In one of the most famous songs about happiness there is a line “We wish you happiness”. But what is happiness? A philosophical question to which each of us will give his own answer. Happiness is different. This question has been studied for centuries by philosophers, theologians, and psychologists. But they all agree that happiness is an internal state. Why can't so many people around find him inside?
Search for happiness
According to statistics, 99% of people on our planet are unhappy. But most of them do not demonstrate this in public. Only 1% of the world's population really feels happy.
Happiness is closely connected with the meaning of life. The last mankind has been searching for centuries, but few succeed. But all we need is just to learn to look into the bowels of our own soul, which knows the answers to all our questions.
What does the medicine say?
As a result of research, scientists have found that happiness is not a certain spiritual substance, but the result of the work of our body. Hormones are responsible for both short-term joy and long-term satisfaction. Endorphins, which the pituitary gland produces, are responsible for the rapidly passing state of euphoria. The brain neurotransmitter serotonin provokes a prolonged feeling of joy and contentment with life. And dopamine gives a feeling of joy from a job well done. This can be a successful project, or a delicious lunch or good sex.
Today, some doctors practice endorphin therapy. This is a cure for physical illness with good emotions. This method has not yet received wide distribution, but it is known that it allows to achieve good results. In particular, endorphinotherapy is practiced by the famous doctor Viktor Tetyuk. Thus, happiness and health are inseparable things.
Who is happier: stupid or smart?
Clown and mime Vyacheslav Polunin, the creator of the famous theater "Lycedei", in an interview claims that he was happy all his life. And the actors of his theater are also happy people. He shares a piece of this joy with the audience. At the same time, Vyacheslav believes that only stupid people can be absolutely happy, because smart people always think a lot, are looking for something to spoil their mood. If you put your mind and stupidity on the scales, says the clown, it turns out that stupidity is incredibly strong and beautiful.
Many people think that the less a person thinks about what is wrong in his life, the more he is satisfied with it. And this is happiness. However, scientists in their 2012 study made other conclusions. They believe that only people with a high level of IQ (from 120%) are able to be happy. This is due to the fact that they feel wealthy, financially secure, as they often have a good education and well-paid job. Most often, such people have successful marriages. The main thing is that they know how to value what they have and do not look for flaws in their own lives. If you have everything, but there is a similar "unhappy" state, its causes must be sought inside. Or decide on drastic changes. But will they make you happy?
Happiness is not in money?
We hear this phrase constantly. Although those people who have a low income and literally "survive" in this life can argue with this statement. However, this is true - money cannot provide a constant feeling of happiness. This is because material wealth is the lowest level of happiness that lies in satisfying our ego. Today you bought a new washing machine - and are incredibly happy with the purchase. But in a week the flower of happiness will fade, this machine will seem to you something ordinary.
In 2016, British scientists conducted a study, the results of which confirmed that raising salaries makes people happier only for a short period of time. But at the same time, a decrease in material wealth provokes negative emotions in the majority.
However, happiness is not a momentary satisfaction of our needs and whims. Children know how to enjoy every pleasant trifle. But over time, they grow, their needs grow, imposed by society and selfish aspirations. However, money is not always enough to meet these needs. Therefore, a trip for happiness, the final stop of which is enrichment, will not bring the desired result.
Happiness through the eyes of philosophers
For centuries, philosophers have been trying to answer questions about the meaning of life and the joys of life. However, none of them came to a consensus. Many brilliant people give him different definitions. Perhaps true happiness is their combination?
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates believed that happiness is the highest good that everyone should strive for. However, neither beauty nor wealth can guarantee its availability. But happiness is inextricably linked with morality. And only a moral person can be happy.
Aristotle identifies happiness with morality and is confident that it can only be achieved through good deeds. The philosopher also writes about the five components of happiness - self-improvement, material wealth, health, friendship, active social position.
The teaching of the cynics (the philosophical schools of Socrates) states that the essence of happiness is the rejection of imaginary goods and complete spiritual freedom, an independent life with minimal needs.
In the Middle Ages it was believed that only perfecting the body and soul, as well as the harmony between them, helps to achieve happiness.
Happiness in terms of psychology
Psychologists say that happiness is a deep satisfaction with one's own life. This is a positive perception of oneself and the world. Our problem is that we do not know how to value what we have. Human nature is such that when we receive, we want more and more. On the one hand, ambitiousness allows humanity to develop and move on. But in this pursuit, people cannot be happy, they simply do not notice the joy of moments.
Happiness in the little things
Psychologists say: the human body is designed in such a way as to notice danger in time. This reflex is necessary for a person to survive, but in everyday life it often interferes. After all, we are starting to focus on the negativity, ignoring the beauty that surrounds us.
We are not used to paying attention to small pleasures - hot coffee, the morning sun, the smile of a loved one. In order to learn to enjoy these things, you need to rethink and realize a lot. When a person, exhausted and tired of his own negative thoughts, tries to look deeper into himself, he begins to understand things that were once inaccessible to him.
British scientists in their study found that only 25% of subjects felt happy in the morning. But for dinner, everyone noticeably perk up. It was noticed that very small pleasant events contribute to a good mood - a car that gave way, a delicious lunch during a working break, spontaneous hugs with an acquaintance who met by chance, warm communication with colleagues.
To begin with, in order to become a happy person, begin to thank the Universe every morning for awakening and sunlight. Notice the little charms that surround each of us daily, and rejoice in them like a child.
Life-long study
But the study, which was conducted by a group of American psychotherapists from Harvard, began more than 75 years ago. And it continues to this day. Scientists followed the life of two groups - people from rich and poor families.
After 75 years, Robert Waldinger announced the results that were obtained - it turns out that sustainable satisfaction from life is provided to people only if they have a quality relationship in their lives. It can be a loved one whom you love and trust. Stable relationships based on love and harmony contribute to a healthy nervous system. However, this does not mean that if such a person is not found, a lack of happiness is ensured. The relationships that make us happy can be loyal friends, family people. The main thing is that these relationships are really deep and frank, leaving a feeling of emotional satisfaction.
How to achieve female happiness?
How can a woman achieve that deep sense of satisfaction from life that was described above? Consider several factors on which a woman’s happiness is based.
"Peace, inner peace," the master said to Shifu during meditation. It is inner peace that is so necessary for a woman. Finding him, she will allow herself to be a woman - tender, fragile, sweet, caring. And, most importantly, she needs to learn to love.
"Nobody loves me." Complaints of this nature are most common among women. They unsuccessfully seek the perfect man who adores them and carries them in his arms. However, time passes, the boyfriends succeed each other. Where is love, reciprocity, perfection?
First, Abraham Maslow said that there are no perfect people. And getting rid of this illusion will save you from disappointment. Yes, there are no perfect ones, but there are loved ones. And when a woman realizes that it is not love that needs to be sought, but love, she really soon finds it. After all, what we give is what we receive.
For many women, the meaning of life is children. However, the majority make a huge mistake - consider them their property. If you learn to perceive your child as a native, but not obligated to you, your horizons will expand significantly.
How to achieve inner harmony?
Harmony is what each of us is looking for, but does not always realize this. In fact, inner harmony is much more important than all the material goods that the world can offer.
No man can succeed and live his life happily, because he wants to if he is not at peace with himself. What factors prevent you from finding a common language with your inner self?
First, you need to rethink your attitude to the world. Accept it for what it is. Do not blame others or yourself. Cleanse your mind and heart from the memory of past pain, from resentment and suffering. Listen to yourself.
Meditation, breathing techniques, and spiritual practices can help achieve inner harmony. And, of course, a hobby that will bring you peace and tranquility.