The Art and Science of Happiness (PAIP Assignment for 4/15 and 4/16)

“As soon as we wish to be happier, we are no longer happy.” -Walter Landor

Contentment: what does that word mean? Well, according to the dictionary contentment is defined as a state of happiness and satisfaction. But how many of us can actually say we are happy?

In our modern and fast-paced world, it seems we aren’t so much enjoying happiness as seeking the next thing that will make us happy, or happier. According to Walter Landor, an English writer and poet, the minute we start seeking the next happiness, we stop being happy and start striving for something else. It is that desire for more happiness that robs us of the enjoyment of happiness in the moment.

Two of the changes we can make to help ourselves pause and actually experience happiness are identifying what really makes us happy and concentrate on that happiness, not chasing it, not increasing it, just concentrating on it and enjoying it.

Please complete the following assignment and allow your mind to meditate on the joy of happiness that a spirit of appreciation allows you to create.

Assignment (due 4/18/2020 by 8P):
1) Watch Dan Gilbert's "The Surprising Science of Happiness" video.

List 1:

2) Create a gratitude list of 5 things about your life that you appreciate.

3) Focus on 3 items on your gratitude list and answer the following questions:

What is significant about item 1 on your list?

How long have you been appreciative of item 1 on your list?

Has your appreciation increased or decreased over time?

When does item 1 cause you to experience a state of happiness or contentment?

List 2:

4) Create a gratitude list of 5 things you appreciate about your partner or a former partner.

5) Focus on 3 items on the gratitude list you created about your partner and answer the following questions:

What is significant about item 2 on your list?

How long have you been appreciative of item 2 on your list?

Has your appreciation increased or decreased over time?

When does item 2 cause you to experience a state of happiness or contentment?

6) Please input your answers for lists 1 and 2 on this Google Form.

Chris AC, MA, CDVP and SolEK, MS, CDVP

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