happiness

There’s no thrill like the buzz you got when you first learned to bike. Pedalling away madly, with the wind rushing through your hair – that rush of riding a bike for the first time is incomparable. However, riding a bike is always fun. The thrill settles down, but the exercise and the fresh air are always a guarantee. And biking or cycling, whatever you may call it, is good for physical, physiological and mental health -- for a healthy mind makes for a healthy body and vice versa.

The physical benefits of pedaling

Gratitude happens when you feel an appreciation, happiness, or gratefulness towards something or someone. But did you know that it is one of the most powerful feelings you can ever have? When you have gratitude not only are you able to open up new possibilities in your life, but you can also change your life for the better. There is definitely power in the attitude of gratitude.

Happiness is healthiness!! This statement speaks volumes of truth in so many aspects. We often forget that we have more than just physical health; what about the mental and emotional health? When you truly discover how the three all affect you and how they rely on one another you can begin to truly heal. Our emotions and stresses can cause us to become ill. A lot of people struggle with depression and are placed on medication, but I’m sorry to say there is no such thing as a happy pill. So what is there to do about it?

Is not the aim of most people to become happy, however one might define contentedness? A solid relationship, a meaningful vocation when possible, achievable goals, a healthy lifestyle? Perhaps loves for nature, reading, the arts, or sincere spirituality?

This elusive quest of attaining happiness can be undertaken in a variety of manners. Often, we do not allow ourselves to permanently indulge in happiness’ healthy pursuit for our well-being. Yet, happiness is a deserved aim that yearns to graft itself onto our heart of hearts.

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir

Imagine walking through a forest - the soil hugs the soles of your feet, birds chirp in the distance, and the smells of moss and morning dew fill your nostrils. Sounds nice, right? Turns out, there's a science to it.