Happiness deserves its own encyclopaedia. In concept, it is so wide that it spreads to science, philosophy, religion, well-being, and even economics. (Gross National Happiness, anyone?) In expression, it is one of the basic human emotions, yet it is elusive.
From the smiley yellow emoticon designed by American artist Harvey Ball to the discovery of the happy hormones — endorphins, happiness has been interpreted in countless ways. Artists, neuroscientists, philosophers, authors… have deconstructed the emotion. But can it be taught?
Think of facilitators who help others find happiness. Through their craft, their tools, they make others happy. How do these people interpret happiness? Gulf News interviewed a comedienne, laughter yoga specialist, meditation facilitator and life coach to find out.
‘I make people laugh'
Mina Liccione, award-winning stand-up comedienne and entertainer, and artistic director of Dubomedy Arts, a pioneering local comedy community in the UAE, contextualises her idea of happiness through the quote, ‘Happiness never decreases by being shared'. She says, "I love what I do — I make people laugh and I teach others how to make people laugh so that the waterfall of laughter will continue to flow."
She believes that laughter is the best cure for tension, frustration, depression and aids healing. "There is enough stress in the world," she says.
Referring to her profession — comedy, she says it is a way of life. "It is an attitude adjustment. A comedian chooses to see the humour in life and share the observations and stories with others."
Laughter yoga works wonders
Suman Suneja, laughter yoga specialist, and owner of Murano Lighting Company, UAE, says he feels double the happiness when he cames people laugh. "Firstly, my body releases feel-good hormones, and then when I watch more than a 100 people laugh as a result of my anchoring, I feel gratification."
Suneja has conducted workshops on laughter yoga for the past six years, and organises laughter yoga sessions twice a month in public parks around Dubai and Sharjah. He believes that people should laugh even when they are unhappy. "Laughing, even if it is forced laughter, in the face of negative emotions like stress, anger or anxiety can be a mood-lifting experience. To add to this, laughter is infectious. Watching others laugh could have you in giggles too," he said. "Happiness can be achieved through meditation."
‘Connect with inner self'
Manya Pamnani, facilitator and proponent of Sahaja Yoga Meditation, UAE, and a chartered accountant, says the facilitators of Sahaja Yoga Meditation are a "happy group of people". "We utilise our spare time to assist people in learning a simple meditation technique. Through this [the technique] they connect with their inner selves and discover the permanent joy within. We consider our time well spent if it helps fellow human beings lead a healthy, joyous and enriched life."
She believes happiness can be achieved through meditation. "In today's complex lifestyle, we are pursuing happiness outside all the time. Truth is — it has always been within us. The relentless thoughts that occupy our minds often diminish the joy that we are so desperately seeking. In this regard, meditation helps," she says.
‘It's about trusting who you are'
Cindy van de Kreke-Freens, Certified Personal and Professional Development Coach, Authenticity Coaching & Consultancy, Dubai, believes happiness starts with wanting to be happy for yourself. "You then need to find out when life is ‘most alive' for you," she says.
The moments of happiness that she referred to are known as "peak experiences". When you examine these moments, you will be able to find out what defines you and identify the values you abide by, she explains. "The more you live according to these values, the more authentic and alive you will feel. You'll start to live your life by being yourself. When you are clear about who you are, you can decide what's important and what's not."
Happiness is also about enjoying and trusting who you are, who you are becoming, and where you are at this stage in your life, said Kreke-Freens. "You will experience the fact that you are blessed, and the people around you will be inspired because of you and your energy."
