PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
The key to happiness lies in science—positive psychology to be exact, which looks at what makes life worth living. “Such a science holds two promises—the prevention of mental health conditions and the cultivation of a more fulfilling life,” says Simon Leow (pictured below right), co-founder of the Happiness Initiative. It was this need to help people discover the choices they can make to improve their happiness and well-being that encouraged the former junior college vice-principal, who has a masters in applied positive psychology, and former commodities trader Sherman Ho (left) to set up the social enterprise, which is behind the Happiness Film Festival and Conference. Starting this month, the Happiness Initiative will run a series of webinars that explores the drivers of wellbeing from two perspectives: self and others, covering themes of purpose, passion, altruism and happiness. Leow explains the science of happiness and well-being. What is happiness to you? Happiness is the ability to transcend our self‑centred consciousness in service of others. It seems paradoxical that happiness is a subjective experience and that it gets better when we stop focusing on the subject, that is ourselves. This is our happiness equation: Happiness = Service to Others. When we transcend the focus beyond ourselves, we become happier. And when we shift our focus beyond our own selfish benefits, we become even happier.
How is the Happiness Initiative helping people discover the key to sustainable happiness? Our work revolves around helping people understand the happiness equation. We have identified five broad non‑ exhaustive themes—mindset, passion, purpose, relationship and altruism. Each of these may encompass a number of activities spanning different contexts.
Can you share some ways to be happier?
Learn about the science of happiness and find activities that reduces focus on the self and increases focus on others. Some of these include reframing our thoughts, mindfulness practice, being in nature, engaging in activities that we get “lost” in, volunteering, and being part of something bigger than ourselves. Each of us need to experiment with the ways that may suit us better.