10 ways to tell if you’re happy
A meet-up of psychologists, medical researchers, social workers, Buddhist monks and Google’s School for Personal Growth defines Happiness and its causes
DATELINE: SAN FRANCISCO — Forty specialists who have devoted their careers to studying and practicing happiness converged on California’s capital of consciousness to share their secrets about joy and bliss. Happiness is an elusive concept, and as historian Darrin McMahon told the conference audience of 500 people, a relatively new idea — introduced in Europe in the eighteenth century, and made world-famous during the French Revolution.
Here are 10 insights from the planet’s foremost experts on the fabric of happiness in the 21st century:
Dr. David Spiegel, a Stanford University psychiatrist who studies the impact of peer-group support on women with cancer: “Feel the real — happiness is not the absence of sadness. I’ve never lost a patient to terminal crying.”
Robert Sapolsky, Stanford University biologist and neuroscientist: “Happiness is the absence of stress-related thoughts and memories, toxic hostility, Type-A responses and a hysterical amygdula.”
Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley psychologist (image at left): “We are wired for good, and we can cultivate a good life through things like meditation and boosting our oxytocin levels. Touch and expressions of gratitude boost this neuropetptide that floats through the bloodstream, which spreads trust and compasison.”
Alan Wallace, the founder and president of the Santa Barbara Institue for Consciousness Studies: “Realize, experientially, the absence of self. That’s genuine happiness.”
Maestro Urs Leonhardt Steiner, conductor: “The wonder of the voice is that it’s the only musical instrument that we carry around with us all the time. If you use your human voice in song, you will be happy. It takes you away from all the troubles of the world.”
Dr. William Andereck, Medical Director of California Pacific Medical Center’s Program in Medicine and Human Values: “Attaining the conditions of happiness in its highest form is to care for the collective soul, our collective life-force.”
Chade-Meng Tan, an early Google engineer who now works in Google University’s School of Personal Growth (with Barack Obama in photo): “When it’s ‘normal’ that every workplace offers massage, meditation, three organic meals a day, and lets you bring your dog to the office, our work will be done. If everyone develops mindfulness from the inside out, we will make world peace.”
Owen Flanagan, Duke University professor of psychology and neuroscience and neurobiology: “Happiness is Platonic, Darwinian hedonism.”
Darrin McMahon, Florida State University historian: “Pursuit, according to Samuel Johnson’s dictionary, means ‘to follow with hostility’. It doesn’t go with happiness.”
Thupten Jinpa, principal translator to His Holiness the Dalai Lama (image at left): “Happiness is freedom from excessive self-concern.”
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on 29 Nov 2008 at 1:35 pm 1.David Rickey said …
the common thread seems to be “happiness comes from connecting with your deepest essence and separating from your ’separated self’”. As Tolle and Buddhism, et al, have said separation is an illusion. Someday well learn to live in reality.
on 29 Nov 2008 at 8:36 pm 2.Terje said …
In the eighties there was a famous bumper sticker “he who dies with the most toys, wins.” But having “toys” or stuff is no measure for happiness, just a way to clutter your life. I prefer the idea that happiness is a directional choice, one that can be learned and then applied to your own life. Engage with others, express gratitude and compassion and you will be a happier person. Victor Frankl would be very happy with this conference…
on 01 Dec 2008 at 6:22 am 3.Freaky Robot Stuff said …
Interesting link, thanks for sharing it! Some thought-provoking ideas there.
on 01 Dec 2008 at 10:26 am 4.Timothy Tang said …
Tips For Sustainable Happiness By Timothy Tang
Happiness is something we all need. It comes from the positive perception of the flow/freedom we possess in life, as well as from the control we have in its creation.
The positive perception crucial to feeling happy is found in gratitude.
Perception of Happiness-
The perception of happiness comes from the ability to recognize where we can find flow/freedom/control in our lives. Beautiful things contain the qualities of flow/freedom/control. We can train the mind to perceive the free-flowing and controlled qualities of color and matter in beautiful Art. Acknowledgment in these qualities maintains a healthy circulation in positivity.
Finding control and creating Happiness-
Having a firm understanding of the nature of our reality through education and spiritual enlightenment would give us the knowledge to manipulate matter/energy to work successfully for our positive desires in life. Utilize the motivational energy from emotions in being constructive instead of destructive. Knowing what we truly need will keep us focused and motivated in our time and energies instead of being wasteful.
Finding Happiness during S.O.S. times-
In order to maintain a healthy level of Happiness even in unhappy times, we can keep happy memories in a ‘Happiness Bank’. The happy memories can be retrieved to trigger the feelings of happiness whenever we feel down. Our favorite hobbies can keep our positivity flowing in a healthy level even in dire times. There is no rule that prohibits the mixing of unpleasant experiences with positive ones.
By Timothy Tang
Author of the book,
Real Answers to The Meaning of Life and Finding Happiness
on 04 Feb 2009 at 7:28 am 5.Nhys Glover said …
Happiness is a sense of being in alignment with your truest nature. Living the values you hold in a real and powerful sense, no matter what they are. It is something beyone the brain’s capacity. PJ Eby says the brain doesn’t care about Happiness or Fulfilment, its programmed for Survival and the continuity of the species.Therefore, it can be assumed that desire for, and active seeking of, Happiness is part of what makes us more than this ‘monkey suit’ we wear.
on 07 Aug 2009 at 7:39 am 6.Ravi said …
Happiness is that state of fulfilment where you are at peace with yourself.