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By Nancy Molitz and Lindsay Watson
Christian therapists often work with people who longingly say, "I just want to be happy in my work, relationship, life." But what is 'happiness' and how is it attained?
In the past ten years, researchers have taken a long hard look at the human state we call happiness, defined as being personally fulfilled, engaged with others, and genuinely satisfied with life. Lack of consistent and positive social interaction is seen as contributing to, or resulting from, many psychological problems of our modern era.
The advent of 'Positive Psychology' has encouraged researchers to seriously consider the power of positive emotion. This shift, in turn, has influenced the approach therapists take in helping their clients, moving from a stance of pathology, victimology, and mental illness to one of positive emotion, virtue, and strengths.
Time with family & friends
Research has found that those with the highest level of happiness, and the fewest signs of depression, are strongly tied to a commitment to time spent with friends and family. This would challenge the common cultural position that tries to persuade us that acquiring material things and engaging in exciting activities are primary means to happiness.
Count your blessings
The advertising we are bombarded with on a daily basis is evidence of this. By focusing on superficial relief from disappointments, sadness, or depression, momentary pleasure may be achieved, but will not lead to a sense of true personal worth, independent of how one is seen by others. Research again shows that people who end each day by identifying three good things that happened to them become less depressed and happier as a result. This can be especially effective in families, as they learn to share, and savor with gratitude, their varied experiences.
The key to lasting happiness seems to be engaging with and giving to others, whether emotionally, spiritually, physically, or materially. It is through this experience of human community that true self worth is achieved. In the words of Henry David Thoreau: "Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
Nansook Park and Christopher Peterson in Authentic Happiness state, "the strengths that matter most in producing fulfillment are what we call strengths of the heart, positive traits that connect us to other people, such as kindness, love, and gratitude..."
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Be intentional
Researcher Martin Seligman considers that "positive affectivity" is to some extent determined by genetic predisposition. If one has the tendency to avoid social contact and spend time alone, one will have to intentionally work at engagement with others in order to feel happier. We also tend to adapt rapidly to good things in life taking them for granted, thus needing more and more to maintain the level of happiness they seem to provide. This has been referred to as the "hedonic treadmill." By being in the present moment, through prayer, meditation, and the practice of mindfulness, we can live a more meaningful life not driven by the need to acquire more.
Researchers have identified certain positive character traits which seemed to be especially associated with fulfillment and happiness. They are gratitude, hope, zest, curiosity, and love. Love is defined as the ability to sustain close reciprocal relationships with other people. Thus to achieve lasting happiness, it would be important to cultivate these strengths.
This does not minimize the importance of other characteristics such as bravery, humour, kindness, spirituality and appreciation of beauty. These, in fact, have been strongly associated with recovery from physical and psychological illness and trauma. Being able to recognize and celebrate strengths and to build on them allows therapists to help their clients in specific ways, depending on their goals.
Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychologist from the University of California, has developed eight very practical suggestions towards raising your level of happiness.
1. Count your blessings on a regular basis and write them down in a gratitude journal.
2. Practice acts of kindness, both random and planned.
3. Savour life's joys by paying close attention to momentary pleasures and wonders.
4. Thank a mentor. This involves writing a letter of gratitude to someone you are particularly grateful to or visiting them and expressing your appreciation to them in person.
5. Learn to forgive. Let go of anger and resentment. This may be done by letter, in person, or even through thought and prayer.
6. Invest time and energy in family and friends.
7. Take care of your body. Good sleep, healthy diet, and exercise all contribute to well-being.
8. Develop strategies for coping with stress and hardships. Religious faith plays a key role in getting through hard times, bringing comfort, joy, and inner peace.
Nancy Molitz, RMFT and Lindsay Watson, RMFT work the Institute of Family Living (IFL), Toronto. http://www.ifl.on.ca
August 30/2007
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