posted on Aug, 24 2011 @ 07:36 AM
Flagged due to the subject matter, which is important, and certainly unique for us here.
I do group therapy for a specific population with a specific problem. At one point they all admitted they didn't know how to be happy.
They wanted happiness, but "didn't know how". So I found two of the happiest people I know, and had them come in and do a talk on how to be happy.
It was a hit. Kinda. Of course, the really depressed people thought they were shallow and inane.
One thing however, is most of us have a "happiness level", that we achieve. For example if you have someone who is semi-happy, as in *not
miserable*, that may be the extent of the happiness level he can accomplish. If he wins the lottery, he may become extremely happy for a while, but
studies show that within 6 months to one year, the person returns to his normal state of semi-happiness. So, biology has quite a bit to do with it,
although never discount one's attitude and thinking processes.
Happiness is a fascinating subject imo. For me personally, I don t think about it. It's not a goal. Being *not miserable* seems to be enough for
me. When I have a bout of depression, I have exercises I do, and get super busy, which restores my *not miserable* state. Just contentment, I
guess, is good enough for me.
I like the visual imaging, such as walking through the cornfield, and these can be very helpful in calming one, who is overwrought with anxiety.
Sorry if this is a little off topic, and not really what you asked for, but the subject title got my wheels turning as the coffee brews........