How happy are you … really?
Having one of those days or months?
The last month or so has been a little difficult for us because some of our relatives and dear friends have passed away. On top of that, on the financial side, a few of our retirement investments have gone sideways (like many people we know).
On the plus side
All this has made us a little bit more conscious of what is truly important in life.
A recent documentary reinforced this for us. It is called Happy (we saw it on Netflix, here is the link to the trailer playing below). It explores what contributes to happiness by talking to scientists, psychologists and seeing happy people in action around the world.
What causes happiness?
We get to meet people from centenarians in Japan, surfers in South America, bayou people in Florida to families in slums of India, all happy people. They come up with what causes happiness and what are the effects of it on our health, our lives and the planet’s well-being.
It’s not the cash
Not surprisingly, money, once you get past taking care of your basic human requirements, had very little to do with people’s happiness. Family and friends plays a big part, yet our possessions don’t really affect happiness. But having more than you need and worrying about money makes us less happy. (Note to selves – be thankful for life and what we have.)
What can you do to be happier?
The happy documentary also dealt with what we can do to personally be more happy. They highlighted some studies with people who practiced compassion meditation. How their general health, well-being and happiness increased dramatically by this simple 15 or 20 min. daily meditation.
It works
This intrigued us and we decided to give it a try. We found a website that has a very simple guided 20 min. meditation. Since we’ve been practicing the Loving Kindness meditation we feel it has brightened our outlook , made us feel better and healthier.
We’re better networkers
It has made us more empathetic to others and as a side benefit actually made us better listeners (all this is good for ourselves, good for the planet and as an unanticipated bonus better at conversational networking.)
Too touchy-feely?
Some of you may find this a little too “touchy-feely” (I’m not really a touchy-feely guy) but I encourage you to put your skepticism aside and give it a try especially if you’re having one of those days or months. Heck just watch the Happy documentary and I think you will feel better. Or at least take stock of what’s important and what’s not.
Remember Abraham Lincoln’s saying that “Folks are usually about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” What are your thoughts? What increases your happiness quotient?