Enlightenment for the rest of us
- Written by Eric North aka “The Happiness Warrior”
As The Happiness Warrior, I believe that knowledge is power and gives our lives more meaning. Not everything important is found in books, but I set aside time daily to read and enhance my mind with new thoughts and ideas. I may not take everything to heart, but I look for what resonates and use it to gain wisdom in alignment with my core values. I’ve allowed myself to consume divergent ideas for greater perspective and truth.
I read a lot of books, essays, articles, and interviews. Always hungry for knowledge, consuming a massive number of facts, and always receptive to signals, and information. They’re all filed away as an interconnected filing system in my brain. Sometimes, I’ll need a second or two, but the words and explanations that I have processed will spill out of my mouth before I have finished processing the latest information.
As the old saying goes “the horse is already out of the gate”, I’m always ready for new adventure. It’s a wild ride at times, but I can guarantee that life for me is always interesting and eventful. The ego is a dangerous thing and it’s always good to have a playful edge when we’re learning about ourselves. Enlightenment is something we can all develop to live our lives with more intensity and passion. It’s okay to take ourselves seriously!
Sometimes we can experience a new facet of enlightenment that makes us think and speak quickly with resonance and conviction. It can make us feel socially awkward at first but eventually we’ll find a new rhythm. The more authentic we become the more we can forgive the errors of our past behaviors. Enlightenment is when we begin to make connections between our actions and behaviors. It’s the change in our spirit when we raise our vibration. It’s the past being left behind t and the future right before us. With an enlightened perspective each day is a chance to become a higher version of ourselves and make the world a little better.
The past has a way of kicking us when we most need to remember. The ability to forgive is often learned and the lesson is always found in our truth. We are happier and more at ease with ourselves when we learn to slow down and connect with the energy that abounds around us. Enlightenment and self-validation are personal and private feelings best left unspoken and expressed through actions and attitude.
When we begin our enlightenment journey life begins to become more balanced. We are less easily angered, more at peace with ourselves, more able to forgive, and move on. It expanded our ability to take care of ourselves and move forward with motivation and intention. It increases both our empathy and perspective. History has an infinite ability to repeat itself unless we listen and learn.
When we are on the path to enlightenment we will see other humans more clearly and better understand their motivations. Humans never surprise us with their ability to expand on good and evil. There are two sides to our nature. Primal and civilized mindsets fighting it out on an endless playing field which I dream that we will one day converge on and conquer.
We’re all more capable and life is more rewarding when we feel united and striving for the greater good. We’ve seen this so many times in our history when we are facing a common threat or enemy. This sense of connection is powerful, productive, and helps us spread happiness. When we are united we are better. The world is changing, and information is literally at our fingertips. We are all more knowledgeable than we might admit. There are both hidden and conspicuous messages at every turn and venture. Enlightenment can be found at any time or venture.
In this world of ours it can feel like our lives are in a microscope without a veil of privacy. We have choices and opportunities that arise with the mindset and attitude that we select. We can be conscious of our effects on others and learn from their stories and experiences. We can choose to be enlightened without the need to seek approval from others. We can choose to be silent in our growing wisdom and capabilities. Good energy always radiates from within.
Those that are self-aware and self-contained can live our lives by example and action. When we practice self-awareness and confidence we will always prosper and find greater inner happiness. The world isn’t fair unless we make it fair. Nothing of any importance will ever happen with our lives unless we become enlightened. Only then will we reach a place of understanding. A feeling when our conscious thoughts and actions are in alignment with our core values.
THE JOY OF A UNIFIED CONSCIOUSNESS
The way we view and feel about ourselves is often the only barrier to becoming happier and more at peace with our inner spirit. Despite how hard many of us try to conform and get by, it’s undeniable that all humans have an authenticity that they dream of experiencing. Some are rebellious and become dangers to themselves and others, but most of us are united in the desire to create the life of our dreams.
A unified consciousness is when we are aligned and balanced with our needs and desires. Our ego is tamed, and our most base desires are vanquished. We’ve known that we’ve come a long way and the best of our journey lies before us. We’ve conquered our fears and let our authentic lives flourish.
Letting go helps us to see ourselves in a different light. We can become warriors and intensify our vision and purpose. We can use our newfound power to think clearly and see the big picture. We can be warriors with a sense of intention and duty.
SELF ESTEEM IS CONTAGIOUS
When we are more aware and enlightened, other people are sure to be inspired. Persistence is the key to resistance. Some may struggle and feel threatened at first, but the more resolve we have the greater the forces of change. Be strong in conviction and perception and gentle in actions and mind. The key to helping others rise and find their best selves is to do it with a compassionate mind. The ego is never our friend and patience are a constant reminder. Self-belief is how we make strides in the public consciousness. Now more than ever, the solutions we make come from our example.
People with higher levels of self-esteem are undeniably those that are the most capable of creating change for the greater good. They don’t stray from their values and integrity is their religion. They are leaders when they are called on. They’re examples for others to draw inspiration.
There are rules in life that can only help us, these are the principles to remember:
1. Emotions are not facts. We tend to make very poor decisions when everything we do is emotion-based and ignorant of facts. “Facts before feelings” is one of my principles for life and decisions. The truth and how we use it is all that matters. Trusting in our emotions and passions is great for helping us achieve our dreams and manifestations. Be aware of the balance that’s needed. Truthful self-esteem comes when we are aligned with our core values with consistency.
2. Beware of criticizing others while being able to take personal responsibility. It doesn’t matter who’s at fault as much as who takes responsibility and makes amends for their actions. That’s how character and self-esteem is built, without the need to chastise and denigrate others. We are all human and all have faults, awareness is everything we need to work anything out. Being critical of others might give a short-term endorphin rush, but in the long-term bitterness and regret are never self-esteem builders.
3. Learn to recognize when we are lying to ourselves and stop making excuses for laziness and lack of ambition. Victims are generally self-created fictions. We can be targeted by others, but we can choose our storyline. Nothing stops us from achieving self-esteem than choosing to be seen only as a victim.
4. Learn to say no and say yes to ourselves. Too often in my day-to-day life I see people saying yes to things that will not benefit other than to serve and be used by another. Precious time is lost and too many get swept up in hubris and inertia. Going with the flow might sound admirable but know when it’s time to be honest with ourselves. We can be assertive without being aggressive, there’s a big difference in our ability to feel enlightened when we can be unwaveringly honest with others.
Becoming an enlightened human is a personal journey of self-discovery. It can help us heal old wounds and look forward with happiness to every new day. It can change our perspective and how we treat others. It can make us the best versions of ourselves that we’ve been seeking. I like to think of life as a big game with unlimited choices and opportunities. Yes, we will face obstacles and hardships, but know that there is always a new path or solution. Enlightenment is nothing to fear or shrink from. It’s the path to greater happiness and fulfillment. It’s constant and always growing. A magical life is within all of our powers as long as we believe that we are worthy and deserving of our hopes and dreams.
Eric North
IG @TheHappinessWarrior1
www.thehappinesswarrior1.com
