tapping into the inner wellspring of happiness

Mindfulness is cultivated by
first settling the body and mind in a state of relaxation
free from stress and anxiety, worry and fear.
Utterly content
the mind abides in the stillness of the present moment.
Free of distraction
the nature of thoughts and emotions
are revealed in the clarity of awareness.
This my dear friend
is mindful awareness.

The activities of body, speech, and mind
are eventually calmed like an ocean unmoved by waves.
One, then, may experience
a sublime state of quietness
an unceasing joy arising from within
and the full creative potential of the intellect.
No longer directed by negative emotions and afflictive tendencies
due to the power of mindful awareness
the mind now has the freedom to choose where it goes.
This my dear friend
is a mind in the balance of equanimity.

Upon arising from such a state
negative emotions and afflictive tendencies will still occur
but with the full power of mindfulness
they are easily overcome and
virtue can flow naturally unimpeded.
This my dear friend
is a functional mind.
This my dear friend
is a healthy mind…

This my dear friend
is a happy mind.