August 5, 2013
Happiness
On the Fourth of July, I saw the most beautiful double rainbow and felt so happy and grateful for this gift from God. It is the simple things in life, I thought, that bring forth happiness. I have several books about happiness on my shelf, and I looked at them with curiosity, ready to understand more. Here is a synopsis of three of those books.
In 1998, Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, author of Authentic Happiness. . . officially started the field of study called "Positive Psychology," or "the scientific study of optimal human functioning." In his TED talk, he describes how psychology has moved toward healthy states of happiness and strength of character. I took one of the assessments on his website, the VIA Survey of Character Strengths, and found it illuminating. There is also an interesting article in the July 8, 2013, TIME magazine, "The New Science of Happiness," that discusses Dr. Seligman’s views and those of others.
The next book I looked at is by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, who defines happiness as "the overall experience of pleasure and meaning" in his book, Happier. He taught a class at Harvard on positive psychology that had the highest student attendance of any class ever. He advises that his book be used as a workbook: no shortcuts to meaningful change, only reflection and action.
Finally, in her book, Happy For No Reason, Marci Shimoff says that being happy doesn’t depend on achievement, money, relationships or anything out there, but on the happiness habits in our lives that come from the heart, body, and soul. No matter the external circumstances, there is a feeling of fulfillment and joy. Happiness is a psychological state that can be measured and experienced.
This fascinating, boundless subject can be studied from many angles, and I have touched on only a few of them. Please delve further if you, too, find the subject of "happiness" interesting.
Coaching Questions:
- Are you a happy person?
- Do you engage in life to the fullest?
- What are you doing when "time flies"?
- Will you take an assessment on the Authentic Happiness website?
- How do you express significance in your life?
Your happiness depends on you; call me.
Warm Regards,
Susan Hayman
Life Transitions Coach
662-238-7754
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