I have a gift for you...

I have a gift for you. I am going to give you the key to happiness.

We hear a lot about happiness and the eternal search for it in our lives.

Neuroscience has pinpointed the main influences of being happy. Genetics plays into the equation greatly, however we still have direct control over another very strong factor that leads to happiness.

Compassion, the scientists found, above all else leads to feelings of contentment, joy and pleasure. Furthermore, decades of study prove that those who put compassion into action in service of others are the happiest people alive.

What corrupts happiness – without exception – are fear and hate.

Take that in for a minute.

Think about your own heart. Think about how content you feel and how much of your day is filled with true joy. How much of your day is filled with angry thoughts, sadness, jealousy or apathy? Hold onto that answer. We'll get to it later.

The surprising connection from all of the studies done in recent years (about happiness) is that those who lived in abject poverty were among the most joyous...with one important caveat; as long as their family and friends were close at hand.

It is believed that a sense of being part a whole community and caring for friends and neighbors filled even the poorest people with happiness. Sharing food, fixing huts, helping light fires, and watching children together all meant more than wealth or status.

In developed countries and among affluent societies, the findings indicate that altruism and working on global issues leads to contentment.

The root of life's joy is in helping others. The science is clear on it. We are happier when we quiet our fears, and reach out our hands in compassion.

Now, let's tackle the genetics. Do you know how to let yourself be happy? There's no wrong answer to that, it's personal and individual to each of us. Encoded into each of our DNA is a set of blueprints for how our bodies and minds are assembled. We cannot change that. However, we can learn to recognize inhibiting psychological reactions.

Sometimes we must teach ourselves new ideas. There is no surrogate for contentment, not in accumulating wealth, not in possessions we own.

Let's break that down a bit. Do you ever feel guilt for being happy? Do you not feel worthy of contentment? If your answer is “yes,” I need you to find a mirror. I mean it, right now. I want you to look in that mirror, to look into your own eyes. Forget all of the descriptive words that you feel coming to the forefront. Forget what you think you see. In those eyes lives a spirit capable of loving itself and caring about those in need. What you are actually looking at is the only person who holds the key to your happiness.

Just know that no person ever laid upon their deathbed and ruminated on fear and anger. You will always remember happiness, though, and your happiness becomes your legacy.

So, how do you stop the anger and fear from creeping in? Stop. Think about something you can do to help your community, your ecosystem or your planet. Do it. How much time does that leave you for hate and fear? Therein lies the solution.

Be something more to the world than an occupant. Help others and feel for those beings in need. Look at the world as something much larger than you. Do those things – and keep doing them – and you'll find happiness. And don't worry, there is plenty for everyone.