The Pursuit of Happiness: An Age-Old Quest in Modern Times
What is happiness?
We all want it, but when pressed, it’s really hard to define.
It’s an elusive state of mind that people of all ages and backgrounds aspire to achieve, while at the same time sabotage our own efforts, and refuse to embrace it even when we achieve the goals that we set as our criteria. There’s always more. The next thing. Then we can be happy.
The pursuit of happiness has roots deeply embedded throughout our history, philosophy, and culture. In today’s world, this pursuit has taken on new meanings, brought on by advancements in technology, changes in culture , and constantly evolving definitions of what exactly it means to be “happy”.
Historical Perspectives on Happiness
Ancient Philosophies
The quest for happiness is a constant theme in the chronicles of humanity. A couple centuries ago, happiness might well have been defined as a successful hunt that would ensure survival for a few more days. Now, we take food for granted and it takes much more to get us excited.
It has been generally accepted that happiness lies in the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain, with the definition of pleasure not that of hedonistic indulgence but more like the tranquility of simple living.
Eastern Philosophies
In Eastern traditions, happiness is approached from a different perspective. Buddhism, for example, emphasizes that genuine happiness arises from the cessation of suffering, which is achieved through the Eightfold Path of right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. Nirvana, a state of ultimate peace and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, represents the height of happiness in Buddhist thought.
Hinduism emphasizes the quest of Ananda, aka bliss, through the realization of Atman, one’s true self, and its unity with the ultimate reality, Brahman. Yoga, meditation, and adherence to righteousness (dharma) are considered pathways to achieving this state.
The Modern Landscape of Happiness
Technological Impact
The 20th and 21st centuries have brought about unprecedented technological advancements, and with them dramatically altered definitions and possibilities of human happiness. Sadly, it has simultaneously opened up just as many ways for humans to fail at achieving their unique, individual goals of “happiness.”
The digital age has ushered in an abundance of both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, ever-advancing technology has enhanced our connectivity by providing platforms for social interaction, education, and entertainment. Social media, for example, allows us to establish and maintain relationships across vast distances, access pretty much any information we are seeking, and share our life experiences.
On the other hand, the widespread use of technology also presents challenges to happiness. The constant barrage of information, the pressure to present an accounting of every detail of our lives online, along with the addictive nature of social media can create a sense of inadequacy, accompanied by anxiety and depression. Excessive use of social media, studies have shown, is linked to lower self-esteem and higher levels of loneliness, particularly so in young people.
Societal Changes
Changes in our working environments and family dynamics and cultural standards also affect the pursuit of happiness.
Many people are working from home now. With the rise of remote work comes more flexibility, but along with that there may be more stress and fatigue, which impacts overall happiness. The quest for career success and financial stability often is often at odds with one’s needs for personal satisfaction and free time. All too often we delay doing what we really want to do, telling ourselves that we can take that vacation next year or worse, “some other time.”
Modern psychology has a lot to say on the subject. Why it’s good for us to “pursue happiness”. Suffice it for a layman like me to say, from personal experience, I can tell you this: If it is important to you, do it as soon as you can. None of us know how much time we have left, or what our physical health or financial situation will be. I am so glad that my family took some fantastic vacations when we could, before my wife became ill and died. Now, as a grandfather, I make an effort to take each of my grandchildren on age-appropriate “adventures”. Mini-golf for a young one. Hot air balloon rides, fishing trips to Alaska for the teenager. Make memories while you can.
STRATEGIES FOR CULTIVATING HAPPINESS
1 – Building Resilience
A hardy spirit, the ability to bounce back from adversity, is a crucial component of happiness. Developing hardiness involves cultivating a positive attitude, learning from one’s failures, and developing a sense of purpose. Maintaining a sense of awareness and an attitude of gratitude can enhance hardiness by cultivating a positive outlook and appreciation for the present moment.
Awareness, the practice of being fully present and mindful of one’s personal thoughts and feelings without judgment, is known to reduce stress levels and increase overall emotional well-being. Frequent mindfulness meditation can improve awareness and overall mental health.
2 – Nurturing Relationships
Considering that we are inherently social creatures, meaningful relationships with others are fundamental ingredients to happiness.
Social connections—friends, family, coworkers, etc.—can provide us with emotional support, as well as a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves, and opportunities for us to share personal experiences with others. Investing time and effort in building and maintaining close relationships with family, friends, and community can significantly enhance one’s sense of well-being.
Acts of kindness and altruism also contribute to happiness. Simply put, helping others through volunteer work, acts of generosity, or providing support, cultivates a feeling of connection and purpose. It feels good to help others.
3 – Pursuing Meaning and Purpose – FOCUSING ON YOUR WHY
Distinguishing and pursuing goals that are in alignment with one’s values and interests can provide a deep sense of fulfillment. Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life is a prime source of happiness. This is actually my personal definition of happiness. Purpose gives me direction and motivation, a reason to get up in the morning. Purpose helps me navigate challenges and setbacks that inevitably accompany any worthwhile project I launch myself into.
4 – Balancing Pleasure and Achievement
The pursuit of pleasure is frequently considered to be a primary conduit to happiness, a balanced approach might be more appropriate. Finding something that integrates pleasurable activities with meaningful achievements and personal growth could help you achieve fulfillment that runs deeper than mere pleasure. A good example of this would be the bonding experience of a fishing trip to Alaska a few years ago with Ace, the oldest of my grandchildren. We flew to Anchorage, then made our way down to the Kenai Peninsula where we fished for sockeye salmon and rainbow trout. We got wet. We got cold. And Ace caught fish! Then, when it was time to leave, we flew out on a DeHavilland Beaver float plane to Lake Hood Seaplane Base at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
Taking part in hobbies, creative pursuits, and fun activities promotes relaxation, while working toward goals and personal improvement provides a sense of achievement and meaning.
5 – Practicing Gratitude
We often focus only on what we don’t have. On that next thing that will, once we get it, make us happy. We forget to be thankful for what we already have.
An Attitude of Gratitude is a powerful mindset for boosting happiness. Frequently reflecting on and appreciating the best parts of our lives can transfer focus from what is lacking to what is already here, nurturing a sense of contentment and well-being. You could try keeping a gratitude journal to record things you are thankful for, as a simple yet efficient method to nourish gratitude.
By acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life, you can enhance your overall happiness and contentment.
CONCLUSION
As we continue our quest toward happiness, it is important to keep in mind that happiness is not the destination. It is our journey, the ongoing pursuit of well-being, growth, and connection that continuously enriches our lives and provides us the strength to face life’s inevitable challenges. In this quest, we find not only happiness but also the true nature of what it means to be human.
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