REENIE'S REACH

Below are some notes I took while watching a documentary called Happy, which I found on Netflix. My notes are a mishmash of thoughts, but I hope they tempt you to watch this fascinating documentary. Interviews with researchers are interspersed with clips from around the world featuring diverse definitions of happiness. I wasn't surprised to determine that happiness is really quite simple if we keep life simple.

****************

When asked what most people want, they usually include that they want to be happy... but that's after they've listed money and a beautiful home and a high paying career etc.

In 1981 research on happiness started but it wasn't until the 1990s that any research was taken seriously. People scoffed at Happiness research. It was deemed acceptable to research depression and other components to unhappiness, but researchers of Happiness were not taken seriously. In the 1990s one of the most popular classes at Harvard was Positive Psychology... the happiness class.

Early research discovered the phenomenon that the lowliest rickshaw driver in India was as happy as the average American. This particular clip was lovely.

Happiness Divisions:

50%: Researchers have determined that most of us are born with a certain range or capacity for happiness. 50% of our capacity for happiness is determined by our genes. After good and bad experiences we all return to our genetic set point. Happier people recover faster - or return to their set point faster after something bad happens.

10%: Contrary to common belief, circumstances only account for 10% of our happiness. This would include income, social status, age, or where we live.

40%: This percentage of our happiness is determined by intentional behavior or actions. An important element of happiness is change - that variety is truly the spice of life.

There's so much more to this documentary. I encourage everyone to look for it on Netflix etc. I learned a lot but was also validated by some of my own choices in life.

Importantly: Amongst the poorest of the poor (per our American standards) happiness was nearly inevitable or available with tight family ties.

Watch it! It's called Happy. You'll be happy you did.

REENIE'S REACH by irene bean
:: HOME :: GET EMAIL UPDATES :: Goodreads :: Eric Mayer :: Lovely Violet :: Smartiplants :: Anna :: A Crystal Heritage :: More where that came from :: Topsy Turvy :: Old and in the Way :: Talking Stick Annex :: DJ :: Nina :: Blue Sky :: Bex :: Maggie :: hil the thrill :: jurnul :: Kitchenblogic :: Sleeps with Rocks :: Pound Head Here :: Golden Grain Farm :: Eric Reed :: The Big Diseasey :: Lori's Blog :: Talking Stick :: EMAIL ::
Previous Entry :: Next Entry Read/Post Comments (9) Share on Facebook SOME OF MY FAVORITE BLOGS I'VE POSTED 2008 A Solid Foundation Cheers Sold! Not Trying to be Corny 2007 This Little Light of Mine We Were Once Young Veni, Vedi, Vinca U Tube Has a New Star Packing a 3-Iron Getting Personal Welcome Again Well... Come on in Christmas Shopping There's no Substitute 2006 Dressed for Success Cancun Can-Can Holy Guacamole Life can be Crazy The New Dog Hurricane Reenie He Delivers No Spilt Milk Naked Fingers Blind Have Ya Heard the One About? The Great Caper Push Barney's P***S My New Security System		2013-02-27 9:08 AM Happy! Below are some notes I took while watching a documentary called Happy, which I found on Netflix. My notes are a mishmash of thoughts, but I hope they tempt you to watch this fascinating documentary. Interviews with researchers are interspersed with clips from around the world featuring diverse definitions of happiness. I wasn't surprised to determine that happiness is really quite simple if we keep life simple. **************** When asked what most people want, they usually include that they want to be happy... but that's after they've listed money and a beautiful home and a high paying career etc. In 1981 research on happiness started but it wasn't until the 1990s that any research was taken seriously. People scoffed at Happiness research. It was deemed acceptable to research depression and other components to unhappiness, but researchers of Happiness were not taken seriously. In the 1990s one of the most popular classes at Harvard was Positive Psychology... the happiness class. Early research discovered the phenomenon that the lowliest rickshaw driver in India was as happy as the average American. This particular clip was lovely. Happiness Divisions: 50%: Researchers have determined that most of us are born with a certain range or capacity for happiness. 50% of our capacity for happiness is determined by our genes. After good and bad experiences we all return to our genetic set point. Happier people recover faster - or return to their set point faster after something bad happens. 10%: Contrary to common belief, circumstances only account for 10% of our happiness. This would include income, social status, age, or where we live. 40%: This percentage of our happiness is determined by intentional behavior or actions. An important element of happiness is change - that variety is truly the spice of life. There's so much more to this documentary. I encourage everyone to look for it on Netflix etc. I learned a lot but was also validated by some of my own choices in life. Importantly: Amongst the poorest of the poor (per our American standards) happiness was nearly inevitable or available with tight family ties. Watch it! It's called Happy. You'll be happy you did. Read/Post Comments (9) Previous Entry :: Next Entry Back to Top