by John Kiddie • We are all seeking happiness and contentment in this life. This is our quest. Researchers studying the science of happiness have found common denominators in happy people. Physical activity and exercise is important. It releases dopamine, that gives us a sense of pleasure and well-being.
Other components include varying our routines and doing new and different activities; caring about something larger than ourselves; having close supportive friends and family, a feeling of community; having a sense of wanting to make the world a better place.
Gratitude is another component of happiness and contentment. In one study, researchers had their group write down, on every Sunday, five things that they were grateful for. This activity increased their feeling of happiness. Acts of kindness yielded the same result.
These are all positive things that we can embrace to bring us happiness. When we can turn our attention from seeking our happiness and fulfillment from the external to the internal, we will have set our feet upon the path to true and lasting happiness. Paramahansa Yogananda said it thusly:
Seek the unconditional, indestructible, pure bliss within yourself, and you will have found the ever-conscious, ever-new joy of God. Unlike material pleasures, this joy is not an abstract quality of mind. It is the conscious, self-born, self-expressing quality of Spirit. Seek it and be comforted forever.
