What leads to lasting happiness?
‘We often measure life satisfaction by asking: Have I been successful enough? When the real question is: Who am I in relationship to other people?’
The first lesson I learned in The Greater Good Science Center’s Science of Happiness course is that I had the wrong definition of happiness.
Happiness isn’t solely our positive states, we learn from Science Director Dr.Emiliana Simon-Thomas. It’s feeling content within our whole human experience, which of course, includes emotions like grief and sadness.
What’s the most enduring way to cultivate it?
Her research continually leads to the same destination: Connection.
‘We often measure life satisfaction by asking: Have I been successful enough? When the real question is: Who am I in relationship to other people?’
Dr.Simon-Thomas and I explore this question in our conversation; Examining it through the lens of meaning and belonging, compassion and forgiveness. Today, I’m excited to share a simple gratitude practice, with the hope that we may try it after reading.
Gratitude 1-2-3
“Oftentimes, when we say ‘thank you’ to each other, that's all we say, right? That’s nice, but it doesn't leverage the power of gratitude in terms of its impact on our emotional state or wellbeing.
Gratitude is most robust when we recognize that another person has done something on purpose, that they put effort into, that helps us. When we say ‘thank you,’ we can supersize its impact by naming those three things.”
Who has made a difference in your life recently? How might you pause to thank them right now?
Consider including their intention, effort, and its impact when you do.
“Gratitude is a powerful way to acknowledge and honor the way that we serve one another in this life.”
The Science of Happiness course is free and an inspiring journey to embark on as we reflect on this year and enter the next. Consider beginning with Dr.Simon-Thomas’ episode and taking the class with a loved one.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season,
Jenna