The Art of Happy Living (A Common-Sense Approach to Lasting Happiness)

Happiness is not a goal that can be attained through materialistic pursuits. Rather, it's . a state of mind. The Art of Happy Living elaborates how right attitude helps us discover the happiness that always lies within. Indeed, happiness is our natural state that we live in as infants and toddlers. As we grow older, societal conditioning suppresses this state of happiness and bliss. Negative emotions like anger, hatred, jealousy, fear, worry, guilt, etc., take over our lives, making us unhappy. Constantly seeking the approval of others and striving for perfection are also counterproductive.

A positive outlook, the willingness to step out of our comfort zones, giving up attachment to various things, not fretting over the past or worrying about the future, the ability to live in the present moment and enjoy the simple pleasures of life -all contribute to ensuring a happy frame of mind. Finally, the book shows how a spiritual and holistic approach ensures happiness by helping us deal with life's hurdles in a cool, calm and detached manner. The Art of Happy Living can transform your attitude towards life and make every moment one of pure joy and freedom.

Born in 1931, G.D. Budhiraja is a graduate with an in- service Diploma in Management equivalent to an MBA. He retired as a Senior Management Analyst from the Ministry of Planning, Government of India, in 1989.

Fully trained in Yoga, for over 30 years Mr. Budhiraja has been doing research on topics related to health, happiness and self-improvement. Many of the observations made in this book are based on his practical experiences.

Ask any common man what he wants from life and most probably he will say that all he wants is to be happy. And we believe him, as most people want to be happy. They try their best to make themselves happy. They attend lectures, buy books and change their lifestyles in their efforts to find happiness. But do they succeed?

It appears that the majority of people most of the times do not feel happy. This is not the case of only those who do not get what they want in life. It is the same story with people who get what they want!

People with money and power know something that you and I do not know. Money and power do not satisfy the unknown hunger in them. We keep thinking that if we have what they had, we would be happy. Yet we never seem to reach the point where we are relaxed and feel we have arrived. Why should people with so many reasons to be happy still be unhappy? Why are so many people dissatisfied in so many ways? Everyone reaches desperately for happiness but it does not seem to come any closer. Are we expecting too much in life?

You know that a happy life consists of various elements. To enjoy life we need enough to eat and suitable clothing. We need a home for protection and rest. But these are just the basics. Pleasant companionship and good health are equally important.

**Contents and Sample Pages**