I'm so glad I took the time to watch it. It looks at happiness--what the science says as well as experiential happiness. It's a wonderful reminder that happiness isn't really found in material goods. Yes, we require some basic things and without them it is very difficult to be happy. But does my new smartphone truly bring me happiness? I may be glad when it arrives and it's shiny and new. But that satisfaction is extremely fleeting. It leaves and I never again capture that feeling. Experiences, however, can continue to bring back moments of happiness and contentment. I can look at a photo of a wonderful experience, or even think about it, and I'm there.
Anyway, the documentary is really good and I would recommend it if you're in the mood.
Here are some of my notes that I want to take with me from watching "Happy"
- Exercise - especially in novel ways
- Flow
- Loving Kindness Meditation
- Compassion Meditation
- Tracking thankfulness every week
- Acts of kindness
- Play
- New Experiences
Today I've payed attention and recognized those moments when I felt contentment--cooking dinner with my husband; being productive with some work while I watched a documentary; eating a healthy and delicious meal. I want to hold on to these moments when they happen. I've smiled today and felt glad for noticing that I am happy and thankful for experiencing these moments.
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