Clients often tell me in therapy: “I just want to be happy…” But is happiness really attainable?

The term happiness captures an emotion in which one experience a range of positive responses often expressed as an outward feeling of elation. Philosophers, poets, religious writers, psychologists and the like have researched happiness throughout history. But is it really attainable?

Taking a closer look at the psychology behind happiness it may be useful to distinguish between hedonic and eudemonic states of happiness. Hedonic happiness is a temporary emotional state often based on external circumstances. In comparison, eudemonic happiness is a state of ‘human flourishing’ that is associated with ongoing wellbeing, inward peace and contentment.

As a therapist, working from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework, I have learned that psychological happiness is not the absence of negative emotions. When we learn to accept and make room for the full range of human emotions, rather than striving to only hold on to ‘happy’ emotions or rid ourselves of negative emotions, we come to understand the true art of psychology behind happiness.

Can we increase authentic happiness? Absolutely!

Martin Seligman, a pioneer of Positive Psychology found people who flourish are those who have discovered their unique combination of virtues and strengths, also referred to as our ‘signature strengths’. When we employ these unique strengths for a purpose greater than ourselves we will find a deep sense of meaning and fulfilment in life and relationships.

Mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool to enhance our signature strengths and in turn our authentic happiness.

3 Tips for increasing authentic happiness

• Present moment awareness – pause and connect with yourself mindfully. Be aware of what you can see, smell, feel and hear. Connect with yourself as the awareness behind the thoughts that arise. Simply see things as they are and let go of the struggle of your mind to be somewhere in the future or in the past. Savour this moment.

• Use your signature strengths – appreciating a sunset; expressing gratitude by meditating on “this is sufficient” rather than what you don’t have in your life; keeping perspective when things go wrong; finding bravery in the midst of vulnerability; valuing and nurturing close relationships; and approaching life with zest are just a few ways in which you can connect with your unique strengths.

• Find small ways that give you joy and then express it outward – research has proven that engaging in a few pleasant activities or tackling small tasks is a behavioural activation approach that can reverse the depression cycle and enhance your vitality.

May you find the gift in the happiness of pursuit in everyday mindful moments! Happy Mental Health Week!

References

Blackdog Institute (2012) Happiness factsheet. http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/Happiness.pdf

Seligman, Martin E.P. (2016) The pursuit of happiness. http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/martin-seligman-positive-psychology/