Often we bestow the reason for our happiness on success or on people who please us momentarily/situationally. But in reality what actually is happiness and what causes it, is something that was occupying my mind space in recent past. I did not do any profound research as such but quitely contemplated on this topic. Some of my thoughts are jotted here -
Most widely accepted definition (Also acc to the web search) for happiness: state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. The keywords I hook on to in this definition are "state of", "emotions". Only these two because by "well-being" what actually implies to me is that it a positive place/state and by "contentment to intense joy", we are including all the positive or good emotions (which release comforting hormones?) So, keeping these buffers aside, I feel happiness is a state caused by some positive emotion.
So what generates positive emotions in human beings?
1. When the senses are pleased (one or more of the five)
2. State of mind
3. Success and wellbeing of offspring
------I cant think of anything else to add to this list as of now.
I find 1 to be external, 2 to be internal and 3 to be perceptional? hmmm
Externally generated emotions would not stay forever neither can we control it. so I find it applicable only when we are young and our senses are active. Internally generated emotions or clarity is more of value just because mind does not depreciate as fast as our sense organs. If we make peace internally with ourselves and the relation between oneself and the external world, happiness originating from such a beginning lasts longer for sure.
The positive emotions generated when our kid smiles or achieves or giggles has some strange place - heart or mind or ?? perhaps where god resides if he exists. well well, in contrast the hurt generated because of loss of offspring or pain in offspring is again unexplainable. Anyways, I dont want to divert from the topic of happiness.
After the simple breakdown of the definition, I personally would like to stay happy longer and if possible forever :-) That thought makes me happy. I feel internal peace brings in happiness through mind. Establishing peace with one self is very important. Many a time peace is related to our understanding of our own existence in relation and in co-ordination with people and world around us.
I am working to make my mind as the source of my happiness. No harm in trying! LOL
Most widely accepted definition (Also acc to the web search) for happiness: state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. The keywords I hook on to in this definition are "state of", "emotions". Only these two because by "well-being" what actually implies to me is that it a positive place/state and by "contentment to intense joy", we are including all the positive or good emotions (which release comforting hormones?) So, keeping these buffers aside, I feel happiness is a state caused by some positive emotion.
So what generates positive emotions in human beings?
1. When the senses are pleased (one or more of the five)
2. State of mind
3. Success and wellbeing of offspring
------I cant think of anything else to add to this list as of now.
I find 1 to be external, 2 to be internal and 3 to be perceptional? hmmm
Externally generated emotions would not stay forever neither can we control it. so I find it applicable only when we are young and our senses are active. Internally generated emotions or clarity is more of value just because mind does not depreciate as fast as our sense organs. If we make peace internally with ourselves and the relation between oneself and the external world, happiness originating from such a beginning lasts longer for sure.
The positive emotions generated when our kid smiles or achieves or giggles has some strange place - heart or mind or ?? perhaps where god resides if he exists. well well, in contrast the hurt generated because of loss of offspring or pain in offspring is again unexplainable. Anyways, I dont want to divert from the topic of happiness.
After the simple breakdown of the definition, I personally would like to stay happy longer and if possible forever :-) That thought makes me happy. I feel internal peace brings in happiness through mind. Establishing peace with one self is very important. Many a time peace is related to our understanding of our own existence in relation and in co-ordination with people and world around us.
I am working to make my mind as the source of my happiness. No harm in trying! LOL
1 comment:
Nice article
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