How to Live with More Peace & Joy

In this post I outline some ways to live with a greater sense of peace and joy in your life.

• Live in the present moment: if you're not present then your attention and energy is bleeding elsewhere. The Taoists are masters at conserving energy and placing it where their attention is focused. We can learn to channel our energies into the present moment through awareness and breath. Focus on the sights and sounds around you to bring yourself back into the present moment and realign your focus for where it needs to go (vision).
• Connect with your value system: your value system can be shaped by culture, parents, schools, corporations, friends or media. Your value system plays an important role in forming your identity. But at the same time it's easy to become disconnected from what's important to you. For example, a mundane job in a corporate environment can very quickly severe you from your true values. To rebuild the connection gain perspective on what's important to you; do you value honesty, integrity, sincerity, creativity or do you long to make a difference in some way? Outline a set of values that hit a home run for you.
• Create a unique vision for your life: I like to work with vision instead of goals as I think goals are a bit outdated and limiting. Here's why; goals tend to require that you "tunnel" your vision. However, success rarely follows a straight line from A to B. It's a lot more messy. Our evolution is littered with the corpses of all the failed experiments that went before us. We don't notice this however. We focus instead on what's worked. Goals therefore are a bit too one dimensional. Working with vision is more malleable. Like an artist chipping away at a block of wood or a piece of clay. He may make several mistakes along the way but this just serves as part of the learning process. When we "tunnel" our vision into the future by working with goals, we make it business as usual. Things are in a constant state of flux however. The future is more dynamic and vibrant than ever before. Vision allows you to be more relaxed, open and intuitive to the creative process.
• Develop a sense of purpose: do you feel like your life lacks purpose? Well as soon as you find yourself engaging more with your vision and identity, you'll be able to align with your higher purpose. This may mean doing something that is greater than yourself. It could mean giving back, cooperating with your local community, working for the good of the environment or helping people find their own purpose. Whatever it is becomes more meaningful once you know who you are, why you're here and what you want to create with your life. 

I hope these help you develop greater peace and joy in your life!