Before I start, let me say that I don't have the definitive answer to this discussion (or any). I don't think there is one when it comes to this topic. Like most, I'm still exploring it, which is why I have chosen to make it just that - a discussion, an interactive chat, and a group exploration.
I'll open the door on it and you guys can come in and chat. I would like to know your thoughts and feelings on the subject because I'm sure you're going to have some and it's relevant to every person on the planet. It's probably the one topic of universal interest. I know you can teach me and the rest of the group a thing or two if you want to.
Hi Guys. Hope you're enjoying (or enjoyed) your weekend.
I've had fun so far. I’ve worked on a couple of radio stations, spent hours in the studio, and had an interesting on-air chat with the principle of a very wealthy, high-profile school here in Australia that is about to start teaching 'positive psychology' as an integral part of it's curriculum in 2008, described by some as 'Happiness 101'.
This subject is now taught in numerous colleges and graduate schools around the U.S. (over 200) and has been largely driven (‘championed’ is maybe a better word) by a U.S. psychologist named Dr. Marty Seligman. I've read a little of what the good Doc says (it all seems reasonable) and, as I said, spoke to the school principle who is spending sixteen million dollars (that's some school) on a 'wellness centre' for his students (which will incorporate the positive psychology stuff).
The interesting discussion with Mr. School Principle got the cogs in my small but curious brain turning.
In a recent Good Weekend magazine article here in Australia, the 'science' of happiness was explored (this was the catalyst for the radio interview). It seems that (according to the article anyway) despite all our stuff (resources, technology, money, education, toys), we're no happier. In fact, overall, we’re probably less happy.
Apparently, it's now something we need to teach. We're losing (or have lost) the skill. Is happiness a skill or a mindset? Is it a way of being, perhaps? Can it be learned?
I was amazed to read that depression is now ten times more prevalent than it was fifty years ago. I don’t know about that stat, but that's what was reported in this article. Maybe we're just more aware now; more educated about depression perhaps.
Hmm.
I have some amazing memories of spending time on a little Island in Vanuatu called Espiritu Santo a few years back, where I made some great friends who taught me all about genuine happiness. They weren't trying to teach me anything, but they did. No electricity, no TV, no radio, little money, no bank accounts; just lots of fun, lots of laughs, lots of love, an old guitar with four strings, and lots of happiness.
Article comments
1 - Yehudit
Consider Spell- and grammarcheck. "It is" = "It's". "Its" is possessive. "Principles" are what most people have. The manager of schools are called "principals", thus the joke about "think of your principal as your pal."
YHC
2 - klondikekitty
I agree that happiness tends to be an elusive, sometimes nearly impossible, goal these days, but I am of the opinion that much of the unhappiness in the world is due to greed/instant gratification demands/envy of what others have that one cannot afford. There also is a stress factor involved -- difficult to find happiness when you're so stressed out and tired you barely have the energy to make dinner when you get home at night!!