Our pursuit of happiness

Happiness is not having what you want but wanting what you have – according to a world-famous actor James Stewart. Although scientists now understand the roots of depression more clearly than they used to, happiness still remains a mystery. We will try to figure out what can lead to happiness. But how it feels – is up to you. I feel happy playing music with a newly delivered RAV!

Recent researches show that those who say they are happy tend to be less self-centered, less hostile and abusive. They are also less prone to disease and general ill-health. Another interesting fact has been discovered – the affluent are not notably happier than their less well-off counterparts. And seemingly no particular time of life is significantly happier than any other. Meaning you can be equally happy right now and in 50 years!

How happiness can be explained scientifically?

It is scientifically proved that the feeling of happiness is caused by two different chemicals that stimulate two basic reward centers in the brain. The first chemical is dopamine which is triggered by activities such as exercise, relaxation and the quieter pleasures, like playing a musical instrument. Dopamine provokes a response of passive happiness. The second chemical comprises a set of adrenaline type chemicals which are triggered by exciting or frightening activities. It provokes a high energy state of happiness.

The perception of happiness

Indeed, the chemical process behind happiness is principal, but it doesn’t explain why only some people feel consistently happy. It is people’s perception of happiness that carries the key.

Many confuse happiness with a life untouched by sadness, doubt, anxiety or rage. But it is naive to think that in a happy life nothing ever goes wrong. In order to be happy we must know not how to avoid disturbing events but how to deal with them. 

The key to coping with life’s unpleasant aspects while remaining contempt comes with everyday practice which Mihaly Csikszentmihaly, a Romanian Professor in Psychology, calls the flow. He describes the flow as the state one is in when doing something completely absorbing. The activity that you do for the pleasure of doing it, not for a reward or appraisal. In the flow you can be pushed to the limit but not beyond it. One can be in the flow both in mountain skiing or just reading a book. Imagine playing a steel tongue drum or a RAV Pan and not being able to stop – that’s the flow!

The key to happiness

It seems like the recipe of a happy life is pretty easy. First of all, keep your brain busy. If you don’t communicate or have nothing to do on a daily basis, more likely most of your thoughts are worries. You have to be occupied, do something that will get you out of bed. At least play a metal drum! Do not just sit there and wait for happiness to come visit you – do things, love what you do and the feeling will overwhelm you. Lead an active and challenging lifestyle. It will shield you from vexation, aridity and disenchantment. It is very important not to compare yourself with others, for always there will be people greater or lesser than you. There is an old saying “life begins at 40”. We do not believe it and think that life begins every morning when you wake up. Take a chance and live your life as you want!

How to live to be 100 and more.

This famous interview was taken in 1984 but the guidelines for life from George Burns are timeless and relatable. Being 88 back then he amazed everyone with his ability to be a cigar and Martini lover yet creating an imagery of a 35-year old young man with a great sense of humor at the peak of his career. How do you do it? – he was constantly asked. The secret of his happy aura is simple. Do exercises and walk whenever you can. It’s for free – you feel better and look trim! His other secret for long life is to think positive. Worry, stress and tension are not only unpleasant but can shorten your life. If something is beyond your control, there’s no point worrying about it. And if you can do something about it then there’s still nothing to worry about. If all that fails – try doing something nice for somebody who doesn’t expect it. You will be surprised how good it will make you feel after.

Also, “Don’t live in the past – I live in a house in Beverly Heels, it’s more comfortable!” – he used to say. Do not regret the past or anticipate the future. Try to get the most out of this very instant! The point is – with a good positive attitude and a little bit of luck there’s no reason you can’t live to be 100!

George Burns lived until 100 and left us a great legacy of jokes and rules of a happy and long life.