Tuesday, May 31, 2005

DallasNews.com | News for Dallas, Texas | Texas Living

DallasNews.com | News for Dallas, Texas | Texas Living: "Researchers are trying to define 'happy'"

. . . Nowadays, though, happiness has become a buzzword, more than the birthday song, more than "if we're happy and we know it" clapping our hands or stomping our feet. Everywhere we look, it seems, there's a quiz to take, steps to follow, articles to read that measure, guarantee, heighten our happiness.

What we used to take for granted now has come under the microscope. Amazing research is being done on what makes us happy, how happiness affects our health, whether some of our brains are more wired toward happiness than others.

All of which makes us wonder about the basics: What IS this thing we know when we feel it, but it seems so hard to put a finger on? Just what constitutes happiness?

The sensation of a shared sunset with someone you love? A really good steak? A raise? A child's smile? A thumbs-up from the doctor? Finally conquering a fear, maybe finally giving up smoking?

"Happiness," says my friend David, "is a snapshot."

Moments, he means. Moments that bring us pleasure, peace, absolute joy. Those we can call upon when we're driving home or taking a walk; when . . .

1 Comments:

At 2:44 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello -> Al Cannistraro <- I just wanted to let you know that DallasNews.com | News for Dallas, Texas | Texas Living was an interesting read and well presented. Just my two cents.

Regards,
Quality of Life Improvement

 

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