“Happiness is a choice.” You’ve probably heard that before on a sign, in a book, or from a well-meaning friend. Sometimes it inspires. Sometimes it annoys. But from a Huna perspective, this idea isn’t just a motivational quote, it’s a living principle. One rooted in the deep, practical wisdom of how we create our experiences, moment by moment.
It’s a reminder of one of our greatest gifts as humans: choice. And in Huna, choice isn’t just something we have – it’s one of our superpowers. And using this super power can be simple.
But before we dive into how happiness can be a choice, let’s remember something important: simple doesn’t always mean easy.
One of the things I love about Huna is how simple its practices can be. Breathing with intention. Choosing a new perspective. Saying a loving phrase to yourself. Moving your body with awareness. Working with energy and symbols.
These aren’t complicated rituals locked behind esoteric gates. They’re as close as your next breath or your next thought. And yet, how often do we forget to do them?
Have you ever noticed that:
This is the human condition. It’s not a failure -it’s a pattern. And in Huna, one of our superpowers is the ability to notice and bring awareness to the pattern… and choose again. Every moment is another chance to choose again.
Some may think of superpowers as things such as flying, super strength and mind-reading. In Huna, two of our true superpowers might appear less dramatic but are no less effective.
However, many people are running on automatic, not really noticing the patterns they are running, reacting instead of choosing, and feeling powerless.
In Huna the principle of ike reminds us of the power of bringing our awareness onto patterns that may not be serving us well.
The principle of mana, our personal power, is central. It’s not about control. It’s about how we have the power to direct our energy and focus.
The principle of makia reminds us that choice is the ongoing power to decide what energy we want to cultivate, in ourselves and in our reality.
When we say “Happiness is a choice,” from a Huna point of view, we’re not denying that external circumstances can be difficult or painful. We’re saying that even in the middle of life’s chaos, we can choose how we respond to it. And that choice is powerful. It’s creative. It’s sacred.
No philosophy, including Huna, promises constant happiness. Life includes loss, challenge and uncertainty. Happiness isn’t about escaping all that. It’s about staying connected to your ability to respond. To keep choosing life, love, clarity, even when things feel tough.
And sometimes, the choice isn’t to feel happy. Sometimes the choice is to be present. To breathe. To soften. To feel into the intensity of an experience. To walk yourself gently through a hard moment. That too is part of the path and can sometimes be the most honest part.
It doesn’t mean ignoring difficulty or pretending everything’s ok. It means remembering: ‘I still have a say. Even here. Even now’. That’s real power.
Let’s return to something I mentioned earlier: we often forget the simple things. Why?
Because simple isn’t flashy, it’s easy to underestimate. We often look for big changes, dramatic breakthroughs and complex solutions. But Huna teaches us that transformation often begins with the small, the consistent, and the intentional.
Choosing happiness doesn’t mean choosing to be giddy with bliss all the time. It means choosing openness over contraction, choosing curiosity over judgment and choosing kindness over harshness. And it means choosing again and again, whenever we notice we’ve drifted from our centre. Understanding that happiness is a choice is easy. Living it is the real practice.
That’s why Huna offers practical tools such as:
These are simple. But don’t mistake simple for ineffective. They’re powerful – when remembered and used.
And if you forget? That’s okay. The moment you remember, you’re back in the realm of your superpower of choice.
Happiness isn’t a destination, or a personality trait you’re either born with or not. It’s a practice. A spiritual skill even. And it’s a practice you can start today, right now, wherever you are. And this can get you to a state that you can choose to return to again and again and again.
If you are interested in diving into the wonderful philosophy of Huna and related topics, you may be interested in our annual live programme of online classes which you can find out about here: https://www.urbanhuna.org/events/
This includes:
Discover Huna: A Blueprint for Personal Power
Are you ready to explore a deeper way of living? This is more than a course -it’s an invitation to reconnect with your natural intelligence, your subtle guidance system, and the hidden dimensions of life that are often overlooked in modern living. Whether you’re new to shamanic teachings or seeking a grounded approach to personal transformation, this course offers a practical and inspiring path forward. Join us for this four session class in September 2025.
Pathways to Personal Power – a 10-week online course that helps you reconnect with your authentic self and live from a place of inner strength. Blending Huna wisdom with practical tools, the course explores how your feelings, beliefs, and self-talk shape your experience—and how to shift them. You’ll learn to release shame, build self-trust, align with your values, and consciously shape your future. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to grow. If you’re ready to stop holding back and start living with clarity, confidence, and purpose, this journey is for you.
