What are you focused on? Are you putting your energy into what brings you happiness?
In the past week, I’ve heard the words “form versus essence” come up more than once. This phrase contains a clue to why so many of us feel unsatisfied so much of the time.
We tend to think we need to be, do, or have something to be happy, and we often have very specific objects that we’re sure will do it. This sort of wanting is about form, material manifestation — and it’s missing a key ingredient: our feelings.
We forget to focus on how we want to feel. Our desired feelings get to the essence of what we want. Once we know how we want to feel, we can find many ways to invite that essence in.
Seeking form over essence means we’re focused on an object to bring us happiness.
Putting essence over form keeps us focused on how we feel, keeps us present, and opens us to experiencing happiness, joy and fulfillment from many sources.
So how do we honor essence over form?
- Stay present. Notice how you’re feeling, and notice the thoughts you’re having; our thoughts generate our feelings.
- Savor those moments that fill you up and bring you joy. Take in the details of what your senses are experiencing.
- Ask yourself: What is it about this moment that makes it special to me? Why am I feeling this way?
- Recognize your uniqueness. What brings you joy may be entirely different from what others around you seek.
- Allow it to be simple. Oftentimes smelling a fragrant flower or taking in a vivid sunset can be as magical as any other peak moment.
- Practice gratitude. Bring yourself into a grateful state, both in the moment and as you reflect on your day or week.
(c) 2022 Angela Rae Bushman, all rights reserved
Angela Rae Bushman 