Imagine you’re walking through a busy city street, surrounded by the noise of traffic, the rush of people, and the chaos of everyday life.
You notice a person sitting quietly on a bench, a serene smile on their lips, completely at peace with the world around them.
They’re not scrolling through their phone, not lost in thought, just… happy.
Happy? Here?
You might wonder, “How on earth can they be so content in the midst of all this madness?”
This image is the essence of Paramahansa Yogananda’s wisdom when he said –
“Learn to be secretly happy within your heart in spite of all circumstances.”
Secretly happy?
In spite of circumstances?
What does this really mean, and more importantly, how can you and I achieve it in our own lives?
Yogananda is not suggesting that we should ignore our problems, pretend everything is fine, or plaster a fake smile on our faces.
He’s talking about cultivating a deep, inner well of happiness that isn’t dependent on external factors.
This is the kind of happiness that isn’t shaken by a bad day at work, an argument with a loved one, or even the big life challenges that come our way.
It’s a secret happiness—something personal, internal, and incredibly powerful.
So, how do you tap into this secret source of joy?
Here are possible steps…
**1. Start with Gratitude: The Happiness Fuel**
Gratitude is like the kindling that starts the fire of happiness.
When we take a moment to appreciate what we have—our health, a good cup of coffee, the love of a pet—it’s like sending a signal to the universe that we’re ready to receive more joy.
For instance, think about your morning routine.
Instead of rushing through it, take a moment to savor it.
Smell the coffee, enjoy the warmth of the shower, and appreciate the quiet before the day begins.
These small acts of mindfulness can transform ordinary moments into pockets of joy.
**2. Embrace the Power of Perspective**
Have you ever noticed how two people can experience the same event and have completely different reactions?
One person might get upset because it started raining during their picnic, while the other dances in the rain.
The difference?
Perspective.
Choosing a positive perspective doesn’t mean you ignore reality; it means you choose how you respond to it.
If you’re stuck in traffic, instead of fuming, consider it a chance to listen to your favorite music or catch up on a podcast.
If you’ve had a setback, see it as a learning opportunity rather than a failure.
The more you practice shifting your perspective, the easier it becomes to find that secret happiness, no matter what.
**3. Connect with Your Inner Self**
Yogananda was all about tuning in to your inner self.
This isn’t about escaping into your own world, but rather about finding a sense of peace and contentment that comes from within.
Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or simply spending time in nature can help you reconnect with this inner calm.
For example, start your day with just five minutes of meditation.
Sit quietly, focus on your breath, and let go of any thoughts that come to mind.
This simple practice can help you carry a sense of peace with you throughout the day, making it easier to stay happy even when things don’t go your way.
**4. Let Go of What You Can’t Control**
There’s a lot in life that we can’t control, and that’s okay.
The weather, other people’s actions, the past—these are all beyond our reach.
But what we *can* control is our reaction to them.
Yogananda’s secret happiness comes from accepting this truth.
Instead of wasting energy worrying about things you can’t change, focus on what you *can* do.
Maybe you can’t control a rainy day, but you can decide to bring an umbrella, dress warmly, or plan an indoor activity instead.
By letting go of what you can’t control, you free up mental space for happiness.
**5. Spread the Joy**
Finally, happiness isn’t something to keep all to yourself.
It grows when you share it.
Simple acts of kindness, like complimenting a coworker or helping a neighbor, not only brighten someone else’s day but also deepen your own sense of joy.
Remember, happiness is contagious.
When you’re secretly happy within your heart, people will notice.
They’ll wonder what your secret is and may be inspired to find their own inner joy.
**Putting It All Together**
Learning to be secretly happy within your heart, despite all circumstances, is a journey—a daily practice of gratitude, perspective, inner connection, acceptance, and sharing.
It’s not about being happy all the time or ignoring life’s challenges, but about cultivating a resilient joy that stays with you, no matter what life throws your way.
So next time you find yourself in a less-than-ideal situation, take a deep breath, smile inwardly, and remember Yogananda’s words.
“Learn to be secretly happy within your heart in spite of all circumstances.”
Your happiness is your secret, and it’s always within your reach.
Just like that serene person on the bench, you too can find peace and joy in any circumstance.
It’s your superpower, your secret weapon—and the best part?
It’s already inside you, just waiting to be discovered.
Doesn’t that thought alone help make you happy?
Expect Miracles.
Ao Akua,
Dr Joe Vitale
On May 18 2024 I was given the US President Lifetime Achievement Award in Temecula, California.
The Los Angeles Tribune nominated me and the Oval Office approved it.
Words still fail me.
All I can say is “Thank you.”
Gratefully,
Dr. Joe Vitale
PS – My latest book is available for preorder: www.ZeroLimitsLivingBook.com
Happy New Year!
My 2024 private mastermind – what I’m calling Zenith – will reveal 10 precepts over 6 months.
These are 10 practical wisdom truths I’ve never discussed before.
They are the secrets to my own success in numerous areas, from spirituality to books to movies to music to wealth – and more.
You will receive one precept every two weeks, along with my explanation of how to apply it in your life.
You will also get my personal help in setting and achieving your biggest goals for the New Year.
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Maybe goals you’ve never imagined before.
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In addition, you will receive help from the other 7 people in this unique mastermind.
Their insights, resources, tools and support can help you achieve what others might call miracles.
In short, Zenith will reveal how to experience authentic Zero Limits Living.
What would your life be like without limits?
What could you attract?
What could you do?
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Because I can’t easily convey the power of Zenith in this post, please go see –
https://www.
Expect Miracles.
Ao Akua,
Dr Joe
PS – Only 8 can attend and only you can say yes. We begin January 11. Go see –
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”– Napoleon Hill
One version is from Mulhammed Ali, who said –“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it.’
Let’s take a real-world example: Walt Disney.
And how about J.K. Rowling?
But that’s just the starting point.
The importance?
And note the word choice made by Hill in his famous quote.
Going for your dreams brings life; giving up brings death.
The Poem for Peace
In the weary marrow of this world, where uncertainties abide,
Tumult whispers to the wind, confusion at its side.
Yet in this dance of shadows, let not your hearts be swayed,
For peace and prosperity are gems, not easily decayed.
Look! The world is like a reed, bending in a storm,
A symphony of chaos, struggling to transform.
Yet amidst this worldly uproar, the flute begins its song,
A melody of harmony, where peace and love belong.
Can you not hear it whispering, the tune that calls for peace?
A gentle hymn, a lullaby, bidding turmoil cease.
Sung by the soul, that ageless voice, echoes in our core,
An eternal rhythm pulsing, reminding us of more.
Through the looking glass of fear, we see but dire straits,
Yet, a garden blooms within, behind life’s iron gates.
Tend to your inner sanctuary, make it grow and shine,
In it, find your peace and wealth, the truly divine.
Do not bind your spirit with chains of gold and silver,
Prosperity lies not in excess, but in love’s shiver.
In giving, we receive; in serving, we are served,
In this circle of life, true wealth is conserved.
Look to the sun, that radiant orb, gifting us its light,
Ask not for its bounty, yet it shines so bright.
Take your cue from nature, be generous and kind,
In this giving, find prosperity, leave avarice behind.
In the marketplace of fears, buy not the merchants’ wares,
Instead, purchase patience, sow seeds of love and cares.
When you find your heart at war, plagued by strife and doubt,
Seek the quiet within, let tranquility sprout.
It’s in silence we discover, the peace that always was,
A mirror pool of serenity, unaffected by worldly cause.
The prosperity we yearn for, it resides within our soul,
An inner wealth, a joy untapped, making us whole.
There’s a hidden sweetness in the stomach’s emptiness,
From fasting of worldly greed, springs the fruit of kindness.
Feast not on the husks of excess, the hollow glamour and gleam,
But nourish on love and peace, a richer stream.
We are not just earthly beings, born of dust and air,
But celestial bodies, with a light we’re here to share.
Awaken, dear friend, from this deep and fretful sleep,
Realize your potential, promises to keep.
In the heart of uncertainty, a constant truth remains,
Peace and prosperity exist, beyond life’s gains.
Look within, dear friend, unlock your inner door,
In this vast mansion of the soul, explore, oh explore!
Remember Rumi’s words, uttered in the dance of the pen,
“In silence, there is eloquence. Start anew, again.”
In the quiet of your being, in the stillness of your mind,
The poem for peace you’ll find, leaving uncertainty behind.
Ao Akua,
Dr Joe
Note: Other Imaginotions by Dr. Joe Vitale
https://www.mrfire.com/law-of-attraction/imaginotions-part-one/
https://www.mrfire.com/law-of-attraction/imaginotions-part-two/
https://www.mrfire.com/law-of-attraction/imaginotions-part-three/
https://www.mrfire.com/law-of-attraction/imaginotions-part-four/
https://www.mrfire.com/law-of-attraction/imaginotions-part-five/
https://www.mrfire.com/law-of-attraction/imaginotions-part-six/
https://www.mrfire.com/books/imaginotions-part-seven/Imaginotions: Part EightImaginotions: Part NineImaginotions: Part Ten