Ji Won,  was a famous celebrity. People saw his  success and expected him to be happy. But that was  not his life experience. 

This book provides guidance, hope, and support in a fun story format. It is your simple ‘Handbook for Happiness’. It shows how you can lead a life filled with joy, happiness, and tangible magic.

With its engaging story and practical advice, this book is the perfect resource for anyone looking to find purpose and meaning in their life. So why wait? Embrace the power of positivity and start your journey to a happier life!

Ji Won was feeling caged inside his cottage and thought to take a walk by the beach. He was wearing his favorite grey sweatpants and black cotton t-shirt. Usually people in the industry, his fans and media thought of him as a very quiet and reserved person. But that was far from the truth. He liked spontaneity and action. 

On the other hand, his close friends usually thought of him as too impulsive. They were not correct about him either. Ji Won did take the time to logically evaluate his next steps. But he believed that if one wants to shine in unique ways, then one also needs to take those steps that others are not willing to take. He believed in taking calculated risks. 

That is why he did most of his own stunts in his movies. At the start of his career, friends and family had tried to strongly dissuade him from it. But Ji Won had continued doing his own stunts. He knew it allowed him to better enact his role, to get deeper into his character’s psyche and because he was doing his own scene, the camera could capture close nuances of his action. All this finally went on to create spectacular magic on screen! That is who Ji Won thought of himself. He was a magician, who created magic on screen for his fans. 

According to him, it is necessary to think, but at the same time, it is also very important to act. He hated it when people constantly sat on the fence instead of making an action plan. Nothing angered him more than unsure and indecisive behavior. 

Sometimes his friends thought of him as a gambler- someone willing to take a tough bet. Ji Won simply looked at it as taking well-evaluated risks. He felt that it is necessary to take big, well-assessed risks, if one wants to achieve big in life.  
This logical thinking worked well for him till his emotions got involved. He had many deep, unresolved feelings, that he had never taken the time to evaluate. His mother had bad lungs. When other kids had their mother accompany them to the playground, Ji Won had to go alone or with his elder brother. 

He was raised by his grandmother. He had not received much attention from his mother and very early into his childhood he had developed a strong fear of rejection. He wanted to look good, come across as capable and confident, because he was always worried that if he did not show a brave front, then people will see his true self and dislike him for it. 

Ji Won secretly hoped that someday he will learn to create his own magic. Everyone who saw his life from the outside, thought he had a magical existence. They were correct to some extent. For a poor boy with no real prospects, Ji Won had become one of Asia’s biggest celebrity. Life surely had blessed him with a Midas-touch. 

What people did not know was that deep inside, Ji Won was sad. He always felt mentally drained and totally devoid of any peace of mind. He had not been able to figure out the real reason. There were days when he would feel depressed, but to save face, he would still go out and play golf with his friends. He would give interviews claiming the benefits of having a disciplined schedule and make cute fan videos to show he was ‘happy’. 

There is an old saying- ‘if one puts on a mask long enough, it eventually becomes their face’. Ji Won thought he will prove it correct, by putting on a brave front. But Ji Won should have realized that the saying talks about how others will perceive you as per your mask, it does not speak about internal transformation. 

When it came to his image, Ji Won did prove that saying correct. With his calm, brave front, he had gathered lot of admiration from his fans and public in general. Everyone thought of him as a very pious and spiritual man. But Ji Won merely felt empty. People thought he was a courageous man who can weather all kinds of storms. 

There were those who looked up to him for it and then there were those who were envious of him. The former group would frequently reach out to him for help and advice. The latter group would try to take him down with vicious attacks! 

At times, Ji Won felt guilty. He thought of himself as a hypocrite who showed a spiritual face to the world, when inside he was constantly in pain and angst. He always sought validation and acceptance. As a celebrity he received more than his fair share of public love and attention. Even his parents were happy to see his success and Ji Won had finally received his father’s approval. 

What made Ji Won sad was that he constantly felt distressed and ‘unsupported’. He could not explain the feeling. There were many times when he wondered if he was losing his mental balance which made him think these strange thoughts. But he knew that those were not thoughts that his thinking mind had come up with. These were deep seated emotions he constantly felt, and he felt helpless to address them!

​The power of positive thinking has been a topic of interest for psychologists, self-help authors, and ordinary individuals for generations. While positive thinking isn’t a magical cure-all, when employed in a genuine and consistent manner, it can bring about profound transformations in our lives.

Let us delve into what positive thinking is, why it matters, and how we can harness its power to lead a happier life.

​At its core, positive thinking is an optimistic state of mind that expects good outcomes, even in challenging situations. It is a conscious effort to look at the brighter side of things and expect the best possible outcome. This doesn’t mean being naive or ignoring the realities of life. Instead, it’s about believing in one's ability to overcome challenges.

The Benefits of Positive Thinking

1. Boosted Immune System: Research has shown that positive emotions and thoughts can boost the immune system, making one less susceptible to illnesses.
2. Stress Reduction: Optimistic individuals often experience reduced stress because they believe in their ability to handle situations.
3. Better Cardiovascular Health: Positive thinkers tend to have lower rates of cardiovascular disease.
4. Improved Coping Skills: Positive thinkers develop better resilience and coping mechanisms in the face of adversity.
5. Increased Lifespan: Optimism is associated with a longer life.
6. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: With a more positive mindset, individuals approach problems with creativity and openness.
7. Better Relationships: Positive people are often more pleasant to be around, which can lead to healthier relationships.

How to Cultivate Positive Thinking

1. Affirmations: These are positive statements that can help overcome self-sabotaging thoughts. By repeating them, you can start to believe them and make them a reality.
2. Visualization: Imagine a positive outcome for your endeavors. This creates a mental blueprint for success.
3. Gratitude Journaling: Focus on what you're grateful for. This can shift your mindset from what you lack to what you have.
4. Limit Negative Inputs: Whether it is news or negative individuals, limit the amount of negativity you let into your life.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices help in grounding you to the present moment and can reduce anxiety.
6. Surround Yourself with Positive Individuals: The company you keep plays a significant role in shaping your mindset.

Overcoming the Pitfalls

• Over-Optimism: It is essential to balance optimism with realism. Being overly optimistic can lead to disappointment if things don’t pan out as expected.
• Ignoring Negative Emotions: It is important to acknowledge and address negative emotions. Bottling them up can lead to bigger problems in the long run.

The power of positive thinking is an incredible tool for transforming your life. While it won’t change your circumstances overnight, it will change how you approach and handle them. By consciously choosing to focus on the positive and expecting favorable results, you set yourself on the path to greater happiness and success.

Remember, the mind is potent; by filling it with positive thoughts, you prepare it to face challenges with grace, resilience, and joy.

​As we navigate the complexities of life, it is easy to lose sight of the blessings we receive every day. Gratitude is that profound emotion which does more than just prompting us to say "thank you". It is a deep-seated appreciation that enhances our life's satisfaction, pushing us towards a happier, more rewarding life.

In the following sections, we will unravel the essence of gratitude, reinforcing it with real-life instances and robust data.

​Gratitude transcends being merely thankful; it is an emotion of deep appreciation that breeds positivity and resilience in us. Several psychological studies lend weight to the life-improving potential of gratitude.

​One such study shed light on how maintaining a gratitude journal can bring about an improved sleep quality, fewer health complaints, and an overall heightened sense of happiness. The consistent practice of gratitude unfurls numerous benefits such as stress reduction, optimism increase, relationship improvement, and health enhancement.

​To emphasize the transformative power of gratitude, consider a real-life example of a man in his thirties. Amid his busy professional life, he started to keep a gratitude journal, chronicling three things he was grateful for each day. Over a period of time, he noticed significant improvements in his sense of well-being, stress management, and interpersonal relationships.

​Although his life did not change overnight, the consistent practice of gratitude noticeably altered his overall life outlook.

​While the importance of gratitude is easy to comprehend, making it a part of our daily life can be a bit challenging.

Here are a few strategies to foster a gratitude habit:

1. Gratitude Journaling: Taking a cue from our illustrative case, recording three things you are grateful for each day can be a great practice. It could be anything from minor life pleasures to significant life events.

2. Mindful Meditation: Incorporating gratitude into your meditation routine helps in focusing on the elements of life you're grateful for, promoting an appreciation of your current circumstances.

3. Outward Expression of Gratitude: Feeling grateful is one part of the equation; expressing it is equally important. By communicating your gratitude to the people around you, you can foster better relationships and cultivate a positive environment.

​The impact of gratitude isn't just limited to subjective experiences. Various studies have quantitatively measured its benefits. A comprehensive study involving around 3,000 participants showed a 28% reduction in perceived stress and a 16% decrease in depression symptoms for those who kept a gratitude journal.

Another piece of research highlighted that couples expressing gratitude towards each other experienced higher relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, a study demonstrated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure in patients with hypertension who practiced weekly gratitude.

In conclusion, gratitude is a potent force with the potential to transform lives. In an era fixated on the constant pursuit of more, the practice of gratitude offers a rejuvenating counterbalance. While gratitude isn't a magic cure-all, it can significantly elevate our overall well-being and happiness.

Supported by an array of studies and real-life instances, it is clear that gratitude plays an integral role in leading a happier, more fulfilling life. Though the initial effort might seem daunting, the rewards reaped from this simple practice are truly significant and transformative.

At its core, mindfulness is all about anchoring ourselves in the present moment. It is the practice of engaging fully with our experiences, observing our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Stripped of the regrets of the past and the worries of the future, mindfulness calls us to wholeheartedly embrace the 'now'.

The question that naturally arises is how does a state of present awareness breed happiness?

When we are immersed in mindfulness, we are granting ourselves the chance to relish the raw, undiluted beauty of life. The overlooked ordinary moments begin to sparkle. We develop the ability to observe our emotions, both positive and negative, with a sense of equanimity. This balance leads us towards a deeper, richer form of happiness.

The link between mindfulness and happiness isn't merely theoretical—it is backed by a robust body of scientific research. Studies have demonstrated that regular mindfulness practice can induce changes in the brain linked with emotional wellbeing.

For instance, mindfulness can heighten activity in the prefrontal cortex, associated with positive emotions, and curtail activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for the stress response.

Knowledge of mindfulness is only the first stride. The true transformation occurs when we infuse this practice into our everyday lives. It could be as simple as setting aside a few minutes each day for mindfulness meditation or as subtle as practicing mindfulness during daily chores.

Regardless of how you practice, the goal remains the same—to stay engaged in the present moment.

Mindfulness, however, does not just heighten individual happiness—it casts a broader net of positivity. By fostering an inner sense of calm and acceptance, mindfulness enhances our interpersonal relationships, betters our performance at work, and even improves our physical health.

Moreover, our personal happiness has the power to radiate positivity and compassion into our communities.

In our hyper-connected, perpetually bustling world, mindfulness offers us a sanctuary, a serene pathway that guides us towards happiness and wellbeing. By rooting us in the present moment, it empowers us to navigate life's ebbs and flows with grace and to savor genuine moments of joy.

Though it demands commitment and patience, the rewards of mindfulness are immeasurable. So, why not embark on your mindfulness journey today? After all, the gateway to enduring happiness may just lie in the 'here and now'.

The way we start our day can set the tone for the rest of it. Waking up early, practicing a few minutes of mindfulness, or engaging in a morning workout can be powerful tools for cultivating happiness.

​These habits can help clear our minds, energize us, and prepare us for the day ahead. Additionally, a healthy breakfast can provide us with the nutrition we need to kick start our day on a positive note.

Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness.

​Developing a daily habit of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of our lives can enhance our sense of well-being. This could involve writing in a gratitude journal, expressing thanks to a loved one, or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on the things that bring you joy.

Regular physical activity has been scientifically proven to boost mood and reduce stress. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine, even if it's just a short walk or a few minutes of stretching, can make a significant difference to your happiness levels.

​Furthermore, adopting healthy eating habits, such as consuming balanced meals and staying hydrated, can improve your physical health, thereby enhancing your overall well-being.

Mindfulness involves staying fully present in the current moment. By developing a daily habit of mindfulness or meditation, we can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance our emotional well-being.

​This can be as simple as paying full attention to a routine task, taking a few minutes to breathe and relax, or practicing a formal meditation technique.

Performing acts of kindness, no matter how small, can significantly boost our happiness. This could involve helping a neighbor, volunteering, or even just sharing a smile.

​When we do good for others, it not only benefits them but also creates a positive feedback loop that enhances our own sense of happiness and satisfaction.

Getting a good night's sleep is crucial for our mental and physical health. Quality sleep can improve our mood, concentration, and overall energy levels.

​Therefore, developing good sleep habits such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment can greatly enhance our overall happiness.

Embracing a mindset of continuous learning can contribute to a sense of progress and achievement, thereby boosting our happiness. This could involve reading, picking up a new hobby, or learning a new skill.

​By continuously challenging ourselves and stepping out of our comfort zones, we can enhance our self-confidence and sense of fulfillment.

The path to a happier life often lies in the small changes we make in our daily habits. While it might require some effort initially, with time, these habits can become part of our routine and significantly enhance our happiness and well-being.

After all, happiness doesn't have to be a distant goal; it can be something we cultivate and experience each day through our habits and actions. So why not start today?

Happiness is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, influenced by an array of factors that span both internal and external realms.

​To cultivate a deeper understanding of happiness, we must first recognize the key components that contribute to it, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient in capturing the nuances of this elusive emotion.

Scientific research has revealed that genetics play a significant role in determining our baseline happiness levels, accounting for approximately 50% of the variation between individuals.

While it is true that some individuals may be genetically predisposed to experiencing happiness more easily, this doesn't imply that our genetic makeup is the sole determinant of our happiness. Instead, it serves as a foundation upon which other factors can either enhance or diminish our overall sense of well-being.

Life events and circumstances account for approximately 10% of the variation in happiness levels.

​Although external factors, such as income, relationships, and career success, can undoubtedly influence our happiness, their impact is often smaller and more transient than we might expect. This underscores the importance of focusing on the aspects of life that we can control and fostering a sense of gratitude for what we have, even in the face of adversity.

The remaining 40% of the variation in happiness levels can be attributed to intentional activities and personal choices, highlighting the crucial role that our actions and mindset play in shaping our emotional well-being.

​By consciously engaging in practices that promote happiness, we can actively steer our lives towards greater fulfillment and joy.

There are several evidence-based strategies that can help individuals enhance their happiness levels, many of which revolve around fostering positive emotions, building strong relationships, and cultivating a sense of purpose.

1. Practicing Gratitude: Regularly expressing gratitude can lead to increased happiness, as it encourages us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and appreciate the good things we have.
   
2. Engaging in Acts of Kindness: Performing acts of kindness, whether big or small, can significantly boost our happiness levels, as it allows us to connect with others and experience the joy of giving.
   
3. Developing Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, can help us become more present and aware of our thoughts and feelings, contributing to a greater sense of well-being and happiness.
   
4. Nurturing Relationships: Building and maintaining strong social connections is crucial for happiness, as humans are inherently social beings who thrive on positive interactions with others.
   
5. Pursuing Meaningful Goals: Setting and working towards meaningful goals can provide us with a sense of purpose and direction, ultimately contributing to increased happiness.

​Ultimately, the science of happiness teaches us that the pursuit of joy is an ongoing journey, requiring intention, self-awareness, and dedication.

​By understanding the key components of happiness and actively implementing strategies that foster well-being, we can pave the way for a more joyful and fulfilling life. While the road to happiness may be winding and filled with obstacles, it's a journey well worth taking, as it leads to a richer and more meaningful existence.

Life is filled with ups and downs, and our ability to navigate through difficult times plays a significant role in our overall happiness.

​Resilience, or the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, is a key component in maintaining a sense of well-being, even when faced with challenges. By developing coping strategies and learning from past experiences, we can strengthen our resilience and better manage life's inevitable setbacks.

In the pursuit of happiness, it's essential not to neglect our own well-being. Practicing self-care, which encompasses both physical and emotional aspects of our lives, is crucial in fostering a sense of happiness.

​This can include engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and prioritizing time for relaxation and leisure activities. By taking care of ourselves, we create a solid foundation upon which happiness can thrive.

Our social environment plays a crucial role in our happiness, as it shapes our experiences and influences our emotional well-being. Building a strong, supportive community, whether it's through family, friends, or like-minded individuals, can significantly contribute to our overall sense of happiness.

​Surrounding ourselves with positive influences and nurturing relationships can provide us with the encouragement, support, and motivation needed to navigate life's challenges and celebrate our accomplishments.

Happiness is not a static state but rather a dynamic process that evolves over time.

​As we grow and change, our understanding of happiness may also shift, requiring us to adapt our strategies and perspectives accordingly. Embracing this fluid nature of happiness allows us to remain open and receptive to new experiences, fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder that can enrich our lives and contribute to a deeper sense of fulfillment.

The science of happiness offers valuable insights into the key components that contribute to a joyful life. By understanding the interplay between genetics, circumstances, personal choices, and intentional activities, we can cultivate a greater sense of well-being and live a more fulfilling existence.

​Through resilience, self-care, community support, and embracing change, we can navigate life's challenges and experience the joy that comes from personal growth and enlightenment.

​Several studies have shown that binaural beats at low frequency may be helpful in slowing down your brainwaves and promoting relaxation. They've also shown that these beats can be used to induce meditation.

Alpha waves are a type of brainwave associated with calm and relaxation. They are also associated with high performance, particularly peak performance. However, some people have a difficult time harnessing alpha waves. For this reason, they need to make use of binaural beats.

Alpha waves are also associated with deep sleep and dreamless sleep. They are also associated with concentration and insight. In addition, alpha waves are also linked with creativity. In addition, they are used in neurofeedback, which is the study of the brain.

Alpha waves are also associated with the flow state of mind, a state of heightened awareness and concentration. However, it is difficult to achieve this state during a regular workday.

The flow state of mind is associated with creativity, fast learning, and powerful performance. It's also associated with a sense of well-being and liberating peace. It can be hard to reach, but it is worth a try. In order to get into the flow state, you need to remove all barriers to your flow. You might want to set a timer for 15 minutes and then focus on getting into the flow state.

Other researchers have continued to explore binaural beat therapy. In one study, people who were given binaural beats at high frequencies showed improved cognitive performance. They also reported lower blood pressure and heart rate, and increased functioning of their digestion systems. 

In a study of 100 participants, researchers found that these beats decreased preoperative anxiety. They also found that they improved the performance of subjects in a creative task.

While there is no scientific proof to suggest that binaural beats are effective at treating anxiety, they may be helpful for certain types of anxiety. However, more studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of these beats.

​You may be asking yourself if happiness is a state of mind, or if it is a feeling. Happiness as a feeling is transient - it lasts only for a moment or even a day and then is replaced by another feeling. It is therefore important to recognize happiness as a choice you make every day. 

You can choose happiness by choosing to think positively and focus on the positives in your life.

Develop a "thermostat" kind of mindset. This kind of mind does not rely on external things to make you happy. It is based on internal happiness. You choose to be happy even when you face adversity. In this way, you do not let negative circumstances affect your happiness. You believe that you are in control of your own worldview. You can choose to see the good or bad in every situation. 

For example, if you are unhappy with your work, you can focus on the positive aspects (like it helps you to pay your bills) instead of dwelling on the negative parts. 

People who practice mindfulness can find happiness by surrounding themselves with people who think differently than them. They learn to become comfortable with stillness, which is where the brain does its most powerful work. 

What helps further is that, those who are happy tend to cultivate deep human connections with other people. These connections lead to opportunity and possibility, leading to more external 'happy feeling' scenarios. 

Ultimately, happiness is a state of mind, which needs to be traversed like we do any journey and not look out for it, as if it is a destination! Happiness can be cultivated. 

Categories: 
Ancient Wisdom,     Global Vedic Wisdom,   Joy And Happiness    and   Life Management

Keywords and Tags:
#happiness #artofhappiness #KrishnaQuote   #wordsofLordKrishna    #TheBhagavadGita  #ascension #becomminghappy 

​Whether it's the comforting hug of a loved one, or the absence of anxiety, happy people understand that the key to happiness lies in people. Emotional and physical intimacy are critical to overall happiness. But there are also certain other factors that contribute to happiness. In a recent study, researchers found that people who reported being happy more often reported lower heart rates than those who were not happy.

Having positive emotions increases your satisfaction with life and helps you develop stronger coping skills and emotional resources. The longer you experience positive emotions, the less likely you are to be prone to stress and setbacks. Happier people tend to have lower levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Positive emotions are linked to better health and a longer life. It has been shown that positive emotions have many health benefits and reduce the risk of heart disease.

While happy people do feel the plethora of human emotions, including sad emotions, their moods and outlooks are generally more positive. The basic definition of happiness is the same for everyone, but psychologists have found two aspects that define it as a positive state of mind. 

Aristotle distinguished between two kinds of happiness. One being theoretical and the other which is more practical. IN fact there is a famous quote by Aristotle which says- "Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence." He gives the concept of hedonia, which simply defines 'Happiness as Pleasure', which involves satisfying our desires and self-care. According to Aristotle, 'Happiness' is not a state of constant euphoria; but it is a balance of positive and negative emotions.

Another way we can identify happiness is by a healthy immune system. Studies have shown that happy people have a stronger immune system than non-happy people. Their immune system also tends to be more resilient. A study was conducted to understand the connection between having a positive state of mind, being happy and getting infections! Researchers found that participants who reported feeling more positive emotions were found to have significantly lower chances of contracting the cold.

People who are happy often have higher quality sleep. A study conducted by Cornell University found that people who have a positive outlook on life have a better quality of sleep than those with a negative one. People who suffer from a low mood have difficulty sleeping at night. If you're not happy, you'll find yourself prone to depression and other negative emotions.

Positive social support is another important factor. While people can be happy in an unhappiness-inducing environment, the support of close friends and family members has been seen to play a very important role in how finally feel about their situation. Supportive and understanding family and friends will increase a person's happiness level. Conversely, an overtly critical, worrying, depressive or simply a very negative mindset of family and friends, can make a person feel miserable. And the key part is, we don't even need to interact with such negative people to being impacted by their sad mood. Just having negative people in our environment can seep out our energy and make us feel drained, unenergetic and miserable!

Lastly, a sense of purpose is a vital factor for happiness. People with a sense of purpose in life are happier in the long run and are more likely to experience happiness and longevity.

So now, if you are to consider your own emotional state, what is your answer to the questions- Are you happy?? Not the kind of happiness that is dependent on reaching a goal or achieving a certain target, but just happy? Do you have a positive mindset which welcomes each day as an opportunity to live and experience the grandeur of life. If yes, then great… you are walking the right path. Congratulations!! … and if not, then what can you do… what concrete steps can you take to turn around your emotional state of being- from sadness to happiness?