Unlock Happiness

Hey Readers!  

Welcome to the latest update from our session. This time, we delved into the topic of Happiness—but before diving in, let me ask you: How are you?  

Take a moment and answer that question sincerely. We ask and answer this question countless times a day, but most responses are typically, "I’m fine," "I’m okay," or "Doing well." These have become routine answers, lacking genuine reflection. So, I challenge you to pause and truly reflect—how are you right now?  

Just as this simple question becomes complicated to answer truthfully, the same happens with happiness. We’ve attached happiness to so many external things—achievements, status, or lifestyle—that we lose track of what truly makes us happy. In our busy lives, we often forget how to just be. Have you ever felt happy, even on an ordinary day when nothing special happened? This is because happiness is always within us; it’s a state of mind, not a result of external success.  

There’s no "key" to happiness because the door to it was never locked. We chase happiness through external pursuits—wealth, relationships, success—but do these really bring lasting joy, or do they just fuel the endless search for happiness?  

Take the classic example of a fisherman:  

A fisherman in a quiet village spent his days catching just enough fish to support his family, spending the rest of his time relaxing with loved ones. A businessman suggested he work harder to expand his business, make more money, and eventually retire to enjoy a peaceful life. The fisherman smiled and replied, "But I’m already living that life now."  

This story highlights a key Taoist teaching: true happiness often comes from appreciating the present, rather than striving for more. It's not about what we lack but about recognizing what we already have. Just like the picture below, the water is there, but we cannot visualize its presence until we throw something in it and the waves appear.

Happiness is a state of mind, something we inherently possess. Just think back to your happiest childhood memories—they probably weren’t tied to material wealth or achievements but to simple joys. As we grow, we tend to lose sight of this natural state, getting caught up in societal standards.  

However, we can reconnect with that state of happiness through practices like kindness, gratitude, and compassion. Consider these two stories as examples:

1. The Glass of Milk Story: A poor young boy, Howard Kelly, once asked for water from a kind woman, but she gave him a glass of milk instead, refusing payment. Years later, the woman fell seriously ill and was treated by Dr. Howard Kelly, who had become a renowned physician. Recognizing her as the woman who helped him, he ensured she received the best care. When she received her bill, it read: "Paid in full with one glass of milk," signed by Dr. Kelly.  

2. Roger Federer’s Commencement Address: Federer delivered the commencement address at Dartmouth on June 9, 2024, where he was awarded an honorary Doctorate for his incredible journey in tennis. During the speech, he shared valuable lessons with the graduating class of 2024. One of the key takeaways was about looking beyond personal success and understanding how we can positively impact others' lives. Federer spoke about his visit to Africa, where he saw people struggling with basic needs, particularly primary education. He discovered that 75% of children lacked access to playschool, which inspired him to start a foundation focused on providing education and employment opportunities. His actions reflect how compassion and empathy can create meaningful change in the lives of those in need. "Life is beyond the tennis court" (Watch the full speech here)

Take a moment to reflect on what your life looks like beyond the field of your work. How are you reaching out to people beyond, and how are you measuring your success beyond the field/job/business you deal with daily?  

Now, let’s explore the "chemistry of happiness." Our brain plays a significant role in regulating mood and well-being through four key chemicals: 

 

Dopamine is the "reward" chemical, boosting motivation and pleasure when we accomplish goals. But beware—over-reliance on short-term rewards, like social media validation, can lead to burnout.  

Oxytocin is the "love" hormone, fostering connection and trust. It’s triggered by acts of kindness, physical touch, and social bonding.  

Serotonin is the "mood stabilizer," promoting feelings of contentment and well-being. Exposure to sunlight, exercise, and a healthy diet help boost serotonin levels.  

Endorphins are natural painkillers, released during exercise, laughter, and even while eating chocolate. They create feelings of euphoria and relaxation.  

Engaging in activities that naturally stimulate these chemicals—like exercise, social connections, and mindfulness—helps maintain mental well-being. However, in today’s world, we often become dependent on dopamine-driven activities like social media, which can exhaust our happiness reserves. The key to lasting happiness is to balance all these chemicals by nurturing various aspects of life, rather than relying on one source for fulfillment.  

So, friends, remember to practice kindness, gratitude, and compassion to stay in your natural state of happiness. Finally, the idea of happiness we want to leave you with: you don't need to pursue happiness—you are already happy. Just unlock the abundance within you.  

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the discussion respectful and enlightening!