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[shahrukh]

There is a Chinese proverb that says: “Whoever loves and understands a garden will find contentment within.” Now I often visit the zoo, which is set in beautiful gardens. While I’m there I can see that we can learn a lot about happiness from observing nature.

[shahrukh]

What are some tips we can learn? Here are the top 10.

1. Find and value our niche

[shahrukh]

The animals and plants in a forest all have a purpose – a niche. In a balanced ecosystem they work together in harmony. When the balance is lost the system falls apart. Food chains are destroyed, animals become extinct and land degradation sets in.

Like plants and animals, each of us has a purpose for being here. If we took away jobs from society, the balance would be lost. Observe in the media what happens when school teachers, bus drivers or any other profession goes on strike for a while. Chaos!

Years ago I did some training to become a salesperson in a fitness club. During the training the instructor mentioned how he once spoke to a person who said he was “just a cleaner” in a school. The instructor told the cleaner that he is not “just a cleaner”. The instructor then pointed out that by cleaning away the rubbish, the cleaner was preventing children in the school from getting ill, and possibly dying from diseases, so he had an important job to do. The instructor mentioned how no one should understate their jobs, as all jobs are worthwhile. Saying we are “just a…” devalues ourselves and the importance of our jobs.

Sadly society often values people on things like their job, class, looks or wealth, and overlooks people’s kindness, compassion, generosity and other positive traits.

Be proud of whatever talents, skills and positive attributes that you have, however humble you perceive them to be. We are all needed.
2. Follow the light

[shahrukh]

Plants follow the light; they grow towards the sun. Without sunlight they die.

In a spiritual sense we can think of “the light” as love, harmony, peace and other positive elements. They help us soar to our true potential. They give our lives meaning. They can give us extra happiness.

Hatred, bitterness, jealousy and other negative feelings, however, waste energy, destroy creativity and can hinder our health, happiness and success.

Seek more of “the light” in our lives.

… The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God.”

- Anne Frank

3. Be adaptable

[shahrukh]

Nature is constantly changing. The seasons change. The climate changes. We change as we make the transition from children to adults.

Some people think that they are the way they are, so they don’t need to adapt to the changing environment and other inevitable changes in life. They might blame their relatives or childhood for how happy, healthy and successful they are, and use them as reasons not to change. “I’m always sad because my mother is always sad! It runs in the family.” This is not taking responsibility for our lives.

Accept that change is inevitable, so fighting it is pointless; it wastes vital energy and can lead to unhappiness. Rather than thinking of change as something to resent, view it with interest, and as a way to expand our lives and grow.

So what can we do to be adaptable? We might need to be retrained; perhaps overcome destructive old habits and replace them with new helpful ones; go on a stress management, cooking or parenting course. Whatever the changes are, being adaptable is vital for success, good health and extra happiness.

4. Be patient

[shahrukh]

When we plant seeds it takes time for them to grow shoots. Before the leaves start to show nothing seems to happen for a while, but things are going on beneath the surface of the soil. Like seeds, when we “sow” ideas and aim to be happier, it can take time to see results. Be patient.



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