What is happiness?

If you ask happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky if achievieng happiness contributes to human well-being and flourishing, she might point you towards her research on the “the set point for happiness” & it accounting for about fifty percent of anyone’s overall happiness (Lyubomirsky, 2007).

So if 50% of happiness is predetermined and only 10% can be accounted for by circumstances, that leaves 40%, which is impacted by how we choose to think and behave. It’s that 40% that positive psychology interventions can impact.

If we want to sustain happiness, we need to work at it, just as many people need to work at managing their weight. However, happiness can be substantially improved if we do what has been shown to work for others.

Awe, Savoring & Connection

Awe plays a central role in happiness and in the exact way you might expect.  Mindfulness grounding and raising awareness also has a scientifically proven positive effect on the human brain.  If we’re really present we notice the sunlight glimmering on the water, the crisp breeze filling our grateful lungs, or savoring a morning CHAI.  We hear the forest birds and notice our childrens smiles.

The brain also responds strongly to savoring the wins and celebrating our progress.  Too often, in the west especially, we achieve a significant goal and get right on with the next one.  Instead of taking a moment and patting ourselves on the back, and marking the occasion with respect, meaning & joy.

Research also supports that when the mind reinforces a better mind-body connection, we also feel more connection to the people who matter most and connection to the extended community around the world.

Connection generates hope and courage and bravery and these qualities are also great ingredients for whatever we want to try next!