There’s a unique quality to people who are naturally happy and mindful. They seem to navigate through life with an enviable ease, as if they’ve cracked the code that the rest of us are still trying to decipher.

But what’s their secret? As someone who’s spent years studying mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve noticed that these people often exhibit certain behaviors that set them apart.

Hi, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a self-confessed mindfulness enthusiast. I’ve spent a lot of time observing and learning from these naturally happy and mindful individuals. And I’ve distilled their habits into 8 key behaviors.

In the article ahead, we’ll be diving into these behaviors – not just what they are, but how they can help us in our daily lives. Because hey, who doesn’t want a bit more happiness and mindfulness in their life?

1) They live in the present

One of the most common traits I’ve noticed about naturally happy and mindful people is their ability to live in the present moment.

You see, many of us fall into the trap of constantly dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. But not these individuals. They understand that the only moment that truly exists is the present one.

Ever heard of mindfulness? It’s a Buddhist concept that promotes focusing on what’s happening right now, rather than being lost in thoughts about other times. And it’s a practice that these naturally happy people have mastered.

They relish every bite of their meals, appreciate the beauty of a sunset, and genuinely listen when they’re engaged in a conversation. They’re fully immersed in whatever they’re doing at any given moment.

And guess what? This isn’t just a pleasant way to live. Research indicates that focusing on the present can actually reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase happiness levels.

If you’re looking to be more like these naturally happy and mindful individuals, start with this: Be here now. Fully engage with your current task or pleasure, and let worries about the past or future fade away.

2) They practice gratitude

Another habit I’ve seen in people who are naturally happy and mindful is their practice of gratitude. They make it a point to regularly acknowledge and appreciate the good things in their life.

I’ve tried to adopt this practice myself, and I can tell you, it definitely brings a shift in perspective. On days when I write down just three things I’m grateful for, I find myself more focused on positivity and less bogged down by the negatives.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a globally respected Buddhist monk, once said, “Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” To me, this quote beautifully encapsulates gratitude. It’s about cherishing what we have, rather than lamenting what we don’t.

Try to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. You’ll be surprised at how much of an impact it can make on your overall sense of happiness and mindfulness.

3) They accept impermanence

One of the hardest truths to confront in life is that everything is temporary. Relationships, possessions, even our own lives; all are subjected to the law of impermanence.

However, the naturally happy and mindful individuals have an inherent understanding of this. They don’t shy away from this truth, but rather, they embrace it.

In Buddhism, the concept of impermanence is a fundamental truth. It teaches us to appreciate the present and not to take anything for granted. It’s a reminder that every moment is precious and unique because it will never happen again.

But it’s not just about appreciating the good times; it’s also about understanding that pain and suffering are temporary too. This understanding can help us endure difficult times with grace and patience.

While accepting impermanence might sound daunting or even depressing, it’s actually a liberating concept that can lead to deeper happiness and mindfulness. It helps us value our moments more and worry less about clinging onto things we cannot control.

4) They observe without judgment

One of the most powerful traits of naturally happy and mindful individuals is their ability to observe without judgment. They don’t just react impulsively to situations or people; instead, they take a step back to observe things as they are.

This isn’t always easy to do. We often have a tendency to label things as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. But in mindfulness practice, the idea is to view experiences without these labels, just witnessing them as they unfold.

These individuals understand that their thoughts and feelings are transient, not defining aspects of their identity. They can have an angry thought, acknowledge it, but not get swept away by it.

By practicing non-judgmental observation, they’re able to keep their peace amidst chaos, and maintain a balanced perspective on life. This approach not only increases mindfulness but also paves the way for genuine happiness that isn’t dependent on external circumstances.

Try to cultivate this habit of observing without judgment. It’s a powerful tool for enhancing mindfulness and fostering a deeper sense of contentment in life.

5) They maintain a beginner’s mind

This is one of my favorite behaviors of naturally happy and mindful individuals: They approach life with what’s called a ‘beginner’s mind’.

The concept of a beginner’s mind, or ‘Shoshin’ in Zen Buddhism, is about seeing the world as if for the first time, being open to new experiences, and not getting stuck in our own ideas and preconceptions.

I remember when I first stumbled upon this concept while researching for my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. The more I delved into it, the more it resonated with me.

A beginner’s mind helps us stay curious, open-minded, and eager to learn. It makes life more exciting and enriching. And let’s face it, it’s also a great antidote to the cynicism and jadedness that can creep in as we get older.

In my book, I dive deeper into this concept and share practical ways to cultivate a beginner’s mind in everyday life. If you’re intrigued by this idea and want to explore more about Buddhism wisdom, I encourage you to check out my book.

In the meantime, try approaching your day with a fresh perspective. You might be surprised at what you discover when you look at the world through the eyes of a beginner.

6) They practice compassion

I’ve found that naturally happy and mindful individuals have a deep sense of compassion. Not just for others, but for themselves as well.

Compassion is a cornerstone of both Buddhism and mindfulness. It’s about acknowledging the suffering of others and ourselves, and having a genuine desire to alleviate it.

But compassion goes beyond just feeling sorry for someone. It involves understanding, empathy, and a readiness to help. It’s about recognizing our shared humanity, knowing that everyone is fighting their own battles.

Practicing self-compassion is equally important. It means treating ourselves with kindness when we fall short, rather than beating ourselves up. It’s about accepting our imperfections and learning from our mistakes instead of wallowing in self-criticism.

Cultivating compassion can significantly contribute to our sense of happiness and our mindfulness practice. It helps us connect with others on a deeper level, and it leads us towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Remember to be kind – to others and to yourself. After all, as the Dalai Lama once said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

7) They embrace stillness

In our fast-paced, always-on society, it can be incredibly challenging to find moments of quiet and stillness. However, those who are naturally happy and mindful do just that. They appreciate the power of stillness.

These individuals understand the importance of carving out time for silence and solitude. They use these moments to connect with themselves, to reflect, and to recharge.

Stillness is a fundamental principle in both mindfulness and Buddhism. It’s about stepping away from the constant noise and distractions of life to just be with ourselves – no agenda, no expectations.

Mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn famously said, “Stillness is not about focusing on nothingness; it’s about creating a clearing. It’s opening up an emotionally clutter-free space and allowing ourselves to feel and think and dream and question.”

Embracing stillness can lead to increased self-awareness, deeper concentration, and a greater sense of inner peace.

Try to make time for quiet moments in your day. You’ll be surprised at the profound impact it can have on your happiness and mindfulness journey.

8) They welcome discomfort

This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. People who are naturally happy and mindful often have a unique approach to discomfort – they welcome it.

Now, this doesn’t mean they enjoy pain or seek out unpleasant experiences. Instead, they see discomfort as an inevitable part of life and an opportunity for growth.

In mindfulness practice, we’re encouraged to observe our discomfort without trying to push it away immediately. Whether it’s physical pain, emotional distress, or mental unease, the idea is to sit with it, acknowledge it, and understand it.

This approach allows us to form a different relationship with our discomfort. Instead of being something to fear or avoid, it becomes a teacher. It provides valuable insights into ourselves and our reactions, helping us grow and evolve.

When you’re faced with discomfort, try not to run away from it. Welcome it, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone on your journey towards greater happiness and mindfulness.

Conclusion

There you have it. Eight behaviors that naturally happy and mindful people often display. None of these are inherently difficult or complex, but they do require commitment and practice.

Remember, mindfulness and happiness are not end goals but ongoing journeys. It’s about making small, consistent changes that add up over time.

If you’d like to delve deeper into the wisdom of Buddhism and mindfulness, I encourage you to check out my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. I share more insights and practical tips to help you live a more mindful and fulfilling life.

But for now, why not pick one or two of these behaviors and start incorporating them into your daily routine? You might be surprised at the impact they can have on your level of happiness and mindfulness. Good luck on your journey!