The Key to HAPPINESS

The key to happiness is having the ability to direct and manage our own neurophysiological state. When we are in a resourceful or enabling state, we are full of confidence, courage, power, enthusiasm, … and happy! On the other hand, when we are in a paralyzing, pathetic or limiting state, we succumb to fear, discouragement, negative self-talk, frustration, … and sadness L.

“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” -- Aristotle

Now that we have the key to happiness, we need to learn to approach the door to happiness by understanding that our state or well-being is created by: i) internal representations; and ii) the condition and use of our physiology.

As explained by Anthony Robbins in his book “Unlimited Power”, Internal Representations consist of what and how we picture in our mind as well as what and how we say and hear in our mind. In short, what is our perception and assessment of our environment, that is, the events or circumstances affecting us.

“It is the mind that maketh good or ill, that maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor.” – Edmund Spenser

Given the myriad of signals or stimuli impacting us, the brain will filter and store what is useful and necessary at our behest and allows our conscious mind to ignore the rest. For example, when talking to someone seated with us in a buzzling café, we activate our brain to focus on the conversation at hand and ignore the load of distractions around us. Also, if we have just missed the train by 3 seconds, we could tell ourselves that we are early for the next train (and be happy) rather than blame ourselves and/or everybody else.

Physiology encompasses our posture, biochemistry, diet (what we eat), how we breathe, energy and muscular relaxation or tension. The condition of our physiology will affect the way we experience and represent our world. For example, when we do not have sufficient sleep, we will find that our ability to make decisions and handle stress will be impaired.

Another example would be to fast or cut down on our intake of calories by, say, eating less for lunch, and thereafter feel the extra oomph of energy as the body burns some fat. (Note: Fasting is a no-no for pregnant women and those of us who are underweight or having a medical condition where fasting is not advisable.)

Thus, we are in a state of flux as our internal representations and physiology are constantly interacting with each other and affecting each other to create the state that we experience.

However, we can take control of our state by directing our internal representations and taking care of our physiology. If we want to achieve a State of Happiness, we unlock the door to happiness by turning over our weak state with a mixture or blend of internal representations and physiology that would elevate us onto tip-top condition. More happiness to you every day!

For Your Inspiration  

The great news is that once we are in an energetic or happy state, our behaviour will reflect our inner state, enabling us to say positive things and pursue our passions – and make the world a better place one person at a time. Permit me to share with you, now, on what world changers such as Hellen Keller and Nick Vujicic has said about happiness.

Drawing inspiration from Hellen Keller who said that true happiness comes through “fidelity to a worthy purpose”, Nick Vujicic -- who was born without arms or legs,  wrote in his devotional (“Limitless”) that happiness means ”being faithful to your gifts, growing them, sharing them, and taking joy in them. …You’ll find contentment when your talents and passion are completely engaged and in full force.”

 Bibliography

1.   Section I, Chapter III, “Unlimited Power” by Anthony Robbins

2.   Chapter 6, “Limitless” by Nick Vujicic  

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* You Can Have A Better Brain!