When we aren't feeling so happy, we often try to fix that by trying to figure out what is wrong and what might fix that. This often gives rise to stories about what's wrong—reasons for why you aren't happy—which the egoic mind is happy to supply (that's one of its main jobs). Or to try to fix our unhappiness, we might try to change our thoughts or try to get to a different state by thinking. The mind spins around and around, trying to get to a place of peace and contentment, while all the while, peace and contentment don't lie in doing anything but, rather, in just being.

Often, only when we are mentally exhausted from trying to fix our state with our mind do we discover that dropping out of the mind is the solution. Out of exhaustion, we finally give up or surrender our efforts to try to think our way to happiness. Or we may just get busy doing something else, which is another way of dropping out of the mind and its attempts to improve our state. The egoic mind is in the self-improvement business, and it isn't actually good at creating pleasant states of consciousness. The egoic mind is actually the problem, not the solution. It is the creator of negative states, so how can it be helpful in getting out of those states or in creating a positive state? And yet, when we are in the habit of listening to the mind, we are likely to listen to the mind's solutions for getting out of our mind-generated negativity and our sense of having a problem and needing to fix something.

Once we realize that we are trying to use the mind to transcend the unhappiness created by the mind, then we are free to seek another solution. Fortunately, no seeking is needed. Often just the realization that thinking is the problem is the solution. But one more thing may be necessary before the mind grabs your attention again, and you are off and running once again in the direction it is taking you. The one thing you can do besides realize the truth about the egoic mind is to point your attention away from thoughts onto what is real and true in this alive and ever-changing moment. What are you sensing, seeing, hearing, and feeling right now? What are you moved or inspired to do in this moment, if anything? What thoughts are trying to insert themselves into this present moment? Just notice them and return to just sensing, listening, seeing, being, existing, and responding naturally and spontaneously to life as the Being that you are.

This moment is all there is, and it is enough. When you realize that, then happiness, contentment, and peace arise spontaneously. If you practice being present to what is real and true right now, disengaging from the mind and engaging in real life will become natural. Moving out of the mind and into the moment is all we have ever had to do to be happy, and it is also an effective and safe way to live. We don't need the chattering mind to create security and safety because something much wiser is already living this life and doing what needs to be done. Realize who you really are and let that live your life. Happiness is the natural outcome of living as your true nature, as Essence.

Gina Lake is a spiritual teacher who is devoted to helping others wake up and live in the moment through her many books, counseling, and intensives. She has a master's degree in counseling psychology and over twenty years experience supporting people in their spiritual growth. Her website offers information about her books and consultations, free e-books, book excerpts, a free monthly newsletter, a blog, and audio and video recordings: http://www.radicalhappiness.com.