during the Autumn.
The win-win opportunity for companies or individuals to partner in supporting / sponsoring the event workshop
Happy Life Habits is running a Free 90 min Gratitude Workshop in October. I have run Gratitude Workshops for the last 6 years during the Autumn.
The win-win opportunity for companies or individuals to partner in supporting / sponsoring the event workshop
What you get :
* Logo on flyers which will be shared via various social media (LinkedIn, FaceBook, WhatsApp, HLH email)
* Logo, name and web link on HLH website page for event
* Logo on Event Title Slide
* Chance to support HLH in positively impacting Happiness & Well Being levels
If interested and you would like to discuss above or other related ideas please get in touch before Wednesday 9th Sep.
THE SECRET TO LONG LASTING HAPPINESS
Let me share with you the secret to long lasting happiness. It is … Gratitude. Thank goodness for gratitude! It is my favourite and niche Happiness habit and has immensely helped me many times through life’s challenges. Gratitude is the practice of counting our blessings for what we already have in our lives. For being thankful with what we have.
Let me share with you the secret to long lasting happiness. It is … Gratitude. Thank goodness for gratitude! It is my favourite and niche Happiness habit and has immensely helped me many times through life’s challenges. Gratitude is the practice of counting our blessings for what we already have in our lives. For being thankful with what we have. For appreciating where are are, what we have and what we are doing. It is the recognition of what is already wonderful in our lives. It is a habit of the heart and when practised regularly helps cultivate and enhance all the other virtues. The Roman, Marcus Cicero is quoted as saying:
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others
Marcus Cicero
Thanks Giving is a a traditional time when many people reflect on gratitude and give thanks for what they already have. Traditionally Thanksgiving started as a harvest festival to give thanks for the harvest collected.
What can you give thanks for, be grateful for that you already have in your life?
Could it be for hot running water? shelter, family, friends, food, heating, transport options, work, study, community, hospitals, etc?
The beauty of gratitude is that it amplifies the good we already have, it helps rescue us from negativity or struggles and fosters connection. It heals, gives hope and helps us not feel deflated.
Some scientific proven benefits for happiness - in particular Gratitude - from Gratitude Researcher Robert Emmons:
Practice of gratitude has dramatic, lasting and positive results: every time
Journal Diary - 2 weeks - sustained reductions in stress (25%) and depression (16%) in health care practitioners
23% lower levels of stress hormones (cortisol)
10% improvement in sleep quality in patients with chronic pain (76 % had insomnia) and 19% lower depression levels
Letter of gratitude reduced feeling of hopelessness in 88% of suicidal patients and increased levels of optimism in 94% of them
Gratitude activates the learning centres in the brain hence helping us be solution focused and found solutions to life’s challenges. It helps increase the release of the happy chemicals such as Dopamine into our system and flush out the stress hormones such as cortisol thereby reducing stress and making us feel happy. It has an impact on our mental and physical health improving our overall well being.
Scientifically proven benefits of gratitude
Resources
21 Day Gratitude Challenge starting 23rd Nov 2019
Invest in a Happiness Journal from Happy Life Habits for £20 - each one bought supports the UNs Sustainable Development Goals by giving a book to a library in India. Get in touch if you would like a journal.
Happy Life Habits does workshops on Happiness at Work, Gratitude, Kindness, Mindfulness, Habits.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
About the Author
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.