Incorporating meditation, physical exercise and quality time in nature” and “Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others.

This is excellent advice for not only mental health … but also to thrive in joyful peace throughout our lives.

I have always found exercise (particularly in lake country or large parks in the suburbs where there is little noise) to be invigorating, relaxing and the great equalizer. Life’s annoyances like pressure at the office, disagreements with your partner or stress in general melt away when hiking through the woods with your dogs at your side … or kayaking on a peaceful lake enjoying the wonders of nature.

I also think exercise and meditation go hand in hand. Using these skills can help to achieve a substantive and happy life — but in times of trouble or grief, they can literally help us steady our core when it has been shaken to it’s very foundation.

This happened to me when I lost my mother. Even though my life was full, I felt lost without this amazing life force full of love, energy … and kindness. I cried for 9 months … my only joy was from my kids and wife and pets but I wasn’t really “present”.

My spirituality was strong and helped but my sadness was overwhelming. My wife encouraged me to golf and kayak like I always had. When I started doing these things again, I realized one of the best lessons my mother taught me was to respect others … and treat them with kindness. Each time I felt sad, I “payed it forward” with an act of kindness toward someone in my life … or even a stranger. I did it in honor of her and it eased my pain … I could also feel her smiling at me.

So all of these things go together — meditation, exercise and kindness. They are the key to a happy life.