10 Simple Secrets for a Calmer and Happier You

Easy to Use Practices for Everyday Life

These practices can be called upon at any time to bring ease and joy to your life.

By Allan Lokos

Most of us yearn for balance and a sense of inner peace. Even when all the parts of our lives seem to be in order—good health, loving relationships, a rewarding career—it can still feel like something is wrong, unsettled, missing. We yearn for a deeper daily spiritual experience, yet struggle to maintain it in these times of uncertainty and fear. Even on a good day, you never know when something will happen to throw you off balance. That is why it is so important to keep some easy spiritual remedies at the ready.

Here are 10 simple ways to calm down, clear your mind, recharge your battery, and center yourself in your heart. I call them “Pocket Practices” because you can easily reach for them any time of day.

Allan Lokos is the founder and guiding teacher of the Community Meditation Center in New York City and is an ordained Interfaith minister. Earlier in life, he was a professional singer appearing in several Broadway productions including “Oliver!,” “Pickwick,” and “The Pirates of Penzance.” This is adapted from his book, Pocket Peace: Effective Practices for Enlightened Living (Tarcher/Penguin, 2010). For more information visit, www.pocketpeace.com .