Happiness – Thoughts & Research
Today we’re looking at the topic of happiness and some of the excellent books which are available which can help us find happiness in our own lives.
A friend of mine, Paul, who is the creator of the excellent blog Learning From Dogs, is currently writing a book. He’s about to research and write on the topic of happiness and wondered if I had a few thoughts on it. I decided to share them here in case they are of interest to others.
In looking at what happiness is and how to find it, one of the great starting points is the work of Gretchen Rubin. I reviewed her books here. She is an expert on the topic, runs a popular blog, called The Happiness Project, and has read and researched happiness for many years. Her conclusions are the following: that happiness is found in the enjoyment of ordinary things, in the everyday and in cherishing the small things in our lives. That’s good news for all of us as we all encounter small, everyday things which can enlarge our happiness – if we’re willing to notice them. In this way, happiness is about our own response to our world.
This idea is echoed by Stephanie Dowrick in her excellent book, Choosing Happiness. She highlights throughout her book, and in the title, that happiness is about our own attitude and is something we can choose, or, of course, not choose.
A recent book by Dr Rick Hanson, Hardwiring Happiness, takes a more scientific approach. Hanson is a neuropsychologist and brings his research in the growing field of neuroscience into the popular domain. His own work shows how our brain can be changed by the reinforcement of positive experiences which happen to all of us. These can be just fleeting moments where we “take in the good,” such as enjoying a cup of coffee, seeing a beautiful plant and so on. He has distilled his research into four simple steps and his book explores these steps and explains how we can transform our neural pathways in a positive way.
In a similar vein, neuroscientist Elaine Fox, in Rainy Brain, Sunny Brain, also offers research on a range of techniques that can alter the brain’s circuitry and even help pessimists become optimists and find greater happiness. All very interesting avenues of research.
Finally, one of the oldest dedicated books on happiness, The Conquest of Happiness, by the great English philosopher Bertrand Russell, offers a unique read. First published in 1930, before science and research had offered so many opinions, he offers some wise and thoughtful insights. He concludes that happiness comes mostly from within, but external events do impact on it. It’s hard to argue with this as however much we attend to our own internal self, and our own responses, our happiness can undoubtedly be enhanced or diminished by external events or circumstances.
These are just a few of my thoughts for your research, Paul, on this vast subject. I hope they are useful. Good luck with your studies on this topic and on the book as a whole!
All the best,
Ruth
Ruth, you dear friend! Thank you so much. There will be much that I can use from the many links you include in your post. You will see the product of your help when you read my chapter, Finding happiness, that I shall be drafting before the end of the week. Paul.
I’m so pleased these thoughts will be useful to you, Paul. I was delighted to offer a few pointers and touched that you asked me. Thanks so much. I really look forward to your own thoughts! X
So happy I am reading this and it was to help Paul with his book! I think finding the meaning in every moment of every day is the key to happiness. It is more the flow of your day with highs and lows that are meaningful. Paul, I’m sure has some thought of how relating to a dog can bring happiness. The question then could be what sustains happiness. I go back to find meaning of every moment! And remembering those moments to deal with the noise of the world around us. Much good luck in your writing, Paul. All Best, Christine
Christine, yes, you touch on matters that I am sure will come to mind as I start writing that chapter later today. As with Ruth, your input and support is wonderful. Thank you so much.
You are always so welcome Paul, thanks for popping back and leaving that extra comment. Take good care and happy writing. 🙂
Hi Christine, thanks so much for your thoughts, it was lovely of you to comment on the post – really appreciated that and it was a moment of happiness for me to read it! I, like you, am looking forward to Paul’s chapter in his book. Very best to you 🙂
Thank you Ruth for your comment. Each moment of happiness makes a meaning day! I’m following your blog now. A lot of very meaningful topics to explore. Before retirement, I worked in psychiatry as a nurse practitioner. People need all the help they can get to sustain happiness!
Thanks so much Christine for your lovely thoughts. I really agree with you, we all need help to manage our lives and sustain happiness. I have just been over visiting you. So good to meet you. All my best to you and I hope that you have a lovely weekend. 🙂
Thank you Ruth for visiting my blog site. So happy we met in The Land of Blog! I look forward to reading more of your writing.
This is so interesting. I’ve recently finished a wonderful book called ‘Flourishing’ by Maureen Gaffney. She gives great insight into what makes us happy and in particular looks at the ratios between negative and positive emotions.
It’s changed how I view happiness in myself!
Thanks so much for you comment Carolyn – lovely to have you visit. I also have the book by Gaffney but haven’t got to it yet! I’m looking forward to it even more after your thoughts on it. Warm wishes to you and sorry I’ve been a while replying. I hope that you have a lovely, happy day! 🙂
Ruth I could not agree with you more.. I have always maintained Happiness is a state of Being.. We do not find it within other ‘Things’… But in the love of the ‘Things’ we do..
An excellent Post.. And may I take this time to thank you Ruth for all of your wonderful visits.. I know I have been lax in getting around to visit as often this year.. for that I apologise.. But I thank you so much for all of your wisdom.. and how in the face of all of your own obstacles in life you reach out helping others.. This is truly a wonderful gift you give of yourself to others..
Have a wonderful Christmas Ruth.. and I hope to not miss as many of your posts next year.
Enjoy a fabulous Christmas..
Sue xox <3
What beautiful words, Sue. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I think we always manage to get to each other – even if it takes a little time. Have a lovely holiday, Sue and I wish you joy in 2015. Much love, Ruth xxxxx
Sending you thoughts this Summer dear Ruth.. thank you for following my Garden.. 🙂 and no need to answer.. Just know I send you my thoughts.. with LOVE..
Blessings your way.. Love Sue xxx
So kind of you to send your lovely thoughts Sue. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of your garden and recipes etc., a wonderful idea. I hope I’ll be able to leave some messages when I’m more able. All love and thoughts to you. xxxx