What is happiness? What makes you happy and why is it the single most sought after state of being? It is hard to measure, although some have tried using surveys, questionnaires and models. Being able to measure someone’s happiness is like being able to count the grains of sand on a windy beach. Some research indicates that our level of happiness is a combination of our genes, life experiences and the how we internally process information.
Is happiness knowing that we have enough of what we need to survive?
Is happiness being at peace with oneself and the world?
Is happiness being able to enjoy the simplicity and beauty of everyday life?
Is happiness having the freedom, good health and ability to help others?
Is happiness being able to give and receive love unconditionally?
Is happiness a state of consciousness where all the senses are fully aware?
Is happiness knowing who we really are and being at peace with ourselves?
Whatever our definition of happiness, it certainly means a lot of things to different people. Research and polls that question what people think is the most important thing in life, consistently report happiness as the most popular response. For most of us it seems, happiness is our primary goal in life. Yet for something so important it seems that many people cannot find happiness.
While the study of happiness is definitely increasing most research in the past has been focused on negative states such as depression, anxiety, phobias and stress. It seems strange that the very thing people want most from life receives so little attention. If we had to choose one thing from life, be it success, fame or fortune, there would be an overwhelming majority of people choosing happiness as the single thing they desire over anything else.
There is nothing else that comes close to happiness. Other things are nice, but without happiness everything else is irrelevant. We can be financially well off, yet not be happy. We can be famous or influential and still not be happy. This elusive thing we all crave, happiness, is the cornerstone for everything we do. Everything.
Author and Credits: Andrew Martin