Enjoy your moments
I recently read an article about ‘the happiness formula’. Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania devised a formula for calculating happiness and found that ‘voluntary control’ had a high value. By voluntary control he meant not genetic capacity to be happy and not circumstance. This proved for him that people can learn to be happier and that wealth & health plays a less important role in happiness than might have been perceived.
He found that factors such as learning to be grateful for what we have and sitting down in the evenings listing all the things which went well with the day led to people achieving greater happiness.
I love articles like this as they provide a scientific base for what I do everyday and what results myself and my students get from meditation.
Yes being grateful can lead to greater happiness. Being grateful proves that you are looking positively at life. You are enjoying the flowers, the smiles, nature. If you can value your day and be grateful for what has gone on and what is around you; this in turn increases the likelihood of more things coming into your life, for which to be grateful for.
A really good way to bring a little gratitude into your life and therefore happiness is to write three things daily for which you were grateful for that day – it can be the simplest thing or a major achievement. This will help you to live in the moment, bring happiness to your everyday and generally live a little lighter and with more fun:)
What are you grateful for today? I am grateful for the wonderful blue of the sea, which I can look out at; my kitchen which I lovingly finished cleaning earlier today and my tea break which I’ll take after this is posted.
I hope you can find your three things to be grateful for too! Please post them and enjoy your moments!
Bindi x
Happiness Formula article was in The Independent on Sunday 20th June 2010
Tags: gratitude, happiness, Life Coaching, Meditation
July 19th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Thanks Bindi what a great idea, the three things I am grateful for are:
1. Being able to go shopping today on my own an find pretty underwear in my size easily.
2. The happiness and resilience of my children and the amazing way they are coping with their friends death.
3. My family.
xxx
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Wonderful Alison
The gratitude book idea is great for children too!
August 2nd, 2010 at 6:53 pm
thanks Bindi for reminding us to focus on what we are happy about, rather than what we’re not. My 3 things are:
1. My wonderful husband
2. The views from our house
3. My parents and closest friends
August 3rd, 2010 at 2:45 pm
You are very welcome Aimee and thank you for sharing what you are grateful for