Hey there,
I’ve been thinking lately about what really helps us feel happy. And honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people find their joy in jogging. Others in crossword puzzles, or weekly golf games with friends. These activities light us up—and often, they become part of our routine. That consistency matters. The more regularly we do something that feeds our spirit, the more it becomes a part of us.
Meditation is like that too. It’s one of the many ways we can nurture happiness. And while it’s not the only path, it is a deeply transformative one.
🌱 What Meditation Really Does
One of the main reasons meditation helps us feel better is because it brings us into the present moment. A lot of our suffering comes from getting stuck in the past or imagining worst-case scenarios about the future. But the present? That’s usually a gentler place to land.
I remember one student who struggled to keep up with her practice. When we talked, she realized she was holding this belief that she didn’t have a right to be happy. That hit hard—and it showed up as self-sabotage. But when she paused and tuned in to her body—just noticing sensations, no pressure—she found a bit of peace. That’s the magic of presence: in the now, we’re usually okay.
🌀 Letting Go, Not Forcing Away
Meditation isn’t about stopping your thoughts or achieving some perfect calm. It’s about letting things be—and gently letting them go. There’s a saying I love:
“You can’t make it go away, but you can let it go away.”
So many of the thoughts that stir up stress or sadness are about things that aren’t actually happening right now. Meditation helps us notice that—and soften our grip.
đź’ž Growing the Good Stuff
But meditation goes beyond just being in the moment. It helps us actively grow the good stuff inside: compassion, generosity, wisdom, forgiveness, loving-kindness. These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re skills we can practice and strengthen. And the more we do, the more we feel grounded, open-hearted, and yes—happier.
✨ Awe and the Bigger Picture
Another beautiful part of meditation is how it helps us tune in to awe. Whether it’s a sunset, music that moves us, or a moment of deep connection—these experiences lift us out of our everyday mental loops. Scientists are even finding that awe can rewire our brains in a healing way. But like anything else, we have to make space for it. Remember it. Sit with it. Let it soak in.
It All Comes Back to Balance
In the end, happiness isn’t about being cheerful 24/7. It’s about balance. When we meditate, we create space inside—space to breathe, to feel, to grow. And in that space, happiness has a chance to bloom.
If any of this resonates with you and you’re curious about how to start (or deepen) your meditation journey, I teach a couple of courses that walk you through it step-by-step.
In Koru Basic, we build the foundation—learning to be present, work with thoughts, and build a habit. Then in Koru 2.0, we explore how to grow those antidotes to unhappiness like compassion and kindness.
Wherever you are on your path, I’m cheering you on.
With care,
Bob Martin
🌿 A Simple Moment of Presence
Before you go, let’s take just a minute together.
Wherever you are right now, pause.
Take a slow breath in… and out.
Now, gently bring your attention to your body. What do you feel?
Maybe the ground beneath your feet, or the way your clothes rest against your skin.
What do you hear?
Maybe the hum of a fan, birds outside, or just quiet.
What do you smell?
Fresh air? Coffee? The scent of your home?
Look around—what do you see that brings you even a small sense of peace or comfort?
Just for this moment, let it be enough. Let yourself feel safe. Let yourself notice that in this moment, nothing is wrong. There is space. And maybe, in that space, you can feel a little bit of gratitude.
You’re here. You’re breathing. And that’s a beautiful place to begin.