Exploring The Concept “I Am Happiness On Earth”

Happiness is often considered an emotion that is characterized by contentment, joy, and satisfaction with daily life, from your relationships with loved ones to the enjoyment of everyday activities. Many people may hope to feel happiness on a daily basis, but what does it really mean to be happy on earth? This article explores happiness as a lived experience, how happiness evolves over time, ways to foster this positive emotion, and support resources for fostering happiness and reducing adverse mental health symptoms. 

What does happiness on Earth really mean?

Happiness on earth may refer to a natural state of joy and happiness that humans experience beyond everyday thoughts and emotions. People may experience this state of being when they are deeply engaged in activities such as sports, music, or art. 

However, happiness on earth may not necessarily mean you have to be in a permanent state of pleasure and joy. Human emotions are complex, and it can be natural to feel a range of emotions over the course of your life, from grief to calmness or happiness. Sometimes, objective reality can be challenging, uncertain, or painful. In these cases, it can be helpful to see the world and everyday life with the eyes of compassion – for both yourself and others. 

However, happiness can still be a frequent and resounding emotion in your life when you take time for self-care, engage in fulfilling activities, foster supportive relationships, and approach new experiences with curiosity and gratitude. 

Hedonic and eudaimonic happiness

Importance of happiness for our mental health

A recent study suggests that happier people live longer lives, showing higher levels of life satisfaction, physical health, and cognitive function. 

When your body is constantly changing, your inner sense of happiness is may be the only constant. Toxic stress and other mental health challenges can have a severe impact, but an open mind and a positive attitude may be beneficial. You can cultivate greater happiness in a variety of ways, such as letting go of expectations, maintaining a balanced perspective on life, attending therapy, and fostering self-expression, connection, and mental health. 

How expectations shape happiness

Your expectations for yourself and those around you can shape your experience of the world, the happiness you experience, and your satisfaction in relationships. Unmet expectations may lead to disappointment but there are plenty of ways you can let go of expectations. 

Why unmet expectations lead to disappointment

You may feel happy when you fulfill a specific desire or goal, such as getting into your chosen university or starting a new relationship. However, when something doesn’t go according to plan it may leave you feeling disappointed. Research finds this phenomenon in relationships, highlighting that unmet relational expectations are linked with depressive symptoms. The gap between what you expect and what actually happens, in some cases, can become a point of suffering.

Letting go of unrealistic expectations

In an effort to raise self-awareness, embrace the present reality, and avoid feeling trapped by expectations, you may engage in different exercises and practices. Below are some ways to help you let go of unrealistic expectations:

• Practice mindfulness and acceptance by paying attention to the present moment, whether chopping vegetables, sweeping, or working on the computer. 
• Evaluate your evaluations, asking yourself if they are realistic and if they can be adjusted to support others and yourself.
• Foster self-compassion by giving yourself encouragement, comforting your body (such as taking a walk), and writing a compassionate letter to yourself after a difficult event.
• Set realistic goals, which may include breaking large goals into small, manageable steps, such as writing 400 words a day for a book. 
• Communicate your expectations and needs with those around you to foster happy and satisfying relationships.

Seeing life clearly rather than perfectly

During the course of a lifetime, you may experience joyful moments, painful experiences, and everything in between. When you are able to see things as they are, acknowledging both beautiful and difficult moments, you may feel more capable of responding in ways that align with your values. For example, individuals who viewed the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity for growth reported lower levels of depression and greater resilience, highlighting how perspective can shape mental health.

Happiness and perspective over time

Happiness may shift over time, especially as your priorities, relationships, and life circumstances evolve. For young men and women, personal achievement and experiences may be sources of happiness. Meanwhile, older adults may place greater value on relationships and reflection. Regardless of age, having the flexibility to shift between past, present, and future, without becoming stuck in regret or worry can improve happiness. In the end, it can be helpful to learn, grow, and develop a clearer perspective at your own pace, without comparing yourself to others. 

Happiness, self-expression, and connection

Making meaningful connections and engaging in forms of self-expression are some ways that people can foster happiness in their lives. Mixing different forms of self-expression can be seen as an emotional release. A dancer, for example, may use body movement to express and process different emotional states. People may explore different scenes of expression, such as music, dance, or sport, to express their unique style.

Forms of self-expression and connection

• Dance as a form of self-expression to boost self-esteem, physical well-being, and emotional development. 
• Explore creative arts, such as painting, writing, or pottery, to articulate emotional experiences.
• Make new friendships to connect with like-minded individuals and explore new aspects of life. 
• Foster relationships that fulfil your desire for sex, intimacy, and connection to improve health. 

Cultivating happiness through self-care

There's no limit or expiration date on happiness — it can be increased and cultivated at any age. However, as we age, we may need to work harder to find and maintain happiness as our relationships and circumstances change. This might include developing our skills of self-care and compassion.

Self-care includes activities such as eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and being mindful of our thoughts and feelings. A clinical study from 2021 reveals the relationship between self-care, stress, and well-being to be strongly linked. As negative psychological conditions can be detrimental to our mental health, trying to do things that make us feel good is a great way to boost happiness.

What neuroscience says about happiness

The neuroscience of happiness helps us understand the biological processes that underlie our positive emotions. Certain brain regions and processes are associated with happiness, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as our serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine levels. By understanding how these biological mechanisms work together to control our emotional states, we can gain insight into ways to enhance and sustain our feelings of joy.

For example, research indicates that exercise can help boost serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, releasing a sense of happiness and well-being. Similarly, participating in social activities such as spending time with friends increases oxytocin levels, linked to enhanced connection and trust.

Happiness through awareness of the world

Happiness can mean different things to different people. Some may view happiness as a temporary emotion, while others may view it as a state of being, beyond deeper-rooted emotions. Teachings in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and other religions suggest that in the absence of negative emotions, happiness may be a human’s natural state of being.

Research suggests that happiness can be shaped by various factors, including positive thinking about oneself, positive engagement with the world, and a growth mindset. When someone takes the time to watch their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and looks at his life with reflection, they may recognize the fact that happiness can be influenced by their perspective of the world.

Novels on why happiness comes and goes

Happiness is a state of emotion that many people may strive for, but sometimes it can feel fleeting. At times, happiness can feel temporary when it is determined by external factors, rather than your internal experience. Novels such as The Alchemist explore this idea, suggesting that happiness comes from within rather than from external achievements. 

However, there are various perspectives on happiness. Philosophers, authors, and filmmakers around the world have also explored how happiness ebbs and flows, and how it may be returned through relationships and social connection. Some popular works include “Raging Sun, Raging Sky” and “Happiness Falls,” discussing how emotional bonds and life’s loads impact happiness. 

Observing life rather than chasing it

External factors can shift and change over time, and while it can be beneficial to foster relationships, pursue career goals, and engage with the world, it can also be helpful to slow down and observe your experience of life. Below are some ways to foster happiness internally: 

• Observe rather than react: Notice how your internal emotions are influenced by external events and practice responding consciously rather than reacting impulsively.
• Slow down: Take moments to unwind and pause throughout the day, such as through walking breaks or simple breathing exercises.
• Practice gratitude: Foster gratitude in your life to increase positive emotions and curb mental health symptoms. 
• Journal: Write about how different events during the day made you think and feel to better understand yourself and how you are experiencing the world. 
• Maintain a positive dialogue: Approach conversations with curiosity and respect, as well as appreciating your own worth.  

Getting support when happiness feels out of reach

Sometimes, happiness may feel out of reach, but there are plenty of resources that can help you explore the meaning of happiness, let go of expectations, and uncover emotional patterns that prevent you from experiencing natural states of joy. Online therapy is one valuable resource for enhancing mental health and well-being. 

Through platforms such as BetterHelp, you can speak to a therapist over the phone, via chat, and on video calls. You also have the flexibility to arrange sessions according to your needs and schedule. After taking a short questionnaire, the platform ensures you’re matched with the right therapist. The convenience, flexibility, and affordability of sessions ensures you can find long-lasting care.

Research on positive psychology

Research on cancer patients suggests that positive psychology interventions can increase happiness, character strength, pleasure levels, and fulfilment in life. Through therapeutic interventions, you may learn to accept and manage your emotions, as well as better identify and cultivate joy in your life.