Spontaneous Happiness (Part 1)

How can I be "Happy"?

I know this is clichéd but it is an important question to understand.

And, I am sure that this question crossed your mind at some point. It has crossed mine many times. If you are looking for a definitive answer, sorry to disappoint you - I don't have one ready. However, if you are open to a new perspective, read on.

This blog is inspired by Don't believe everything you think by Joseph Nguyen and Spontaneous Happiness by Andrew Weil (inspiration for the blog title).

Definition of Happiness

Ideas like "being a good kid", "being a good parent", "being a good member of the society" are meaningful but are too high-level to serve as a true measure of your Happiness.

A personal definition needs to be more grounded and specific.

I wrote about the role of Genetics and Environment in a previous blog (Habits | Genetics vs Environment). Any definition of Happiness must include a consideration of your genes (i.e., what are you naturally good at?), your environment (friends, family, upbringing, education, life experiences etc.,) and your values.

Over the years, through reflection and reading on "happiness", my question has been reframed to "How can I observe myself better?"

This shift was important. It helped me:

• be more "present" (It continues to be a battle - one step and one moment at a time)

• "accept" my current state of mind without judgment (how can you not judge yourself, right?)

• work on the path to my definition of "happiness"

I track myself daily across four metrics that are central to my personal definition of "Happiness". Each day, I give myself a score from 1 to 10 for each metric. This simple practice helps me stay grounded, observe myself more clearly, and continue moving toward "my Happiness".

In a subsequent blog post, I'll continue with some specific frameworks and also the origin of "happy hour".

Meanwhile, if you are ready to be happy, you know what to do (I meant this :-)).

I'd be happy to work with you on your journey of happiness!

Athma

coach@athma.ca

Life coach, Toronto, Canada