Happiness is an internal state
Notes
Claim
There are two ways by which this statement is true, one is by "what is", and the other is by "what ought to".
Explanation
- Is - we are usually wrong at assuming what would make us happy Deferring happiness to future goals creates present suffering. Being reliant on external factors for happiness such as money or fame usually brings more sadness than happiness. Even when we succeed it turns out worse than expected. Lottery winners are not happier than people who got into a car accident. If happiness doesn't come from the outside, then it must come from within. Happiness is contentment
- Ought - being reliant on external factors for happiness is a great source of Uncertainty creates anxiety when knowledge and control are incomplete and disruption in our lives. It gives the outside world power over us, and it is a power that is best kept for ourselves. The difference between happiness and pleasure is similar to suffering and pain. While pain and pleasures are sensations, suffering and happiness are mental states, which means that we choose to act this way, and we can detach it from outside influences Emotional resilience enables managing hardship and maintaining composure. Therefore happiness is a choice, rather than a circumstance.
Why it matters
This doesn't mean that being happy is a simple choice, we often feel overwhelmed by things in our lives, we feel suffocated, helpless, unable to do anything besides going through the motions. While it is tough, it is possible. It starts with acknowledging your freedom of choice, you are always capable of choosing how to view certain events, even if you can't determine what happens Accepting what we cannot control is the path to peace. For example, by practicing Practicing gratitude shifts perspective toward positive wellbeing you are already making the steps to view the positive in your life, and turning happiness from something dependent on the external world to something you have power over Being emerges from action not belief.
Examples
Supporters
Opposers
Open questions
Visual
Overview
🔼Topic:: Happiness (Nature and Sources) ◀Origin:: 🔗Link::