Watch and Wait...for Joy
Is there a difference between pleasure and happiness? Dr. Robert Lustig argues that there is and that our inability to recognize the difference is killing us. Lustig’s research focuses on the biological roots of pleasure and happiness. It comes down to the balancing of two neurotransmitters – dopamine (which regulates pleasure) and serotonin (which regulates happiness). An excess of dopamine leads to addiction and a decrease in serotonin leads to depression. So, contrary to how we are often wired, we need to seek out strategies that tamp down dopamine production (pleasure) and increase serotonin production (happiness).
Lustig suggests the following strategies, which he calls “The 4 Cs”: 1) Connect – In-person, face-to-face time with other people, 2) Contribute – Do something that makes the world a better place, 3) Cope – Focus on sleep, mindfulness and exercise, and 4) Cook – Eat real, whole foods.
For much more detail on these ideas, see the following (the first two provide a simple overview and the last is more in depth):
The Difference Between Happiness and Pleasure and Why It Matters at Work, Gabriel Kauper, deliveringhappiness.com
How to Solve for Chronic Unhappiness: The Four Cs, Gabriel Kauper, deliveringhappiness.com
Are Big Corporations Hacking the American Mind, an interview Robert Lustig on The People’s Pharmacy, peoplespharmacy.com
Is there a difference between pleasure and happiness? Dr. Robert Lustig argues that there is and that our inability to recognize the difference is killing us. Lustig’s research focuses on the biological roots of pleasure and happiness. It comes down to the balancing of two neurotransmitters – dopamine (which regulates pleasure) and serotonin (which regulates happiness). An excess of dopamine leads to addiction and a decrease in serotonin leads to depression. So, contrary to how we are often wired, we need to seek out strategies that tamp down dopamine production (pleasure) and increase serotonin production (happiness).
Lustig suggests the following strategies, which he calls “The 4 Cs”: 1) Connect – In-person, face-to-face time with other people, 2) Contribute – Do something that makes the world a better place, 3) Cope – Focus on sleep, mindfulness and exercise, and 4) Cook – Eat real, whole foods.
For much more detail on these ideas, see the following (the first two provide a simple overview and the last is more in depth):
The Difference Between Happiness and Pleasure and Why It Matters at Work, Gabriel Kauper, deliveringhappiness.com
How to Solve for Chronic Unhappiness: The Four Cs, Gabriel Kauper, deliveringhappiness.com
Are Big Corporations Hacking the American Mind, an interview Robert Lustig on The People’s Pharmacy, peoplespharmacy.com
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Pose Keep it simple. Keep it joyful. Connect movement and breath with Ardha Surya Namaskar or Half Sun Salutation. I = Inhale E = Exhale |
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Breathe
Square Breathing is a practice of observing inhales and exhales along with the pauses in between. Find a comfortable seat. Close your eyes or lower your gaze. Breathing through your nose, inhale to a steady count of 4. Hold the inhale for a count of 4. Exhale for a count of 4. Hold the exhale for a count of 4. Complete 3-5 full squares.
Square Breathing is a practice of observing inhales and exhales along with the pauses in between. Find a comfortable seat. Close your eyes or lower your gaze. Breathing through your nose, inhale to a steady count of 4. Hold the inhale for a count of 4. Exhale for a count of 4. Hold the exhale for a count of 4. Complete 3-5 full squares.
Practice
Using music to create pleasing sensory experience on the mat can help in sustaining your practice over time. Just as you choose movement and breathing which lead you to be more focused, relaxed, and in the present moment, the music you choose should be an aid to your practice and not be a distraction. There’s no right or wrong music to use. However, if you choose music with lyrics, carefully consider songs with words that contribute to your well-being. Take some time to explore music apps to find new music. Here are links to a couple of Youtube playlists I’ve compiled – one instrumental and one vocal:
Using music to create pleasing sensory experience on the mat can help in sustaining your practice over time. Just as you choose movement and breathing which lead you to be more focused, relaxed, and in the present moment, the music you choose should be an aid to your practice and not be a distraction. There’s no right or wrong music to use. However, if you choose music with lyrics, carefully consider songs with words that contribute to your well-being. Take some time to explore music apps to find new music. Here are links to a couple of Youtube playlists I’ve compiled – one instrumental and one vocal:
MEB
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