Ayurvedic Vegetarian Diet Adapted for Parkinson’s Disease
September 18, 2026
All phenomena are beautifully interconnected
carrying no inherent permanent existence
beyond this shared interdependence.
When we see
that our true nature
and that of others
are not separate
but part of the same wonderful manifestation
of wisdom-emptiness,
our hearts naturally shift
toward universal love.
In this space, we gently step away
from creating the endless cycles
that cause suffering.
We cultivate the capacity to see reality clearly
without being overwhelmed by anxiety or fear,
and touch the ground of our own Basic Goodness,
the inherent warmth, clarity and courage
within us all.
We would love for you to join us at our upcoming retreat!
It is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your practice, refine your skills, and cultivate lasting insight, resilience, and compassion together.
9-11 October
PEACE, LOVE AND HEALING
Weekend Silent Retreat
@ Nirvana
BOOK NOW
Saturday 10 October
THE BREATHING SPACE
One day silent retreat
@ Nirvana
BOOK NOW
13 October - 8 December
YOGA CREATIVE
Tuesday 2:30-5pm
starting 13 October 2026
https://healthinstitute.edu.
16, 17, 18 October
SKILLS TRAINING
Kati basti and Shirodhara
https://healthinstitute.edu.
23 - 25 October
MEANING AND PURPOSE IN THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Weekend retreat
@ Nirvana
Book Now
What is happiness?
Happiness is a complete state of well-being and contentment, combining frequent positive emotions with an overall sense of life satisfaction and purpose.
It operates on two distinct levels:
-
As an Emotion:
It is a temporary, biological response to immediate events, thoughts, or interactions. Fleeting feelings of joy, excitement, delight, or pleasure (such as laughing with a friend or receiving good news) are driven by neurochemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins which spike and fade in response to our environment. -
As a Mindset or cognitive state:
It is an overarching evaluation of your life, a life philosophy, or a deliberate way of thinking. Deep life satisfaction, resilience through hardship, and steady contentment arise from conscious choices such as practicing gratitude, building meaningful relationships, aligning with your values, and cultivating an optimistic outlook during difficult circumstances.
Sustained well-being relies on balancing both: enjoying temporary waves of positive emotion while building mental resilience and life satisfaction.
The Purest Form of Happiness
In its purest form, happiness is an unselfish, quiet state of inner peace and contentment that exists without expectation, ego, or the need for material gain.
In Yoga, this is described as sattvic happiness—a state of pure joy derived from letting go of mental clutter, accepting life as it is, and acting without demanding specific rewards. True fulfillment is achieved through living virtuously, finding purpose, and caring for others, rather than chasing temporary physical pleasures, and is often experienced in simple moments such as watching a child laugh, enjoying a quiet morning, or engaging in a creative craft.
Key Practices and Daily Habits
To cultivate happiness, focus on three core areas through practical daily habits:
Emotional Balance
Actively practice experiencing positive feelings over negative ones.
- Joy: Present-moment appreciation found through mindfulness and daily routines.
- Excitement: Forward-looking anticipation driven by goals, challenges and new experiences.
- Gratitude: Appreciation for current circumstances to boost mood and health.
- Pride: Recognition of accomplishment stemming from effort in personal growth, family, or work.
- Optimism: A hopeful focus on future possibilities that reframes negative thoughts.
- Contentment: Peaceful satisfaction with your current life without constant comparison.
- Love: Deep, life-enriching connections shared with family, friends, or pets.
Life Satisfaction
Cultivate a clear cognitive sense of fulfillment regarding your relationships, work, personal goals, and overall direction.
Meaning and Purpose
Nurture the deeper understanding that your life has value, connection, and a worthwhile direction beyond momentary pleasure.
For most people, happiness is the overall goal and purpose of life—the ultimate objective behind all other pursuits.
However, the true purpose of life is simply life itself.
In a spiritual life, the purpose is to seek the sacred in every person and situation.
The paradox is that when we focus on this deeper search, happiness naturally follows.
