Simple suggestions for leading a happy life

Every day each of us wakes up, gets dressed and we make our ways in this great big wonderful world. If you're like me it's go, go, go until your head hits the pillow at bedtime. Then we do it all over again the next day.

Well today was different for me and my wife. Today we slowed down to pause and reflect with a great man, the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama was in Toronto at the Rogers Centre speaking about Human Approaches to World Peace. I really had no idea what to expect from this discussion. But there was something special about being in the presence of the Dalai Lama, a cute, unassuming Tibetan monk with a contagious giggle.

"We all want to live a happy life," he said.

Agreed.

Then he told the 15,000 people assembled how to achieve happy lives. The formula's simple -- compassion for other human beings, truth and dialogue. There's no problem or conflict in this world that could not be overcome if the parties involved just sat down together and talked it out, he said.

He wasn't saying anything profound or what we didn't already know. But sometimes egos, stress and agendas cloud our vision. This could happen on the world stage and also in all of our daily lives.

I sat there in awe as the Dalai Lama spoke. When he was finished he answered questions from people who had submitted them online. One question was whether a future reincarnated Dalai Lama could be female. He said the world would be a better place if more women aspired to leadership roles because one, they are generally more compassionate than men and two, they're more attractive.

 I couldn't have agreed more.

When the Dalai Lama was done he wrapped up the discussion in his own unique way.

"There, I'm done, that's all. Goodbye."

Then he put his hands in front of his head in a prayer pose, bowed and walked off the stage to a standing ovation.

Such simple ideas for living a happy life. It's time to put them into practise.