I’ve been asked this question a great number of times. It ’s everybody’s priority. People have traveled the globe to find the answer. Walked in isolation, climbed the highest mountain. Yet, the answer remains as elusive as ever.

• What do I do to find happiness in life?
• How to be happy? What will get me happiness?

Happiness to me lies within. We can search the world for happiness. We can expect happiness from people we love. We might even splurge a bit on ourselves to make us happy. Yet, what we often fail to notice is that happiness is an inside job.

On a recent trip to Auckland, I happened to experience happiness in doing simple things in life. Here I was, meeting an instructor who was about to teach me a new activity.

I met Pauline who handed me a Segway. This is actually a personal transportation that allowed me to move around easily. The Segway is a two-wheeled transportation machine that works on self-balance. Wow! I had never tried anything so simple yet so incredible like the Segway.

Happiness is an inside job

Pauline, my guide, was with me throughout my initial awkward steps with the Segway. At first, Pauline shared instructions as I gingerly took the handles and mounted myself on the platform. The wind whipped around and I was secretly glad I did not have an audience. The only onlookers were a couple of chirping birds against a backdrop of a magnificent view of green fields and rolling hills.

It took me 10 minutes to learn how to ride a Segway. Pauline’s instructions to increase my awareness slowly diminished as I displayed my prowess. How did I feel? Well, gleeful, like a child, breezing through the lanes, excited to learn something new.

We can never stop learning. At any age, in any situation. There is always something to learn and keep as a key takeaway. I am always focused on the creation of experiences. I wanted to experience something new, and learn from it. By learning to use the Segway, I also realized that learning itself is an easy process!

If you’ve ever come across David Kolb’s learning styles and experiential learning cycle, you’d note his theory works on two levels. This style is represented by a 4-stage learning cycle. Kolb rightly says, “Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.” Kolb’s statement has resonated with me deep within.

I’d like to present 4 aspects from the learning cycle as per my observation. There are 4 types of people when it comes to experiences.

Concrete Experience: This person likes to learn from the experience itself.
Reflective Observation: A person who shows preference to the act of reviewing or reflecting from the experience.
Abstract Conceptualization: A person who works more on the theory of the learning experiences, how the experience adds meaning.
Active Experimentation: A person who is focused on actions and is involved in the experiences and understanding the learning from it.

The Segway was an instrument through which I learned something new, enjoyed exploring the town in a different manner, and absorbed an unforgettable experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Develop the habit of finding happiness in simple things. It can be as simple as watching the clouds floating by or reading a good book.
• Meditate, and meditate often. Ask yourself what is the purpose of your life? You’ll find a shift in focus with an appreciation for all the simple things in life.
• Help people. There is joy in doing simple things for others.
• Always learn something new. Discover the joy of experiencing new activities, and develop your skills along the way.
• Be mindful about your experience. Practicing mindfulness alters your thought patterns to find happiness from within.

Develop the habit of finding happiness in simple things

Are you new to mindfulness? Do have a look at our Mindfulness Retreat. You can learn the concepts of mindfulness at exotic locations. Interested in inspiring others and partnering with them to shape a life with new goals? View the Mindfulness Certification Programs. Be a certified Mindfulness Practitioner® to launch a new and highly rewarding career.

I’ve gifted myself so much with this trip. I’m grateful to Pauline for her time.

Are you wondering how to be happy in life? Do share your comments below. My next blog explores more on mindfulness. Stay tuned for updates. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.