The “I’ll be Happy When… Myth” perpetuates a belief that happiness is achieved by acquiring or by accomplishment. “This approach to happiness,” according to Marci Shimoff, “is almost as insidious as the ‘Myth of More.’ More of anything will not generate true happiness.”
In her book, “Happy For No Reason,” Shimoff explains that happiness is not an emotion, a spike of elation or euphoria. True happiness is a lasting, neurophysiological state of peace and wellbeing. “True happiness,” she says, “is not based on what we do or have – it doesn’t depend on external reasons or on any specific circumstances.”
Outlined below are a few fundamental takeaways from Marci’s research. She invited me to share them with you.
Happiness Setpoint Recent research illustrates that we all have a happiness setpoint that is approximately 50% genetic and 50% learned. No matter what happens to us, we tend to return to a set range of happiness. And in the same way that we’d crank up the thermostat to get comfortable on a chilly day, we can actually reprogram our happiness setpoint to a higher level of peace and wellbeing. We’re so busy trying to change our outer world in order to be happier, yet what we really need to do is change our happiness setpoint.
The Guiding Three – Principles to Live By There are Three Universal Principles that play a significant role in helping to become and remain Happy for No Reason.
The Law of Expansion says that what expands your good feelings makes you happier. When your energy expands, you experience greater happiness, and when energy contracts, you experience less happiness. Take a moment to think about being in your favorite nature spot. Hear the sounds and envision the vastness. Imagine the feel of the earth under your feet. That will be an expansive experience. That’s the state you want to create for yourself. When faced with a choice or challenge, you can stop, take a deep breath, and feel which option brings more lightness, openness and expansion. You will always be happier with the choice that makes you feel expansive.
The Law of Universal Support is easy to understand, but requires you to answer one question posed by Albert Einstein. “Is this a friendly universe?” This is an important piece of information for every person to address. If you say YES, it is a friendly universe, you essentially feel supported, and it is a fundamental and foundational principle to help you feel good about yourself and the world. It also lends to feeling expansive as noted above.
The Law of Attraction. Marci Shimoff and I met when her book first launched. She told me that The Law of Attraction is her Secret Formula: Intention, Attention, No Tension.
Here’s what she said:
#1: Intention: Be clear about what you want – in this case, your desire for greater happiness.
#2 What you put your attention on grows stronger in your life. Put your attention on happiness.
#3 Let go and relax. “As you practice the happiness habits,” Marci advises, “be easy with yourself and trust you are removing blocks to experiencing greater happiness.”
Her best Remember: “What You Appreciate – Appreciates!”
Liz’s Easy Ways to Generate More Happiness in the Moment
1. Get into nature.
2. Close your eyes and take three deep centering breaths.
3. Use essential oil of lavender to relax and orange to feel more harmony.
4. Go to gratitude – it is an elixir for happiness.
5. Share a smile.
6. Listen to your favorite music and sing out loud.
7. Move your body – exercise, stretch, dance, walk.
8. Give yourself a hug – even a virtual one.
9. Feel your connection to life and to others.
10. Eat a potato – According to Kathleen DesMaisons, author of “Potatoes Not Prozac,” potatoes are “an antidepressant in a brown package,” and eating a small one every night helps raise levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in our bodies that helps create happiness.
It was His Holiness The Dalai Lama who said, “Our business is to be happy.”
Become inspired to be happy for no reason – and enjoy that feel-good feeling all throughout February, the month of self-love!
