The Art of Happiness - nyshfa.org · Objectives of Today’s Program Understand Ideas of happiness. Review the Specifics of Happiness. Reflect on “Subjective Well-being. Develop

The Art of Happiness

Francis L. Battisti, PhD

Objectives of Today’s Program

Understand Ideas of happiness.

Review the Specifics of Happiness.

Reflect on “Subjective Well-being.

Develop a Personal Enrichment

Plan.

“The experience of joy,

contentment, or positive well-

being, combined with a sense that

one’s life is good meaningful and

worthwhile.”

Sonja Lyubomirsky

“Happiness is not something ready

made. It comes from your own

actions.”

Dali Lama

Why Practice Happiness?

• Happy people are more generous

• Happy people cope better with

stress and trauma

• Happy people are more creative and

are better able to see the big

picture

Why Practice happiness

• Happy people are less likely to get

sick, and the live longer

• Happy people are more likely to get

married and have fulfilling marriages,

and they have more friends

• Happy people make more money and

are more productive at work

How to Cultivate Happiness?

• Awe Narrative: Recall and

describe a time when you

experienced awe

• Best Possible Self: Imagine your

life going as well as it possibly

could, then write about this best

possible future

How to Cultivate Happiness

• Best Possible Self for

Relationships: Visualize what your

life would be like without the good

things you have

• Meaningful Photos: Photograph,

then write about, things that are

meaningful to you

Keys to Happiness

• Build relationships

• Give thanks

• Practice kindness

• Give up grudges

Keys to Happiness

• Get physical

• Get rest

• Pay attention

• Don’t focus on material wealth

Clues to Happiness

Yearning: What kinds of activities are

you naturally drawn to?

Rapid Learning: What kinds of

activities do you seem to pick up

quickly?

Flow: In what activities did the steps

just come to you automatically?

Clues to Happiness

Glimpses of Excellence: During

what activities have you had

moments of subconscious

excellence, “How did I do that?”

Satisfaction: What activities give

you a kick, either while doing them

or immediately after finishing them.

“Oh, when can I do that again?”

Personal Enrichment Plan

The things I love most about my life?

What are your quick wins?

What are your next Priorities?

What actions are you going to take?