Many spiritual paths emphasize right action as the essence of spirituality. Similarly, the New Church teaches that our eternity, our happiness, is not determined by what we believe alone but by how we live. Here are three steps that can help you to experience greater happiness today.
1) Reach Out
Seek out the unexpected blessings present in your own personal struggles and suffering. Consider a difficult event in your life, for example, an injury or illness, a loss, or a time of despair. Take the lessons and understanding you gained from that difficult experience and reach out to someone who is experiencing a similar challenge today.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others.”
—Jesus, Mark 10:45“When the Lord is with someone He leads him or her and makes provision so that all that happens, whether sad or joyful, may bring him what is good.”
—Emanuel Swedenborg, Secrets of Heaven 6303“I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.”
—Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl
2) Think Positive
Focus your thoughts on positive, loving and encouraging sentiments towards other people: a close friend; someone who has a neutral presence in your life; someone with whom you have conflict.
“Those who have charity hardly notice the evil in another person, but instead notice all the goods and truths that are his; and on his evils and falsities they place a good interpretation.”
—Emanuel Swedenborg, Secrets of Heaven 1079“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”
—Mother Theresa
3) Take Action
Do not wait for inspiration or motivation, just do something—anything—whether it is sweeping the floor, organizing a closet, or going for a walk. Break the inertia or bad energy you may be experiencing by doing a simple activity. Notice how your energy shifts.
“Act precedes, a person’s willing follows.”
—Emanuel Swedenborg, Secrets of Heaven 4353.3“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do.”
—Helen Keller
