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In the materialistic world of today, it is important to understand the true essence of happiness, writes KARUN LAMA.
Happiness is such an abstract and vast term that to comprehend it entirely, a single article won't suffice. However, one can definitely pick up the discussion which (I find) sidelined from our popular discourses.
Today, the centre of attraction in human lives has shifted towards materialism. The more humans tend to lead materialistic lives, the more happiness seems to be connoted by material possessions such as a big house, a luxurious car, hi-tech gadgets, fancy clothes, etc. However, despite possessing all of them, humans are still enmeshed in their unsuccessful quest for happiness throughout their lives, and this is something that really needs to be pondered over.
So, what is that particular element that we are missing out on? That is, of course, understanding the true essence of happiness and the different ways to find it.
In general, happiness is defined as a state of emotional well being, characterised by feelings of joy, satisfaction, pleasure, contentment, and fulfilment. Besides, there are countless definitions put forward by people of different times. Although, in modern times, our popular perception of finding happiness lies in material possessions, successful relationships, career accomplishments, etc., however, in essence, happiness is beyond such one-stop destinations, rather, it is a journey or a process.
Well, if we try to decode happiness, one would find that it is underlined by two factors – one is endogenic (which lies within one's self and is internal) that includes biological (cognitive and personality) and ethical sub-factors; the other one is exogenic (which is influenced by the outer world and is external) and ranges from behavioural, socio-cultural, economical, geographical to life events and aesthetic sub-factors. And, as the researchers have concluded, happiness is something that comes as a result of the interaction between these two main factors.
In the review article, Happiness & Health: The Biological Factors, published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health, researchers have found that the endogenic factors or the factors within the body form the basis of happiness. And among the endogenic factors too, the biological sub-factor is said to be significant, namely, genes, brain and neurotransmitters, hormones, physical health. Studies find that the genetic sub-factor itself is said to account for 35-50 per cent of happiness. Besides, neuroscience explains how brain chemicals play a significant role in controlling our moods and emotions. The four neurotransmitters – dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins, popularly called by the acronym – DOSE, are said to be happy chemicals present in our brain that stimulate a happy mood. That is why a psychiatrist or a neurologist prescribes medicines containing these chemicals to a patient who is going through mental issues such as depression to boost their mood and mental well being. Besides, one can also stimulate these happy chemicals naturally by doing workouts, yoga, playing games, spending time with friends and loved ones, etc. A good balance among all these sub-factors, hence, are the primary keys to happiness.
Besides endogenic factors, researchers say that the exogenic or the external factors equally play a role in one's happiness. These are the things that are an extrinsic part of our lives, for instance, family and relationships, income, our surroundings, life events, etc. In the discipline of Psychology, there is a separate area of study known as Positive Psychology that extensively focuses on positive human qualities, namely, well being, happiness and satisfaction, to help human beings prosper and lead healthy, happy lives.
Happiness, as an area of learning, overlaps within it many disciplines – from Humanities, Social Sciences to Natural Sciences and Applied Studies. But, despite its multidisciplinary nature and its usefulness which directly centres around human lives, sadly, it has remained an underrated area. Our country ranks 136 among 146 countries in the UN's World Happiness Report 2022, which reminds us where we, as a country, stand in terms of happiness. To overcome this quagmire, we really need to start a discussion in the sphere of happiness, too, like other trending subjects. Government bodies, NGOs, civil societies, and everyone else have an important role to play in this regard.
Today, many consider name, fame, and money, the three most sought after luxuries, to bring success in life. People are continuously seen struggling throughout their life to achieve these luxuries; many interpret them as bringing happiness to life, however, that is not necessarily the case. Well, to cut a long story short, if I am asked, what is the most luxurious thing that one should try to find in life? I would say... happiness! I can only hope people would relate to this.
