Our forefathers defined happiness as individual liberty to pursue. But chasing happiness only causes it to run from us.

Happiness is more of a trait than something to be obtained. We have a certain happiness set point, the same way we have a set point for wealth or body weight.

The great news is that we can raise our set point.

Happiness is an experience.

When we meditate we practice quieting the mind and resting in the tiny gaps between thoughts. These gaps are considered the place of all possibility. With practice, these gaps broaden into chasms. The mind slows and we're no longer attached to thoughts as they float through our minds. There is no discernment of good or bad, everything just "is."

In this state, we no longer struggle with emotions. They are not good or bad, they simply flow in your awareness of the experience.

Happiness occurs in the gap.

It is precisely in this stillness between thoughts that you become fully present and open. These are the places that happiness lives:

• Relationships with others. Feeling love while listening to your child play his violin.

• Relationships with meaningful work. Being in flow while working on a challenging project that engages you.

• Relationship with yourself. When you glimpse yourself in the mirror and it makes you smile.

Happiness is influenced by many factors, some we can control and some we can’t. It’s not the people, places, and things that make us happy, they influence – but don't create – happiness. Rather, happiness comes from the meaning that we give them.