Dan Harris just posted a discussion he had with Dr. Bruce Hood (Professor of Developmental Psychology at Bristol University). I found it a very useful conversation with some real strategies, i.e., things we can all implement and try out. Many of the things they discuss are not new; for example, you will find that they endorse the Liberated Mind Top 10 list (unknowingly by them, of course) as well as quite a bit of overlap with content we’ve shared before by different, though similarly thoughtful/smart, people talking about how to work on being happy. And like Dan says in this podcast episode, “being happy is a skill.” I fully agree!
“Being Happy is a skill.” – Dan Harris
This sentiment isn’t meant to minimize real struggle. Really! In my estimation, the opposite is implied with quotes like this. Yes, life is hard. And, yes, life absolutely includes suffering. For everyone. No one gets to skip out on suffering. But the opposite is also true. No one gets skipped when it comes to happiness and joy either. Everyone has an opportunity to experience both.
And since this is universally true, that happiness is available to everyone (as well as sadness, et cetera), it means we can improve in our ability to find happiness.
The trick isn’t finding a recipe for endless happiness. I don’t think that exists. Not now. Not ever. The idea of static and stable happiness, i.e., “endless bliss,” if you will, not only violates our intuition but the very laws of physics creating reality. All things change. Change is the only constant. But there is a real power in recognizing the truth of impermanence, of fully accepting it. Allowing for change means we can cultivate skills increasing our ability to return to “our happy place”.
This means: you can improve in your ability to find happiness! Really. But thinking that life is supposed to always be “happy,” well, that’s a trap!
So, here’s the podcast episode, check it out:
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This post does not constitute therapeutic counseling or advice; the contents of this post are provided as a learning resource. We share the contents hoping that if you are in need of mental health support you will reach out to us directly or to a mental health professional in your area.
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