Gift #437

WHAT is happiness?


Most of us probably don’t believe we need a formal definition of happiness; we know it when we feel it, and we often use the term to describe a range of positive emotions, including joy, pride, contentment, and gratitude.


However the dictionary meaning of happiness is...

Happiness [hap-ee-nis]
— noun
the quality or state of being happy.
good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.


WHERE does happiness come from?


HAPPINESS has traditionally been considered an elusive and evanescent thing. One can get happiness from a life of purpose whereas another can in materialistic possessions. The source can keep changing for each person.


However happiness researchers have now found that half of happiness is genetically determined. 10 percent depends on our circumstances. And up to 40 percent comes from  our voluntary thoughts and actions.

Now the good part is that with our intentions and beliefs we can reprogram or control our genes.

Thus it concludes that happiness doesn't depend on our circumstances but on our thoughts and our outlook on life.


WHY practice happiness?


In addition to making us feel good, studies have found that happiness improves our lives.


Here is an overview which makes happiness a good thing to practice...

1. Happiness is good for our health:
    Happy people are less likely to get sick, and they live longer.
    Happy people cope better with stress and trauma.
2. Happiness is good for our relationships:
    Happy people are more likely to have fulfilling marriages and have more friends.
3. Happiness increases our wealth:
    Happy appy people make more money and are more productive at work.


This overall satisfaction in happy people makes them more creative and successful. It also enables them to see the big picture and find better solutions and thus lead the way.


HOW to cultivate happiness?


Now that we know happiness comes from our thoughts and has a great potential to improve our lives we certainly would like to cultivate it.


Here are a few methods to unlock the happiness within...
1. Awareness and living in the moment has been counted as one of the most important traits required for living a happy life. Too much dwelling on the future or the past can trigger anxiety or guilt,  while focusing on the present helps to promote overall positivity.

2. Acceptance and gratitude are traits which enhance our happiness. Resistance to untoward experiences just ensures their persistence.

3.SMILE science suggest that when you smile whether you are happy or not,  your mood is elevated. So smile all the time if you can! Smiling is like a feedback loop: smiling reinforces happiness,  just as happiness causes smiling.


The other factors which help us maintain our happiness are the fulfilment of the basic needs with enough money, having deep meaningful relationships and nurturing our health with balanced diet and water.


WHEN to practice happiness?

HAPPINESS is a PRESENT we give ourselves. In the English language, the word "present" has three distinct meanings: "here," "now" and "a gift."  Your greatest opportunity for healing and happiness has been, will be, still is, NOW!