from
Tibetan Buddhist author Mingyur Rinpoche said that through the recognition of self-perception and its negative effects, anyone could liberate themselves from suffering and unlock the secrets of happiness. He spoke at a free lecture Friday night in the Kansas Union.
The lecture, which discussed the subject of his book, “The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Science and Secret of Happiness,” was sponsored by the Center for East Asian Studies.
He began the lecture in Tibetan, just so the audience could “hear what it sounded like.” However, after a minute of Tibetan, Rinpoche continued in English, occasionally stopping for word clarification from a translator.
Rinpoche said to achieve happiness, people needed to stop listening to their “monkey mind.” He said everyone had self-created suffering because of their monkey mind, which was constantly talking and telling them what to think. He described someone looking into a mirror, complaining of differing cheek sizes, crooked nose and a forehead pimple.
“You say to yourself, ‘What should I do? I’m ugly,’” Rinpoche said. “And your neurons say, ‘Yes, you’re ugly.’ And the other neurons in your brain all agree, ‘We think you’re ugly too.’”
He said these feelings increased as each week passed, and people became more and more self-conscious about their flaws, which affected their studies, relationships, actions, fears, thinking and appearance. The monkey mind changes our perception of ourselves, making us unhappy.
“If you recognized your own perception, that is the best way to liberate yourself from this suffering,” Rinpoche said.
To counteract this talkative monkey mind, Rinpoche suggested meditation exercises and concentration.
Rinpoche explained his first experience with meditation and how it balanced his own monkey mind. He said that he started having panic attacks when he was 6 years old. On a three-year retreat in India as a teenager, his panic attacks worsened, and he tried meditation to battle them.
“I looked at panic face-to-face, and used that image for my meditation,” Rinpoche said.
Rinpoche said that after recognizing his panic and addressing it through concentration, he had inner peace and a stable mind. He said we should not confront our negative emotions, but change our perception of them through recognition.
...(snip)...
“This happens to a lot of people,” Livingston said. “We want control. Fear isn’t something that we are comfortable with. We can all learn to have this calm abiding in the face of uncertainty.”
In times of extreme happiness or extreme suffering, Livingston said those emotions are short-lived, and people shouldn’t run toward the emotion.
“Whichever of the two occurs, be patient,” Livingston said.
Monday, April 30, 2007
People Purpose
"We are not primarily on earth to see through one another, but to see one another through"
Three ways of finding Happiness
from
Here are three simple ways to find greater happiness in your relationship: Don’t look forward. Don’t look back. And don’t think too much about yourself.
Can three such simple statements really have an affect on our happiness? Let’s take a look at each one.
* Consider “Don’t” number one: Don’t Look Forward. Most of the things we worry about concern the future, right? How secure is our job? Will we get that promotion? Is the economy going to hold? Could that simple cough our son or daughter has be a sign of something more serious? It’s been said that 90% of the things we worry about never come to pass. If this is true, then putting the reigns on some of our unproductive thoughts could free us of a lot of wasted mental energy.
* Now let’s look at “don’t” number 2: Don’t Look Back. Like things we anticipate in the future, we also carry memories of the past. But more often than not these too are overshadowed by the negatives—a comment we mistakenly made to a coworker; selling our house before the market took off; the argument with our spouse that we’re still fuming over—another big energy drain.
* Lastly, we come to the third “don’t,” which deals with that fundamental, but as yet undiscovered center of the known universe—us: Don’t Think Too Much About Yourself. So much of our thinking is turned inward and amounts to little more than random thoughts that produce very little. How do we look? Is that a new wrinkle? Where did those extra pounds come from? What should we wear? Why didn’t our friend call back?
Add to these mental energy hogs the myriad other distractions we face daily, the ringing phone; the blaring TV, the stack of emails we must responded to; the neighbor’s barking dog. Most of us become so preoccupied with distractions that we find scant time to even recognize, much less appreciate, the really good things we have in our lives.
Here are three simple ways to find greater happiness in your relationship: Don’t look forward. Don’t look back. And don’t think too much about yourself.
Can three such simple statements really have an affect on our happiness? Let’s take a look at each one.
* Consider “Don’t” number one: Don’t Look Forward. Most of the things we worry about concern the future, right? How secure is our job? Will we get that promotion? Is the economy going to hold? Could that simple cough our son or daughter has be a sign of something more serious? It’s been said that 90% of the things we worry about never come to pass. If this is true, then putting the reigns on some of our unproductive thoughts could free us of a lot of wasted mental energy.
* Now let’s look at “don’t” number 2: Don’t Look Back. Like things we anticipate in the future, we also carry memories of the past. But more often than not these too are overshadowed by the negatives—a comment we mistakenly made to a coworker; selling our house before the market took off; the argument with our spouse that we’re still fuming over—another big energy drain.
* Lastly, we come to the third “don’t,” which deals with that fundamental, but as yet undiscovered center of the known universe—us: Don’t Think Too Much About Yourself. So much of our thinking is turned inward and amounts to little more than random thoughts that produce very little. How do we look? Is that a new wrinkle? Where did those extra pounds come from? What should we wear? Why didn’t our friend call back?
Add to these mental energy hogs the myriad other distractions we face daily, the ringing phone; the blaring TV, the stack of emails we must responded to; the neighbor’s barking dog. Most of us become so preoccupied with distractions that we find scant time to even recognize, much less appreciate, the really good things we have in our lives.
Magic Mushrooms
Don't try this at home
from
"Scientists are to investigate a hallucinogenic chemical in "magic mushrooms" as a possible new treatment for depression, anxiety and drug dependence.
The move follows an unusual study which showed that the compound, psilocybin, can prompt long lasting positive changes in mood and behaviour.
Researchers also found that people who took the chemical experienced genuine mystical experiences, as defined by psychologists.
A third of the 36 study participants described their psilocybin experience as the "most spiritually significant" of their lives.
Some likened it to the importance of the birth of their first child or the death of a parent."
"During the study, more than 60% of those taking part described the effects of psilocybin in ways that met the recognised criteria of a "full mystical experience".
Two months later, 79% reported moderately or greatly increased well being or levels of life-satisfaction.
Most said their mood, attitudes and behaviour had changed for the better. This was confirmed by interviews with family members, friends and work colleagues."
The scientists said scrupulous care was taken to minimise adverse side effects and warned of the dangers of taking psilocybin unsupervised.
Even under the controlled conditions of the study, a third of participants reported significant fear, and some experienced temporary feelings of paranoia.
"Under unmonitored conditions, it's not hard to imagine those emotions escalating to panic and dangerous behaviour," said Prof Griffiths.
from
"Scientists are to investigate a hallucinogenic chemical in "magic mushrooms" as a possible new treatment for depression, anxiety and drug dependence.
The move follows an unusual study which showed that the compound, psilocybin, can prompt long lasting positive changes in mood and behaviour.
Researchers also found that people who took the chemical experienced genuine mystical experiences, as defined by psychologists.
A third of the 36 study participants described their psilocybin experience as the "most spiritually significant" of their lives.
Some likened it to the importance of the birth of their first child or the death of a parent."
"During the study, more than 60% of those taking part described the effects of psilocybin in ways that met the recognised criteria of a "full mystical experience".
Two months later, 79% reported moderately or greatly increased well being or levels of life-satisfaction.
Most said their mood, attitudes and behaviour had changed for the better. This was confirmed by interviews with family members, friends and work colleagues."
The scientists said scrupulous care was taken to minimise adverse side effects and warned of the dangers of taking psilocybin unsupervised.
Even under the controlled conditions of the study, a third of participants reported significant fear, and some experienced temporary feelings of paranoia.
"Under unmonitored conditions, it's not hard to imagine those emotions escalating to panic and dangerous behaviour," said Prof Griffiths.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
A hedonist's charter
from
"Mori, like the rest, finds education is a key determinant of happiness. A degree brings far more life satisfaction than the paltry financial rewards the government promised in the tuition fees debate. It should have said: "A degree makes you happier." So does being happily married/partnered. So does living in a place you don't want to move out of and feeling safe in your surroundings. Joining groups, participating, volunteering, going to the theatre and retiring all score high on the hedonic scale. Trust in others comes with all this."
"Mori, like the rest, finds education is a key determinant of happiness. A degree brings far more life satisfaction than the paltry financial rewards the government promised in the tuition fees debate. It should have said: "A degree makes you happier." So does being happily married/partnered. So does living in a place you don't want to move out of and feeling safe in your surroundings. Joining groups, participating, volunteering, going to the theatre and retiring all score high on the hedonic scale. Trust in others comes with all this."
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Happiness makes you beautiful
Drew Barrymore believes her happiness makes her beautiful.
The actress, who graces the front cover of People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful issue, insists her fun-loving attitude to life is what makes her "pretty."
Drew, who appears in the annual issue for the fourth time, revealed, "I just think happiness is what makes you pretty. Period. Happy people are beautiful. They become like a mirror, and they reflect that happiness.
The actress, who graces the front cover of People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful issue, insists her fun-loving attitude to life is what makes her "pretty."
Drew, who appears in the annual issue for the fourth time, revealed, "I just think happiness is what makes you pretty. Period. Happy people are beautiful. They become like a mirror, and they reflect that happiness.
Matthieu Ricard - Genuine Happiness
Change your Mind Change your Brain: The Inner Conditions for Authentic Happiness - Google Video
Great video on his background and perspectives.
Great video on his background and perspectives.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Gross National Happiness
from Gross National Happiness Indicates True State - The Times of India
The burst of consumer-driven economic growth and consequent explosion of affluence in industrialised societies has had an adverse impact on spiritual advancement. In pursuit of economic prosperity, many societies have lost their spirituality and compromised their environment.
Taking lessons from these experiences, Bhutan, the small and beautiful Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas, has adopted a different approach for people’s welfare. King Jigme Singye Wangchuk espoused the concept of gross national happiness. It calls for careful balance between creation of material wealth and spiritual, cultural and social needs. It recognises that all efforts should seek to contribute to both material and spiritual well-being of people. The constituents of gross national happiness are not only limited to the flow of money but include access to health care, free time with family, conservation of natural resources and other non-economic factors.
Articulation of happiness as goal of human life has strong roots in Bhutan’s Buddhist traditions. It speaks of avoiding dissatisfaction through adequate provision of four basic necessities — food, shelter, clothing and medicine. However, it holds that meeting this hierarchy of wants is only the first step towards abatement of human suffering, which ultimately depends on cultivating a sense of detachment and spiritual fulfilment. The philosophy enshrined in the concept of gross national happiness aims to promote happiness through careful balancing of spiritual, emotional and cultural needs on the one hand and material well-being on the other.
The burst of consumer-driven economic growth and consequent explosion of affluence in industrialised societies has had an adverse impact on spiritual advancement. In pursuit of economic prosperity, many societies have lost their spirituality and compromised their environment.
Taking lessons from these experiences, Bhutan, the small and beautiful Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas, has adopted a different approach for people’s welfare. King Jigme Singye Wangchuk espoused the concept of gross national happiness. It calls for careful balance between creation of material wealth and spiritual, cultural and social needs. It recognises that all efforts should seek to contribute to both material and spiritual well-being of people. The constituents of gross national happiness are not only limited to the flow of money but include access to health care, free time with family, conservation of natural resources and other non-economic factors.
Articulation of happiness as goal of human life has strong roots in Bhutan’s Buddhist traditions. It speaks of avoiding dissatisfaction through adequate provision of four basic necessities — food, shelter, clothing and medicine. However, it holds that meeting this hierarchy of wants is only the first step towards abatement of human suffering, which ultimately depends on cultivating a sense of detachment and spiritual fulfilment. The philosophy enshrined in the concept of gross national happiness aims to promote happiness through careful balancing of spiritual, emotional and cultural needs on the one hand and material well-being on the other.
TV - the unhappy box
from
Just to say a word about television. I want to tell you about one study. This was done in Canada where there was one town that never had televisions until 1973 and the very sole researcher decided to monitor very carefully what happened as a result of the interruption of the television. She found that television did increase the amount of aggression amongst children and it did reduce the amount of social life because people didn’t have time for social life.
And I also looked at the evidence from the United States General Social Survey to see if it impacted on the happiness of a person by how much television they watch.
Other things equal, watching television reduced happiness and one way this happened is that people who watch television think they are poorer at any given level income. It makes sense because most people always seeing privileged people, people who are richer than themselves. They are also receiving advertisements which are telling them that they ought also have something that they never thought they needed.
Just to say a word about television. I want to tell you about one study. This was done in Canada where there was one town that never had televisions until 1973 and the very sole researcher decided to monitor very carefully what happened as a result of the interruption of the television. She found that television did increase the amount of aggression amongst children and it did reduce the amount of social life because people didn’t have time for social life.
And I also looked at the evidence from the United States General Social Survey to see if it impacted on the happiness of a person by how much television they watch.
Other things equal, watching television reduced happiness and one way this happened is that people who watch television think they are poorer at any given level income. It makes sense because most people always seeing privileged people, people who are richer than themselves. They are also receiving advertisements which are telling them that they ought also have something that they never thought they needed.
What Public Policy Can Add to Happiness
fascinating thoughts from from
Darrin MacMahon notes that people are fairly happy in contemporary capitalist democracies and asks me what public policy can do to create even greater happiness for a greater number. In my view there are options at three levels: the macro level of nations, the meso level of organizations, and the micro level of individuals. I have discussed these options in more detail elsewhere.[1]
So far, the discussion has focused on the macro level. Next to the societal conditions already noted, I can also mention women’s emancipation, the rule of law, and good governance. Next, there are probably conditions for happiness in the realm of culture that we cannot quantify as yet. For instance, I expect that people are happier in nations that produce good arts than in nations where artistic production is poor. Time will tell.
Happiness also depends on the organizational settings in which we spend much of our time, such as schools, workplaces, and old-age homes. Yet happiness is typically of no great concern to these organizations, since their incentives direct their attention to other things. As a result, little knowledge has developed in this field. Public policy can improve that situation in several ways. One way is to bring differences in happiness to attention, for instance, by monitoring the number of happy life years produced by old-age homes. Once such differences become visible, the market will do its work.
Happiness also depends on individual life decisions, such as occupational choice and age of retirement. Many of these decisions are also made on the basis of incomplete information and as a result there is often a discrepancy between the happiness initially expected and the happiness later experienced.[2] Public policy can help people make more informed decisions by furthering research on the long-term consequences of such choices on happiness, much in the same way that it supports research on the consequences of lifestyle on physical health. This is a policy of informing people about happiness without interfering in their own choices.
Darrin MacMahon notes that people are fairly happy in contemporary capitalist democracies and asks me what public policy can do to create even greater happiness for a greater number. In my view there are options at three levels: the macro level of nations, the meso level of organizations, and the micro level of individuals. I have discussed these options in more detail elsewhere.[1]
So far, the discussion has focused on the macro level. Next to the societal conditions already noted, I can also mention women’s emancipation, the rule of law, and good governance. Next, there are probably conditions for happiness in the realm of culture that we cannot quantify as yet. For instance, I expect that people are happier in nations that produce good arts than in nations where artistic production is poor. Time will tell.
Happiness also depends on the organizational settings in which we spend much of our time, such as schools, workplaces, and old-age homes. Yet happiness is typically of no great concern to these organizations, since their incentives direct their attention to other things. As a result, little knowledge has developed in this field. Public policy can improve that situation in several ways. One way is to bring differences in happiness to attention, for instance, by monitoring the number of happy life years produced by old-age homes. Once such differences become visible, the market will do its work.
Happiness also depends on individual life decisions, such as occupational choice and age of retirement. Many of these decisions are also made on the basis of incomplete information and as a result there is often a discrepancy between the happiness initially expected and the happiness later experienced.[2] Public policy can help people make more informed decisions by furthering research on the long-term consequences of such choices on happiness, much in the same way that it supports research on the consequences of lifestyle on physical health. This is a policy of informing people about happiness without interfering in their own choices.
Set Points, Students & break falls
from
But people can also increase their set point of happiness by engaging in certain exercises and cognitive practices.
Staying away from negative emotions and concentrating on the positives is an effective way to change that inherent point on the ladder of happiness, said Martin Seligman, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the founder of a newly emerging field called "positive psychology," which focuses on positive human emotions.
....
Ed Diener, professor of psychology at the University of Illinois, found that the top 10 percent of the happiest students share one major thing in common: spending time with close friends and family.
"The best way to be truly happy is to have friends and work toward your goals," said Whitney Brammer, a UCLA sophomore. "Instead of thinking about happiness, people should just do it."
"By developing certain life skills that will change your environment, you can make an enormous impact on how you experience your life," she said.
....
Happiness, as Aristotle and Plato said, is not the equivalent of pleasure or achieving material success in life. Happiness is a way of perceiving the world positively with action and optimism, King said.
Happiness should not be thought of as some sort of ultimate outcome, King said. Happiness is first and foremost a means to achieve your goals by having happiness as a cushion that will break your falls in life and allow you to stand back up even stronger, she said.
But people can also increase their set point of happiness by engaging in certain exercises and cognitive practices.
Staying away from negative emotions and concentrating on the positives is an effective way to change that inherent point on the ladder of happiness, said Martin Seligman, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the founder of a newly emerging field called "positive psychology," which focuses on positive human emotions.
....
Ed Diener, professor of psychology at the University of Illinois, found that the top 10 percent of the happiest students share one major thing in common: spending time with close friends and family.
"The best way to be truly happy is to have friends and work toward your goals," said Whitney Brammer, a UCLA sophomore. "Instead of thinking about happiness, people should just do it."
"By developing certain life skills that will change your environment, you can make an enormous impact on how you experience your life," she said.
....
Happiness, as Aristotle and Plato said, is not the equivalent of pleasure or achieving material success in life. Happiness is a way of perceiving the world positively with action and optimism, King said.
Happiness should not be thought of as some sort of ultimate outcome, King said. Happiness is first and foremost a means to achieve your goals by having happiness as a cushion that will break your falls in life and allow you to stand back up even stronger, she said.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Positive Psychology Formula
Pleasure + engagement + meaning = happiness.
Small pleasures a treat, a striking view, a laugh with friends.
Larger pleasures, success and love.
Engagement - activities that capture our wholehearted interest, like FLOW.
Meaning - we must feel that we matter and that what we do matters. We must know that we are valuable, valued and that our lives make a difference.
Small pleasures a treat, a striking view, a laugh with friends.
Larger pleasures, success and love.
Engagement - activities that capture our wholehearted interest, like FLOW.
Meaning - we must feel that we matter and that what we do matters. We must know that we are valuable, valued and that our lives make a difference.
The Pursuit Of Happiness
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"
- The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.
- The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Seven Keys to Happiness
from
Seven keys to happiness
OK, so if becoming a millionaire is not the passport to happiness, what is? According to various studies, here are seven ways to make ourselves happier.
# First, build strong family relationships. We need the closeness and love of a family. By contrast, (not surprisingly) divorce and separation are two situations that can cause the largest drop in personal happiness.
# Second, secure an adequate financial situation. As described above, a certain level of income is necessary for a base level of happiness.
# Third, find rewarding and meaningful work. A job pays the bills, but finding work that makes us feel like we are contributing to society and helping others is also very important.
# Fourth, cultivate friends and a local community. Research from the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center indicates that people with five or more close friends are 50 percent more likely to describe themselves as "very happy" compared to people with fewer friends.
# Fifth, focus on health. We tend to ignore our health-until we don't have it. By proactively trying to stay in shape, we can feel better, live longer and be happier.
# Sixth, find the "zone."Whether it's work or leisure, happiness ensues from being "in the zone" - that state where we are totally engaged in an activity and absorbed in the moment.
# Seventh, be grateful. It's easy to lament what we don't have, but it's better to focus on appreciating what we do have.
Seven keys to happiness
OK, so if becoming a millionaire is not the passport to happiness, what is? According to various studies, here are seven ways to make ourselves happier.
# First, build strong family relationships. We need the closeness and love of a family. By contrast, (not surprisingly) divorce and separation are two situations that can cause the largest drop in personal happiness.
# Second, secure an adequate financial situation. As described above, a certain level of income is necessary for a base level of happiness.
# Third, find rewarding and meaningful work. A job pays the bills, but finding work that makes us feel like we are contributing to society and helping others is also very important.
# Fourth, cultivate friends and a local community. Research from the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center indicates that people with five or more close friends are 50 percent more likely to describe themselves as "very happy" compared to people with fewer friends.
# Fifth, focus on health. We tend to ignore our health-until we don't have it. By proactively trying to stay in shape, we can feel better, live longer and be happier.
# Sixth, find the "zone."Whether it's work or leisure, happiness ensues from being "in the zone" - that state where we are totally engaged in an activity and absorbed in the moment.
# Seventh, be grateful. It's easy to lament what we don't have, but it's better to focus on appreciating what we do have.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Happiness Education in Schools
from
Beaumont Unified libraries win ‘Pursuit of Happiness' Bookshelf
Eight Beaumont Unified School District libraries are among the 2,000 libraries selected from across the country to receive the We the People "Pursuit of Happiness" Bookshelf, the National Endowment for the Humanities has announced.
Each of the libraries will receive 15 classic hardcover books based on grade level, all related to the "Pursuit of Happiness" theme. In addition, the libraries will receive four of these books in Spanish and a bonus CD with traditional music featured in Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series.
Librarians and teachers will work together to introduce the stories and the concept of the Pursuit of Happiness to the students. At each level, from kindergarten through high school, students will be encouraged to read the books then creatively express their thoughts about the stories and their meanings. They also will be asked to define what the phrase “Pursuit of Happiness” means to them, again, using various creative methods.
Beaumont Unified libraries win ‘Pursuit of Happiness' Bookshelf
Eight Beaumont Unified School District libraries are among the 2,000 libraries selected from across the country to receive the We the People "Pursuit of Happiness" Bookshelf, the National Endowment for the Humanities has announced.
Each of the libraries will receive 15 classic hardcover books based on grade level, all related to the "Pursuit of Happiness" theme. In addition, the libraries will receive four of these books in Spanish and a bonus CD with traditional music featured in Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series.
Librarians and teachers will work together to introduce the stories and the concept of the Pursuit of Happiness to the students. At each level, from kindergarten through high school, students will be encouraged to read the books then creatively express their thoughts about the stories and their meanings. They also will be asked to define what the phrase “Pursuit of Happiness” means to them, again, using various creative methods.
Mental Dispersion
from a comment this blog entry
"The Buddhists speak much of this in their philosophy and they refer to it as mental dispersion. That is to say people never live fully in the moment and therefore never fully live there lives because they are never focused on the here and now."
"The Buddhists speak much of this in their philosophy and they refer to it as mental dispersion. That is to say people never live fully in the moment and therefore never fully live there lives because they are never focused on the here and now."
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
3 Happiness Roadblocks
excerpt from
There are actually three important roadblocks to our personal happiness.
1. The most critical hurdle to finding true happiness is that we do not know ourselves. The real secret to happiness is knowing what is important to you personally. The simple truth is that there is not one universal path to happiness because every person is different and has different dreams and needs.
2. Another roadblock in our pursuit of happiness is giving too much power to things that do not matter.
3. The final critical element that blocks true happiness for many people is not giving the things that make us happy enough weight in our life. Too often we dwell on the things we do not have--the bigger house, the newer car, the better job--rather than what we already have that makes us happy--the significant relationships, the happy home, the rewarding career. The next time you feel unhappy make a list of all that is going right in your life.
There are actually three important roadblocks to our personal happiness.
1. The most critical hurdle to finding true happiness is that we do not know ourselves. The real secret to happiness is knowing what is important to you personally. The simple truth is that there is not one universal path to happiness because every person is different and has different dreams and needs.
2. Another roadblock in our pursuit of happiness is giving too much power to things that do not matter.
3. The final critical element that blocks true happiness for many people is not giving the things that make us happy enough weight in our life. Too often we dwell on the things we do not have--the bigger house, the newer car, the better job--rather than what we already have that makes us happy--the significant relationships, the happy home, the rewarding career. The next time you feel unhappy make a list of all that is going right in your life.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Service a Key to Happiness
A common theme is that serving others is a key factor in achieving Happiness.
Generally this is anecdotal but just ran across the below whick outlines some survey results.
from Ministry is the Key to Happiness and Satisfaction
The National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago conducted a recent survey that discovered that clergy are America’s happiest and most satisfied workers. According to the study:
Top 3 Most Satisfying Jobs
1. 87% of clergy are very satisfied with their job
2. 80% of firefighters are very satisfied
3. 78% of physical therapists are very satisfied
Compared with an average satisfaction of 47% for all workers
Top 3 Happiest Jobs
1. 67% of clergy report being very happy
2. 57% of firefighters are very happy
3. 57% of transportation ticket and reservation agents are very happy
Compared with an average happiness of 33% for all workers
Generally this is anecdotal but just ran across the below whick outlines some survey results.
from Ministry is the Key to Happiness and Satisfaction
The National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago conducted a recent survey that discovered that clergy are America’s happiest and most satisfied workers. According to the study:
Top 3 Most Satisfying Jobs
1. 87% of clergy are very satisfied with their job
2. 80% of firefighters are very satisfied
3. 78% of physical therapists are very satisfied
Compared with an average satisfaction of 47% for all workers
Top 3 Happiest Jobs
1. 67% of clergy report being very happy
2. 57% of firefighters are very happy
3. 57% of transportation ticket and reservation agents are very happy
Compared with an average happiness of 33% for all workers
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Happiness: The Means or the End?
Happiness: The Means or the End?
"Whatever it is about, it is about a few constant things: pleasure, desire, reason and suffering.
Further, he maintains that routes to happiness have always been local—different things for different people at different times—and invites us “to be inspired by the great ideas in history about happiness.”
"In the face of these three books and their disparate approaches, Klein’s concluding statement rings true: “We are six billion people, and there are six billion paths to happiness.” Schoch concludes, “Our life is an ever striving, and we call the striving happiness.” Aiming directly at happiness, then, we are likely to miss it. Happiness is neither an end nor a means, but rather a product of living an authentic, wise and outgoing life."
"Whatever it is about, it is about a few constant things: pleasure, desire, reason and suffering.
Further, he maintains that routes to happiness have always been local—different things for different people at different times—and invites us “to be inspired by the great ideas in history about happiness.”
"In the face of these three books and their disparate approaches, Klein’s concluding statement rings true: “We are six billion people, and there are six billion paths to happiness.” Schoch concludes, “Our life is an ever striving, and we call the striving happiness.” Aiming directly at happiness, then, we are likely to miss it. Happiness is neither an end nor a means, but rather a product of living an authentic, wise and outgoing life."
Amnesia Is the New Bliss
from Esquire.com, thought provoking article talking about using a drug which can erase memories
"The place of memory in the pursuit of happiness suggests something essential about human identity," states the PCOB in a 2003 study titled Beyond Therapy: Biotechnology and the Pursuit of Happiness. "By 'rewriting' memories pharmacologically we might succeed in easing real suffering at the risk of falsifying our perception of the world and undermining our true identity."
"The place of memory in the pursuit of happiness suggests something essential about human identity," states the PCOB in a 2003 study titled Beyond Therapy: Biotechnology and the Pursuit of Happiness. "By 'rewriting' memories pharmacologically we might succeed in easing real suffering at the risk of falsifying our perception of the world and undermining our true identity."
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Five Key Strengths to Happiness
from
"A study with more than 4000 participants revealed that five key strengths-gratitude, optimism, zest, curiosity, and the ability to love and be loved- are more closely and consistently related to life satisfaction than the other strengths.
A very compelling reason to give special attention to these five key strengths is that each strength on the list is, by definition, mutable and can be learned. We can all become more grateful, optimistic, zestful, curious, and loving if we are willing to make a concerted effort to do so."
"A study with more than 4000 participants revealed that five key strengths-gratitude, optimism, zest, curiosity, and the ability to love and be loved- are more closely and consistently related to life satisfaction than the other strengths.
A very compelling reason to give special attention to these five key strengths is that each strength on the list is, by definition, mutable and can be learned. We can all become more grateful, optimistic, zestful, curious, and loving if we are willing to make a concerted effort to do so."
Aristotle's Four Levels of Happiness
excerpt from
Aristotle described four "levels" of happiness.
1: Immediate Gratification.
If we're honest, we usually "live" at Level 1 when we are trying to feel better about ourselves or to avoid or subdue our fears. It's a pretty shallow happiness.
2: Gratification Through Achievement.
We are using our talents to achieve goals, to accomplish something good. There will be some short-term gain and we can experience a sense of success. If we remain here, though, we can become fearful of failure, isolated, jealous, and cynical. Happiness becomes something to be worked at endlessly. After years of this, the burden can become overwhelming.
3: Gratification through contribution.
In this level we take our eyes off ourselves and begin serving others, helping to meet their needs. The benefits of this kind of living can far outweigh more self-centered tendencies. We begin to see ourselves as part of a community, able to make a real difference in the lives of others. Our own happiness increases as we stop grasping for it.
4: Transcendent Gratification.
We are now living for a purpose that is larger than us, something truly worthy of a life, worthy of our life. We seek the happiness and joy of others by giving our energy to justice, peace, beauty, love. We are living for something that will outlast us, something that will contribute to many, many lives, not simply our own.
Aristotle described four "levels" of happiness.
1: Immediate Gratification.
If we're honest, we usually "live" at Level 1 when we are trying to feel better about ourselves or to avoid or subdue our fears. It's a pretty shallow happiness.
2: Gratification Through Achievement.
We are using our talents to achieve goals, to accomplish something good. There will be some short-term gain and we can experience a sense of success. If we remain here, though, we can become fearful of failure, isolated, jealous, and cynical. Happiness becomes something to be worked at endlessly. After years of this, the burden can become overwhelming.
3: Gratification through contribution.
In this level we take our eyes off ourselves and begin serving others, helping to meet their needs. The benefits of this kind of living can far outweigh more self-centered tendencies. We begin to see ourselves as part of a community, able to make a real difference in the lives of others. Our own happiness increases as we stop grasping for it.
4: Transcendent Gratification.
We are now living for a purpose that is larger than us, something truly worthy of a life, worthy of our life. We seek the happiness and joy of others by giving our energy to justice, peace, beauty, love. We are living for something that will outlast us, something that will contribute to many, many lives, not simply our own.
Work-Sleep-Shop Triangle
from Web Worker Daily paraphrasing this New Yorker articleyou should minimize your work commute (and the distance from your house to your favorite market) for maximum happiness. The smaller the triangle, the happier the human, as long as there is social interaction to be had.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Happiness is a mental illness
This article is non scientific and the opposite of positive psychology, actually quite negative psychology but I include it as it is important to fully view an issue from all angles.
selected excerpts below
"happiness itself is a form of mental illness, one which allows us to suppress the despair and misery which surrounds us and allows us to instead live inside a self-induced delusional cocoon, in which we actively deny the harrowing realities of life and allow ourselves to believe that our lives are in fact more meaningful and fulfilling (and less painful) than in fact they are."
"I submit that happiness is a defence mechanism, one which allows us to selectively ignore certain negative aspects of one's life while simultaneously mentally augmenting the positive aspects. This warped and biased perspective then allows us to believe that all is well, and the resulting mental state (i.e. happiness) is pleasurable enough to allow us to endure what might otherwise be unendurable."
"To summarize - that which we call "happiness" is really your brain's way of keeping you from going completely insane from the sheer horror and despair of the cruel and uncaring world in which we live."
this article also has comments from users which are worth investigating as well
selected excerpts below
"happiness itself is a form of mental illness, one which allows us to suppress the despair and misery which surrounds us and allows us to instead live inside a self-induced delusional cocoon, in which we actively deny the harrowing realities of life and allow ourselves to believe that our lives are in fact more meaningful and fulfilling (and less painful) than in fact they are."
"I submit that happiness is a defence mechanism, one which allows us to selectively ignore certain negative aspects of one's life while simultaneously mentally augmenting the positive aspects. This warped and biased perspective then allows us to believe that all is well, and the resulting mental state (i.e. happiness) is pleasurable enough to allow us to endure what might otherwise be unendurable."
"To summarize - that which we call "happiness" is really your brain's way of keeping you from going completely insane from the sheer horror and despair of the cruel and uncaring world in which we live."
this article also has comments from users which are worth investigating as well
Scratching an Itch
from Transforming our way of living | The Japan Times Online
Ultimately, all human activities have as their goal the realization of happiness. Why, then, have we ended up producing the opposite result? Could the underlying cause be our failure to correctly understand the true nature of happiness?
The gratification of desire is not happiness. If it were, as Socrates noted, a person who spends his life scratching an itch would have to be considered happy. Genuine happiness can only be achieved when we transform our way of life from the unthinking pursuit of pleasure to one committed to enriching our inner lives, when we focus on "being more" rather than simply having more.
Ultimately, all human activities have as their goal the realization of happiness. Why, then, have we ended up producing the opposite result? Could the underlying cause be our failure to correctly understand the true nature of happiness?
The gratification of desire is not happiness. If it were, as Socrates noted, a person who spends his life scratching an itch would have to be considered happy. Genuine happiness can only be achieved when we transform our way of life from the unthinking pursuit of pleasure to one committed to enriching our inner lives, when we focus on "being more" rather than simply having more.
Education correlated with Happiness
from Belgians should be happier
The study also ascertained a clear link between educational level and happiness. Studying longer makes people markedly happier. After all better qualifications often lead to a higher income or a higher place on the social ladder and give one more control over one's own life.
Relationships emerged as crucial to happiness. Having a partner is no guarantee for happiness, but it does help. 32 percent of divorced singles is "extremely unhappy" and 30 percent just "unhappy."
Geographical lines also emerged. Flemings are happier than Brussels residents, who are in turn happier than Walloons. These differences were determined more by self-confidence than either income or health.
The study also ascertained a clear link between educational level and happiness. Studying longer makes people markedly happier. After all better qualifications often lead to a higher income or a higher place on the social ladder and give one more control over one's own life.
Relationships emerged as crucial to happiness. Having a partner is no guarantee for happiness, but it does help. 32 percent of divorced singles is "extremely unhappy" and 30 percent just "unhappy."
Geographical lines also emerged. Flemings are happier than Brussels residents, who are in turn happier than Walloons. These differences were determined more by self-confidence than either income or health.
Sing your way to Happiness
from DAILY Love, Happiness, Career & Money Empowering Blog!:
FACT: The Institute of Music, Health and Education has found that just five minutes of singing or humming can put you in a sunnier mood.
Your Happiness Assignment: When in the shower or bath, sing until your heart's content. Avoid songs once shared with an ex or lyrics on the maudlin side.
Some Guaranteed Musical Boosters I recommend: We will rock you – Queen; We are the champions – Queen; Emotional rescue – Rolling Stones; Simply the best – Tina Turner; Like a rolling stone – Bob Dylan; Respect – Aretha Franklin; Brass in pocket – Pretenders; Mustang sally – Wilson Pickett or the Commitments; These boots are made for walking - Nancy Sinatra; My Way - Frank Sinatra; Wind beneath my wings – Bette Midler; I will survive – Gloria Gaynor; Mocking bird – Carly Simon and James Taylor; Don’t worry Be happy – Bobby McFerrin; I can see clearly now - Bob Marley; Calling all angels – K.D. Lang; In my life – The Beatles; Who let the dogs out – Baha men; Banana boat song – Harry Belafonte; Girls just want to have fun – Cyndi Lauper!
FACT: The Institute of Music, Health and Education has found that just five minutes of singing or humming can put you in a sunnier mood.
Your Happiness Assignment: When in the shower or bath, sing until your heart's content. Avoid songs once shared with an ex or lyrics on the maudlin side.
Some Guaranteed Musical Boosters I recommend: We will rock you – Queen; We are the champions – Queen; Emotional rescue – Rolling Stones; Simply the best – Tina Turner; Like a rolling stone – Bob Dylan; Respect – Aretha Franklin; Brass in pocket – Pretenders; Mustang sally – Wilson Pickett or the Commitments; These boots are made for walking - Nancy Sinatra; My Way - Frank Sinatra; Wind beneath my wings – Bette Midler; I will survive – Gloria Gaynor; Mocking bird – Carly Simon and James Taylor; Don’t worry Be happy – Bobby McFerrin; I can see clearly now - Bob Marley; Calling all angels – K.D. Lang; In my life – The Beatles; Who let the dogs out – Baha men; Banana boat song – Harry Belafonte; Girls just want to have fun – Cyndi Lauper!
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Csikszentmihalyi Tips
Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced Chick-Sent-Me-High-ee) professor of psychology and management and author of Flow: the Psychology of Optimal Experience.
Three general pieces of advice:
1. Be attuned to what gives you genuine satisfaction. Although many people assume that popular activities like watching TV are enjoyable, their own reports generally indicate that they feel more engaged, energetic, satisfied and happy when doing other things.
2. Study yourself. try to focus on how you actually feel, rather than what you think you ought to be feeling or what you expect to feel, note the high points, particularly, and the low ones, then adjust how you spend time according to your findings.
3. Take control. Repairing unhappy conditions requires active effort. People often assume external conditions will change for the better or let chance determine their response. That's a mistake. "Get control," When things aren't right, "you have to put in the same effort you would if your business were in trouble.
paraphrased excerpt from Getting Serious About Happiness
Three general pieces of advice:
1. Be attuned to what gives you genuine satisfaction. Although many people assume that popular activities like watching TV are enjoyable, their own reports generally indicate that they feel more engaged, energetic, satisfied and happy when doing other things.
2. Study yourself. try to focus on how you actually feel, rather than what you think you ought to be feeling or what you expect to feel, note the high points, particularly, and the low ones, then adjust how you spend time according to your findings.
3. Take control. Repairing unhappy conditions requires active effort. People often assume external conditions will change for the better or let chance determine their response. That's a mistake. "Get control," When things aren't right, "you have to put in the same effort you would if your business were in trouble.
paraphrased excerpt from Getting Serious About Happiness
Friday, April 6, 2007
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Japanese Symbol for Happiness
The kanji symbol GAKU, HAPPINESS, is the same kanji as for MUSIC, uniting music, a gift of the gods, with joy and happiness.
from
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Health + Wealth + Education = Happiness?
A Community Happiness Index?:
"A recent BBC survey found that 81% of the population think the Government should focus on making us happier rather than wealthier.
Further analysis showed that a nation's level of happiness was most closely associated with health levels (correlation of .62), followed by wealth (.52), and then provision of education (.51). In short, this says that health, wealth and education are the three leading drivers of happiness. Interesting!
The three predictor variables of health, wealth and education were also very closely associated with each other, illustrating the interdependence of these factors.
There is a belief that capitalism leads to unhappy people. However, when people are asked if they are happy with their lives, people in countries with good healthcare, a higher GDP per capita, and access to education were much more likely to report being happy."
"A recent BBC survey found that 81% of the population think the Government should focus on making us happier rather than wealthier.
Further analysis showed that a nation's level of happiness was most closely associated with health levels (correlation of .62), followed by wealth (.52), and then provision of education (.51). In short, this says that health, wealth and education are the three leading drivers of happiness. Interesting!
The three predictor variables of health, wealth and education were also very closely associated with each other, illustrating the interdependence of these factors.
There is a belief that capitalism leads to unhappy people. However, when people are asked if they are happy with their lives, people in countries with good healthcare, a higher GDP per capita, and access to education were much more likely to report being happy."
Monday, April 2, 2007
Choice is making us miserable
Excellent Video on why choice is making us miserable by Barry Schwartz at TEDTalks (2005)
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Happiness and the Immune System
Health and happiness is all down to a roll in the dirt - TimesOnline
According to the research, the action of Mycobacterium vaccae (M vaccae) on the brain is similar to that of some commonly used antidepressants.
The bacterium, which is related to the microbe that causes tuberculosis, appears to work by stimulating the body’s immune system. This, in turn, prompts certain cells in the brain to produce more serotonin, a hormone associated with feelings of wellbeing.
Interest in the project arose after human cancer patients being treated with M vaccae unexpectedly reported increases in their quality of life.
The study is highly unlikely to lead to new therapies for depression in the near future but it does build on the growing body of research showing the importance of the human immune system in regulating even the subtlest aspects of health.
According to the research, the action of Mycobacterium vaccae (M vaccae) on the brain is similar to that of some commonly used antidepressants.
The bacterium, which is related to the microbe that causes tuberculosis, appears to work by stimulating the body’s immune system. This, in turn, prompts certain cells in the brain to produce more serotonin, a hormone associated with feelings of wellbeing.
Interest in the project arose after human cancer patients being treated with M vaccae unexpectedly reported increases in their quality of life.
The study is highly unlikely to lead to new therapies for depression in the near future but it does build on the growing body of research showing the importance of the human immune system in regulating even the subtlest aspects of health.
Happiness Hacking
fascinating perspective
The talk focused on the following future forecast (circa 2012):
* Quality of life is the primary metric for evaluating everyday technologies
* Positive psychology is a principal, explicit influence on design
* The public expects tech companies to have a clear vision for a life worth living
* To succeed, a brand, product or service, must increase real happiness – the new capital
I also made the following call to action:
* Invest a portion of your time, energy and resources towards understanding and innovating happiness. It’s the new capital.
* Make your technology not only feel good (more pleasure), but also do good (more engagement)and expose good (more meaning).
* Build your brand's culture around quality of life.
* Together we can hack our everyday reality into a collective life worth living.
* Hack Happiness!
The talk focused on the following future forecast (circa 2012):
* Quality of life is the primary metric for evaluating everyday technologies
* Positive psychology is a principal, explicit influence on design
* The public expects tech companies to have a clear vision for a life worth living
* To succeed, a brand, product or service, must increase real happiness – the new capital
I also made the following call to action:
* Invest a portion of your time, energy and resources towards understanding and innovating happiness. It’s the new capital.
* Make your technology not only feel good (more pleasure), but also do good (more engagement)and expose good (more meaning).
* Build your brand's culture around quality of life.
* Together we can hack our everyday reality into a collective life worth living.
* Hack Happiness!
The Sweet Smell of Happiness
from:
"Made from warm, sweet, spicy and friendly smelling accords such as: cocoa, praline, orange, bergamot, curaçao, patchouli, myrrh and musk this succulent fragrance evokes euphoric feelings. It is even marketed as 'happy therapy!'"
This scent is also specially formulated with two psycho-tonic micro-nutrients called theobromine and phenylethylamine (which help trigger happy senses).
Its In Your Experiences, Not Your Stuff
from article
Three reasons experiences are better
Van Boven claims there are three reasons that experiences, not possessions, buy happiness:
1. Experiences are open to positive reinterpretations
2. Experiences are a meaningful part of your identity. Your experiences often involve goals and accomplishments, which usually bring up happy feelings. There are more personal meanings, attachments, and values in your experiences than in your stuff.
3. Experiences contribute to more successful relationships. Experiencing an event with someone brings you closer together. Later, it’s cathartic and even fun to talk about what you did, especially if it was a complete disaster! Sharing your memories with your loved ones – even if they weren’t there for the actual experience – draws you closer together and strengthens your bonds.
Three reasons experiences are better
Van Boven claims there are three reasons that experiences, not possessions, buy happiness:
1. Experiences are open to positive reinterpretations
2. Experiences are a meaningful part of your identity. Your experiences often involve goals and accomplishments, which usually bring up happy feelings. There are more personal meanings, attachments, and values in your experiences than in your stuff.
3. Experiences contribute to more successful relationships. Experiencing an event with someone brings you closer together. Later, it’s cathartic and even fun to talk about what you did, especially if it was a complete disaster! Sharing your memories with your loved ones – even if they weren’t there for the actual experience – draws you closer together and strengthens your bonds.
Experiencing Possession bring Happiness - not buying them
Article from money.cnn.com
The pursuit of money and the pursuit of happiness often get equated, especially in our success-addled culture. But over the past decade or so, science has set us straight on two points: First, once you have escaped poverty, more money won't buy you more happiness. There's little difference in the overall happiness of millionaires and the middle class. And second, if you are going to spend your money in search of greater happiness, you're better off buying experiences rather than things.
Why? As German scholar Stefan Klein, author of "The Science of Happiness," argues, "Things per se cannot bring you happiness at all. It is only the 'experience' of possessing something that can trigger an emotion. So possessions can trigger happiness, but only as long as that experience of having a bigger car is new."
In other words: Goods tarnish over time. Experiences, on the other hand, says Harvard University social psychologist Daniel Gilbert, author of "Stumbling on Happiness," can get better as you remember them, particularly if you're one of those people who tend to embellish a bit. (How big was that fish again?)
The pursuit of money and the pursuit of happiness often get equated, especially in our success-addled culture. But over the past decade or so, science has set us straight on two points: First, once you have escaped poverty, more money won't buy you more happiness. There's little difference in the overall happiness of millionaires and the middle class. And second, if you are going to spend your money in search of greater happiness, you're better off buying experiences rather than things.
Why? As German scholar Stefan Klein, author of "The Science of Happiness," argues, "Things per se cannot bring you happiness at all. It is only the 'experience' of possessing something that can trigger an emotion. So possessions can trigger happiness, but only as long as that experience of having a bigger car is new."
In other words: Goods tarnish over time. Experiences, on the other hand, says Harvard University social psychologist Daniel Gilbert, author of "Stumbling on Happiness," can get better as you remember them, particularly if you're one of those people who tend to embellish a bit. (How big was that fish again?)
Blair challenges Cameron on his 'happiness' agenda
even politicians are starting to get into it
article snippets from - The Independent Online Edition
Tony Blair has tried to seize the "happiness" agenda back from David Cameron with a call for more flexibility at work. The Prime Minister directly challenged the Tory leader's remarks that there was more to life than making money and that improving people's happiness should be a key priority for politicians.
Mr Blair, addressing a conference in Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry, took a sideswipe at the Eton-educated Mr Cameron, saying: "It's a lot easier to say happiness is more important than money if money is not a problem."
However, Mr Blair and Mr Cameron appear to be agreed that more people now put happiness as a priority in their lives, rather than merely paying the bills.
article snippets from - The Independent Online Edition
Tony Blair has tried to seize the "happiness" agenda back from David Cameron with a call for more flexibility at work. The Prime Minister directly challenged the Tory leader's remarks that there was more to life than making money and that improving people's happiness should be a key priority for politicians.
Mr Blair, addressing a conference in Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry, took a sideswipe at the Eton-educated Mr Cameron, saying: "It's a lot easier to say happiness is more important than money if money is not a problem."
However, Mr Blair and Mr Cameron appear to be agreed that more people now put happiness as a priority in their lives, rather than merely paying the bills.
Don't worry, be happy, or not
excerpts from an article in the Toronto Star:
But as Kingwell wryly noted in his 1998 book Better Living, "engaging in arguments about happiness is one of the key forms of human happiness."
...
In an echo of Oscar Wilde's famous maxim, "It is not enough that I succeed. Others must fail," research has found that personal gain is far sweeter if it's denied to others. You get a pay raise, good; your peers do not, better.
It's called the economics of position. One study of Harvard students and staff found that, given a choice between earning $50,000 a year while other people make $25,000, or earning $100,000 a year while other people get $250,000, the majority select the first option.
In other words, many people would welcome $6 if someone else got $5. But they'd be even happier with $5 if the other guy got $1.
...
Much of what induces well-being is unsurprising: a good marriage, good health, some sort of religious or spiritual faith, involvement in the community and fulfilling, secure work all have impact. Yes, income does bring satisfaction, but only up to a point. There is diminishing return the higher the salary, especially if sacrifices – time with family, time commuting – must be made.
...
In fact, to put your mind at rest, the secret to happiness, according to researchers, is low expectations. Don't ask for the moon, voyager, when you've got the stars.
...
The newly independent 13 colonies of America originally declared that "life, liberty and property" were inalienable rights. Thomas Jefferson substituted "the pursuit of happiness" for property. The pursuit.
Since 1972, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has been trying to replace the GDP with the GNH, Gross National Happiness. Material well-being is only one component of well-being, it explained. "That doesn't ensure that you're at peace with your environment and in harmony with each other."
....
But as Kingwell wryly noted in his 1998 book Better Living, "engaging in arguments about happiness is one of the key forms of human happiness."
...
In an echo of Oscar Wilde's famous maxim, "It is not enough that I succeed. Others must fail," research has found that personal gain is far sweeter if it's denied to others. You get a pay raise, good; your peers do not, better.
It's called the economics of position. One study of Harvard students and staff found that, given a choice between earning $50,000 a year while other people make $25,000, or earning $100,000 a year while other people get $250,000, the majority select the first option.
In other words, many people would welcome $6 if someone else got $5. But they'd be even happier with $5 if the other guy got $1.
...
Much of what induces well-being is unsurprising: a good marriage, good health, some sort of religious or spiritual faith, involvement in the community and fulfilling, secure work all have impact. Yes, income does bring satisfaction, but only up to a point. There is diminishing return the higher the salary, especially if sacrifices – time with family, time commuting – must be made.
...
In fact, to put your mind at rest, the secret to happiness, according to researchers, is low expectations. Don't ask for the moon, voyager, when you've got the stars.
...
The newly independent 13 colonies of America originally declared that "life, liberty and property" were inalienable rights. Thomas Jefferson substituted "the pursuit of happiness" for property. The pursuit.
Since 1972, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has been trying to replace the GDP with the GNH, Gross National Happiness. Material well-being is only one component of well-being, it explained. "That doesn't ensure that you're at peace with your environment and in harmony with each other."
....
BBC - Making Slough Happy
An interesting Article on a docmentary 'Making Slough Happy' produced by BBC.
Based on best knowledge and research, the team came up with a 10-point plan for happiness. The experts measured the happiness levels of the 50 Slough volunteers before, during and after the end of the project to assess if their methods were effective.
The 10 steps to happiness
1. Plant something and nurture it
2. Count your blessings - at least five - at the end of each day
3. Take time to talk - have an hour-long conversation with a loved one each week
4. Phone a friend whom you have not spoken to for a while and arrange to meet up
5. Give yourself a treat every day and take the time to really enjoy it
6. Have a good laugh at least once a day
7. Get physical - exercise for half an hour three times a week
8. Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger at least once each day
9. Cut your TV viewing by half
10. Spread some kindness - do a good turn for someone every day
Based on best knowledge and research, the team came up with a 10-point plan for happiness. The experts measured the happiness levels of the 50 Slough volunteers before, during and after the end of the project to assess if their methods were effective.
The 10 steps to happiness
1. Plant something and nurture it
2. Count your blessings - at least five - at the end of each day
3. Take time to talk - have an hour-long conversation with a loved one each week
4. Phone a friend whom you have not spoken to for a while and arrange to meet up
5. Give yourself a treat every day and take the time to really enjoy it
6. Have a good laugh at least once a day
7. Get physical - exercise for half an hour three times a week
8. Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger at least once each day
9. Cut your TV viewing by half
10. Spread some kindness - do a good turn for someone every day
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