The Anatomy of Happiness

In a world of wants Happiness tops the list.  Happiness is something we all chase and dream.  Often times our pursuit of Happiness leads us astray.  But as the world continues to socially evolve, and material struggles continue to fall short in fulfilling us, more and more people are seeking and discovering Happiness.  If the end goal is Happiness we need to first, learn what it is, second, understand the Anatomy of Happiness, and lastly, apply the principles of Happiness into our everyday lives.

Firstly--What is Happiness?

Happiness is a long-lasting psychological state of joy, pleasure, harmony, contentment, love, and compassion.  It is not temporary but a constant state which grows and shrinks throughout our conscious lives.   Happiness does not decay like the body.  Rather it has the capacity to grow infinitely stronger over time.

We are born with a set Baseline for Happiness--a genetically determined start carved out by chemical, hormonal, and psychological propensities.  Essentially, we are born at a predetermined Elevation of Happiness.  Genetically speaking, some of us are born below sea level, with a propensity for depression, while others are born on top of mountains, with a propensity for elation.  But this beginning state of Happiness does not tell the whole story.

Total Happiness is the confluence of Baseline Happiness and Potential Happiness.
It is gained by the understanding of one's self and the proper use of Free Will.
The Anatomy of Happiness is the harmonious union of the biological and psychological Self.

Free Will is your most powerful tool in life.  Free Will is a creative tool that synchronistically shapes your world inside and out.  Under the guidance of Free Will there lies an ability to change your biological self and your Baseline of Happiness.  And eventually, with enough practice your Baseline will move as high as you choose to take it.

Our genetic makeup follows the code of adaptability for survival.  How we survive or choose to live affects how we biologically adapt during our lifetime.  If we choose to live a healthy life these adaptations will continue to make us happier and more resilient.  The end goal being tough skin and an unassailable smile.

Happiness starts as a temporary moment experienced by the brain's release of a chemical called Dopamine.  Activities and experiences that are new, explorative, passionate, and physical reward the brain with the release of dopamine, and the subsequent feeling of being happy.  The more often this happens the higher your Baseline.  Then you normalize at a higher, happier, psychological state.

This is why Free Will is so important.  We have the freedom and power to choose in our lives how we want to live, how we want to be rewarded, how we want to adapt, and how we want to feel.  Our Happiness is our responsibility and it is within our shaping.

Keep your life interesting.
Challenge your mind and body to new things.
Spice up your life.
Explore nature.
Take moments of stillness for yourself.
Discover harmony.
Seek some form of spiritual integration and share this with others.
Discover joy from the connection to others.
Seek activities that are demanding and difficult.
Let go of your ego.
Balance control and acceptance.
And develop a rhythm in life that is distinctly your own.

The key to happiness is the ability to--
"RECOVER FROM ADVERSITY MORE QUICKLY"

You can choose to grow infinitely happier.

So do it.