The Elusive Happiness Part 4: Enduring Happiness Enhancers™ (EHE)

In 1998, there was a significant paradigm shift in the field of psychology. With the advent of Positive Psychology a 180 degree turn away from focusing on the darker aspects of human psychology, psychiatric disorders; and a turn toward happiness and other positive emotions had begun. This caught my attention, as I don't know anyone who wouldn't want a little more happiness in their day. Do you?

Positive psychology is the branch of psychology that uses scientific understanding and effective intervention to aid in the achievement of a satisfactory life,rather than treating mental illness. The focus of positive psychology is on personal growth rather than on pathology, as is common among other frameworks within the field of psychology. Reference Wikipedia

The positive psychology movement is led by visionaries like: Martin Seligman, Nancy Etcoff, Dan Gilbert, Mike Csikszentmihalyi, and Sonja Lyubomirsky; who ask questions like, "Is happiness measurable?", "Are there different categories of happiness?"and "What are the measurable causes of lasting happiness?"

Sonja Lyubomirsky leverages her PhD in psychology to explore positive psychology. In her book "The How of Happiness" she emphasizes the importance of measuring happiness in determining its reliable and intentional causes. Early findings indicate that approximately 50% of our happiness actually originates from our genetic makeup. The good news is everyone's programmed for happiness. At this point, we don't have control over our genetic makeup in regards to happiness. But, there are other aspects for which we do exert some control and for which we have choices in promoting our own enduring wellbeing and happiness.

One of these aspects is our circumstances. This includes our life circumstances such as our position or role at work, societal and economic status, the number of cars we have parked in the garage, exotic vacations, etc.  In other words, this aspect of our happiness experience is derived through external conditions of our environment.  In the west our cultural focus is almost entirely on our circumstances as a means to attaining happiness and fulfillment. We consider the "pursuit of happiness" to be around our circumstance or external conditions... Sonja reports that 20% of our happiness is derived from our circumstances, which reveals a remaining 40% gap. The 40% that is left and is within our ability to control relates to what we could call "Intentional Activities." Examples of intentional activities include: exercise, meditation, expressing gratitude, being in the flow, and connecting with loved ones, just to name a few.

What this is saying is: "If we perform these 40% activities on a regular basis we will experience more happiness and satisfaction in our lives." Sonja cautions that we don't want to make this into a "project",a typical workaholic to-do list or try to commit to all of them. According to the research, that approach would be counter-productive. Instead, it is best to customize and personalize our "happiness enhancers" with a couple of activities that match our personality and lifestyle. Then, begin implementing these activities in a lovingly, but committed manner.

This 40% runs contrary to our cultural beliefs around changing our circumstances as the be-all, end-all in the pursuit of happiness. Clearly, we are focused on the wrong things.

So, I earnestly wonder, "In the face of this contradiction at the core of our culture, will we boldly make different choices or will we sheepishly return to the status quo?"

Let's consider the following question: would you be willing to absolutely commit to doing something for one minute each day if it would impact the quality and quantity of your happiness? And further, would you be willing to do this for yourself and to inspire those around you to improve their lives too? If you find this to be the slightest bit compelling, I encourage you to ponder this suggestion.

I highly recommend a daily commitment to a one-minute meditation as a baby step toward a happier life:

1. There are more than 76 scientifically measurable benefits (including more life satisfaction) from a daily meditation practice. 
2. It's easy to get started with this one minute meditation video. One Minute Meditation

In the weeks that follow, I intend to explore a few other options for intentional activities that measurably improve life satisfaction and yes, happiness... I sincerely hope you will enjoy these and perhaps, pass them along to loved ones. (to be continued)

Helping to make the world a better place for my great grand children, yours, and future generations,
-Bruce


Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder - Henry David Thoreau