Happiness is a concept that has fascinated philosophers,
psychologists, and thinkers for centuries. It is often perceived as a fleeting
emotion, a reward for achieving goals, or a reaction to external circumstances.
However, a growing body of research and thought suggests that happiness is not
merely an external pursuit but a default state of mind. When unburdened by
stress, fear, or negativity, the mind naturally gravitates toward contentment
and peace. This essay explores the idea that happiness is our innate state,
examining the psychological, philosophical, and practical dimensions of this
perspective.
Happiness as an Innate
State
From a psychological standpoint, happiness is often seen as the
brain’s natural baseline. Research in positive psychology suggests that humans
are predisposed to certain levels of happiness, which can be influenced but not
entirely determined by external factors. For example, the “hedonic treadmill”
theory highlights how people tend to return to a stable level of happiness
regardless of life events. Winning the lottery or experiencing loss may cause
temporary shifts, but individuals often revert to their baseline happiness
level over time.
This natural baseline suggests that happiness is not something to
be pursued externally but rediscovered within ourselves. When external
influences are minimized—be it societal pressures, fears, or anxieties—people
often find themselves in a state of contentment. This idea aligns with ancient
philosophical teachings, particularly those of Eastern traditions like
Buddhism, which emphasize that joy and peace arise when the mind is freed from
distractions and desires.
The Philosophical View:
Stripping Away Illusions
Philosophers from various traditions have long debated the nature
of happiness. Aristotle, for instance, described eudaimonia, or flourishing, as
the highest human good. For him, happiness was not merely an emotion but a
state achieved through virtue and rational activity. While this view emphasizes
external actions, it also recognizes the importance of aligning one’s inner
state with these actions.
Eastern philosophies, on the other hand, often assert that
happiness is intrinsic and arises when illusions of the mind are stripped away.
For example, in Buddhism, the concept of dukkha, or suffering, arises from
attachment and aversion. The elimination of these mental constructs leads to
Nirvana—a state of ultimate peace and happiness. Similarly, the Taoist
philosophy suggests that harmony with the natural flow of life (Tao) results in
effortless joy.
In modern times, philosophers like Alan Watts have emphasized the
idea that humans are naturally happy when they stop striving to be something
they are not. Watts argued that the constant pursuit of happiness, wealth, or
status only creates unnecessary tension, distancing individuals from the
happiness that is already within them. This perspective aligns with the idea
that happiness is our default state when the mind is not clouded by artificial
desires and fears.
Psychological Research
Supporting the Idea
Psychological studies have increasingly supported the notion that
happiness is less about external circumstances and more about mindset and
perception. For instance, research on mindfulness and meditation reveals that
individuals can cultivate happiness by training their minds to focus on the
present moment. When the mind is calm and free from the constant chatter of
worries or regrets, happiness emerges naturally.
One compelling piece of evidence comes from studies on gratitude.
Practicing gratitude rewires the brain to focus on positive aspects of life
rather than dwelling on negatives. This shift in focus allows individuals to
experience happiness more consistently, regardless of external situations.
Similarly, research on resilience shows that people who can adapt to challenges
and maintain a positive outlook are more likely to sustain their happiness.
Furthermore, neuroscience sheds light on how the brain processes
happiness. The release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin plays a
crucial role in creating feelings of joy and contentment. While these chemicals
can be influenced by external events, they are also triggered by internal
practices like meditation, exercise, and positive thinking. This suggests that
happiness is more about internal regulation than external acquisition.
The Role of Society and
Culture
While happiness may be a natural state of mind, societal and
cultural influences often obscure this reality. From a young age, individuals
are conditioned to equate happiness with achievement, material wealth, or
social validation. Advertising, media, and social norms perpetuate the idea
that happiness is something to be earned or bought, creating a sense of
inadequacy and perpetual striving.
This external focus distracts people from recognizing their innate
happiness. Instead of looking inward, they seek fulfillment in external
pursuits, which often lead to temporary satisfaction at best. The result is a
cycle of desire and disappointment, keeping individuals from accessing their
natural state of contentment.
Overcoming these societal influences requires a conscious effort
to realign priorities and values. Practices such as minimalism, mindfulness,
and introspection help individuals strip away the distractions and rediscover
the happiness within. By breaking free from societal expectations, people can
reconnect with their true selves and find lasting contentment.
Practical Steps to Access
Innate Happiness
If happiness is indeed a default state of mind, the challenge lies
in removing the barriers that obscure it. Here are practical steps to help
access this natural state:
1- mindfulness and meditation:
these practices train the mind to focus on the present moment, reducing anxiety and overthinking.
by quieting the mind, individuals can experience the peace and happiness that are already within them.
2- gratitude journaling:
writing down things you are greatful for shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have.
this simple practice cultivates a sense of abundance and contentment.
3-letting go of attachments:
recognizing that happiness does not depend on external possessions or achievements allows individuals stop chasing illusions and appreciate the present.
4- simplifying life:
reducing unnecessary possession and commitments, creates space for inner peace.
when life is less cluttered, it becomes easier to connect with one's natural state of happiness.
5- connecting with nature:
spending time in nature helps people detach from social pressures and reconnect with simplicity of life.
this often leads to a sense of calm and joy.
6- acts of kindness:
helping others fosters a sense of connection and purpose, which can enhance feelings of happiness.
7- self-acceptance:
embracing oneself, flaws and all, reduces internal conflict and paves the way for inner peace.
Conclusion
Happiness, as a default state of mind, is a profound yet simple
concept. It challenges the modern narrative that happiness must be pursued,
achieved, or purchased. Instead, it invites individuals to look inward and
recognize that joy and contentment are intrinsic to their nature.
While external circumstances and societal influences can obscure
this natural state, practices like mindfulness, gratitude, and self-acceptance
help remove these barriers. By cultivating a mindset that prioritizes inner
peace over external validation, individuals can access the happiness that has
been within them all along.
Ultimately, happiness is not a destination but a state of
being—one that arises when the mind is free from distractions and aligned with
its true nature. Recognizing this truth can transform how we approach life,
shifting our focus from endless striving to genuine contentment. Happiness, in
its truest form, is not something to be attained; it is something to be
uncovered.