Can we train our happiness muscles? Quest for the origins of satisfaction
First, the question of all questions: do you think that you walk through life happily? This seemingly silly question will tell you everything you need to know about your personal reserves of internal joy – and it is precisely this unprecedented joy that is of paramount importance to each of us R esearch has shown that satisfied people find it easier to learn, while they also achieve better results in cognitive tests. When we feel joy, we have a more open approach to other people and are more trusting. This makes it easier for us to build relationships that make our daily lives better and help us during difficult mo- ments. The joy of life has an incomparably positive im- pact on both physical and mental health – strength- ening the immune system, so we don’t fall ill as often. However, did you know that the objective cir- cumstances of life have a surprisingly minor influ- ence on whether we really enjoy life? At least that’s the claim of behaviourists, who insist that only ten per cent of our potential for happiness can be at- tributed to external influences. Experts claim with confidence that little positive daily habits are what build up our joy, just as regular exercise builds up our muscles. Ask yourself what you’re focusing on. Which direction do your thoughts take? How do you spend your precious free time? Are there days when you want to embrace the whole world and jump for joy? Some people have days like that often, others less so, while for some it’s as though such days don’t exist. As you consider this and assess where you
stand on the satisfaction scale, try to recall your childhood. We enter this world as sensitive beings who feel various emotions. We’re born to experi- ence joy, which is why babies are so adorable when they extend their arms as if preparing to hug the sun. However, various unpleasant experiences dur- ing childhood lead to us becoming more accustomed to feelings like fear, sadness, rage and many oth- er nuances of emotion from worrying about what’s ahead. It is therefore no coincidence at all that only children have the innate power to focus on the here and now. That’s because the more we focus our at- tention on the here and now, the more we experi- ence joy. By retaining that child’s principle in our mature years, we provide ourselves with a solid base to feel satisfaction in the moment. Psychologists differentiate between happiness that comes as a result of internal satisfaction and happiness that’s due to feelings of wellbeing. While happiness born of the feeling of wellbeing tends to be fleeting, the happiness of internal satisfaction remains fairly constant: it is a measure of how hap- py we are with our lot in life and whether we live in accordance with our own priorities. This form of assessment is consistent – even when you’re lacking sleep, afflicted by a stomach ache or having troubles at work, you’ll be able to describe your life as being fulfilled. This is because you live in accordance with your values, so you feel a sense of meaning and satisfaction. How can such a balance be struck? Take the path of self-reflection: ask yourself what’s really important to you and in what area you want to invest the limited time you have in life. Activate your senses and consciously focus your attention on joyful things. You will in- crease your sense of happiness by enjoying your- self - here and now.
Tekst/Words: Ivaj Radojčić Fotografije/Photography: Profimedia.rs
Happiness » Sreća | 81
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