For at least the last decade the happiness craze has been building. Lately there has been an explosion of books that aim to help us find happiness – everything from a collection of quotes, self-help guides with bright yellow covers, as well as serious tomes written by psychology professors – All with one thing in common: They take happiness seriously!
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences challenge the rosy “happiness” picture. Turns out that the single-minded pursuit of happiness is ironically leaving people, well, less happy!
According to research, feeling good is not good enough. People need meaning to thrive. Victor Frankl said: “It is the very pursuit of happiness that thwarts happiness.” Say what now? Yes, studies show that happiness without meaning characterizes a relatively shallow, self-absorbed, selfish life in which things go well, needs and desires are easily satisfied and taxing entanglements are avoided, but also leaves a sense of emptiness.
Frankl’s book’s ethos emphasizes living a life of meaning and the responsibility to do something greater than solely pursue happiness. By devoting our lives to “giving” rather than “taking” we express our fundamental humanity, putting aside our selfish interests to serve someone or something, rather than ourselves. Truth is, happy people get a lot of joy from receiving benefits from others while people leading meaningful lives get a lot of joy from giving to others. Happiness is a fleeting emotion found in the here and now; meaning on the other hand is enduring.
So, what is a life of meaning? According to E.E. Smith’s book The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life that Matters ,love is at the centre of a meaningful life. It begins by stepping outside of the self to connect with, and contribute to something bigger. In simpler terms: You can go through something really hard, but still feel enriched which is way better than leading an ostensibly happy but meaningless existence that merely ticks the boxes of money, possessions, vacations and career moves, but fails to go deeper.
Yeah, heavy stuff, but the takeaway is to do for others – even when , no especially when life is tough! Also, did you know that leading a meaningful life is associated with better immune function and decreased chance of a heart attack, among other benefits? Win-win, right?
So, c’mon add meaning to your life today. Take care of a plant, no seriously! Taking care of a living organism may seem like an insignificant act, but tons of these acts combine into a more meaningful world. Commit to small acts of generosity often. Be the giver, rather than a taker – whether it’s a donation to a cause that you believe in or just a small token to a friend that needs a boost.
A meaningful life is not about being popular, or rich, or educated. It’s about being real, being humble, being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of others.
The optimal sweet-spot of well-being often consists of happiness as well as meaning. “A life of happiness is a life of meaning” – Aristotle
Source: www.theatlantic.com, www.flare.com, www.goodnewsnetwork.org, biobritzema.wordpress.com, blogs.scientificamerican.com, tinybuddha.com, greatergood.berkeley.edu, aeon.co, www.livehappy.com
