Before you answer this question, I ask you to consider the difference between pleasure and happiness.
- How do you define pleasure?
- How do you define happiness?
Consider that pleasure is temporary in the moment and is predominantly related to the outcome of an external event.
Some people suggest:
- Happiness is when your life fulfils your needs.
What if it is possible to be happy when needs are not fulfilled? Imagine being happy with what is.
Consider that happiness is a way of being and the following steps may be useful in practicing being happy:
- Being aware of feelings
- Accepting those feelings
- Acknowledging you can’t control initial thoughts & feelings
- What are your choices now?
- Reflection on feelings & choices
Some questions to consider during reflection:
- What did you choose to do?
- What could you do differently?
- What could you choose to do again next time?
- How long did it take to return to being happy?
You may find it useful exploring the possibility of experiencing happiness when needs are not fulfilled through practicing happiness.
Options
To become clear on your definition of what being happy is then practice being happy because you choose to be happy.
Or
Change nothing if this is something you already do or not interested in.
