Dr. Dan Gilbert was one of the first researchers into happiness. There have been many more admirable peeps looking into what makes us happy, yet he still captures the fundamental issue so clearly. Its all in our brain!
First, I have the attention span of a flea and never watch long videos! However, I am always intrigued by the elusiveness of happiness. This was fabulous and well worth the time. I learned something from it. You can really relate this easily to many aspects of your life.
I know they advocate it in raising small children, but this is the first I’ve heard of it in adults. Perhaps that explains much of today’s worldly woes.
Glad you enjoyed it Paul! It is interesting and makes me think of societies where there are limitations and people are happy with their lot … compared with a land full of choices and possibilities where people are so unhappy!
Please go ahead and share.
Good post, Val. What we attain in life is largely irrelevant to this quest for happiness. Instead, how we view the world determines our happiness.
“If we have a positive mental attitude, then even when surrounded by hostility, we shall not lack inner peace. If our mental attitude is more negative, influenced by fear, suspicion, helplessness, or self-loathing, then even when surrounded by our best friends, in a nice atmosphere and comfortable surroundings, we shall not be happy.” ~ The Dalai Lama
With patience and perseverance, we learn to coax the statue from the stone.
Thanks Nancy – for your insight and the Dalai lama quote. 😎
What is so interesting with Gilbert’s research is the conclusion that having choices leads to mental confusion and anxiety … which takes us away from finding happiness in the here and now.
A monk’s life is more geared towards happiness!
From my perspective, we all have the same number of choices to make during each moment of each waking hour:
What to think about NOW . . . and NOW . . . and NOW . . . and NOW . . . and
If we think grateful, kind, compassionate thoughts, we are happier than when we think about all the reasons why we are disgruntled with the current state of affairs.
This was fascinating…happiness is a state of mind! I do think it’s a choice. I know people (I’m even related to some) who chase happiness through material items, and as soon as it’s acquired they are on another quest….but they lack inner peace which promotes joy.
The external pull is so strong Suzi. Inner awareness is the beginning of everything we could wish for … yet others are in a different place on their path.
Find Your Middle Ground 
How fascinating. I just rewatched this video a couple of weeks ago and was telling someone about it. We definitely are in sync!
Hugs — and yes, I really like his work too.
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Sometimes going back to the beginning makes sense. We see things with new eyes … hopeful kindsight as well as hindsight!
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Very interesting and inspirational, Val. 😀
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Thanks so much Jet!
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He’s nailed it. Thanks for sharing, Val!
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Thanks Jill! Its good to reinforce what we may know, but still catches us unaware 😉
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First, I have the attention span of a flea and never watch long videos! However, I am always intrigued by the elusiveness of happiness. This was fabulous and well worth the time. I learned something from it. You can really relate this easily to many aspects of your life.
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Thank you Kate! So glad you appreciated it … and even more, that you can apply it to our life. 🙂
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Saved to watch later tonight Val as I’m a bit snowed under here. H ❤
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Pretty cool research. Boundaries make us happier – amazing!
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Boundaries and fewer choices … who would expect that? It really is an eye opener.
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I know they advocate it in raising small children, but this is the first I’ve heard of it in adults. Perhaps that explains much of today’s worldly woes.
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Interesting ….. Thanks Eliza!
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How very, very interesting. Must share that over on my place.
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Glad you enjoyed it Paul! It is interesting and makes me think of societies where there are limitations and people are happy with their lot … compared with a land full of choices and possibilities where people are so unhappy!
Please go ahead and share.
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Very interesting. He’s a great speaker and makes it so simple.
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I agree Carol. He gets right to the issue and makes it easy to understand. 🙂
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Good post, Val. What we attain in life is largely irrelevant to this quest for happiness. Instead, how we view the world determines our happiness.
“If we have a positive mental attitude, then even when surrounded by hostility, we shall not lack inner peace. If our mental attitude is more negative, influenced by fear, suspicion, helplessness, or self-loathing, then even when surrounded by our best friends, in a nice atmosphere and comfortable surroundings, we shall not be happy.” ~ The Dalai Lama
With patience and perseverance, we learn to coax the statue from the stone.
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Thanks Nancy – for your insight and the Dalai lama quote. 😎
What is so interesting with Gilbert’s research is the conclusion that having choices leads to mental confusion and anxiety … which takes us away from finding happiness in the here and now.
A monk’s life is more geared towards happiness!
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… or a retiree’s perhaps 🙂
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From my perspective, we all have the same number of choices to make during each moment of each waking hour:
What to think about NOW . . . and NOW . . . and NOW . . . and NOW . . . and
If we think grateful, kind, compassionate thoughts, we are happier than when we think about all the reasons why we are disgruntled with the current state of affairs.
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Love!
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This was fascinating…happiness is a state of mind! I do think it’s a choice. I know people (I’m even related to some) who chase happiness through material items, and as soon as it’s acquired they are on another quest….but they lack inner peace which promotes joy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The external pull is so strong Suzi. Inner awareness is the beginning of everything we could wish for … yet others are in a different place on their path.
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So true. I love the Sir Thomas Browne quote. Happiness is in my mind, body and spirit always. Happy Friday Val 🙂
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Thank you Karen – great quote! Xo
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I saw this just before I fell asleep last night. A great talk with lots of wisdom. I slept happily 🙂
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Whew … that’s a relief 🙂 It must have fed your inner being while you slept!
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Sorry. Laughing. “It’s in the brain.” No doubt about THAT. Now, Val, I need a quick fix.
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😉
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