Ask Lewis: What Is A Happiness Set Point

How to find a place in your life filled, with happiness, and

Contentment.

When it comes to our sense of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, we have something called a?set point?for?happiness. The?setpoint?for?happiness?is a psychological term that describes our general level of?happiness.

If you’re?set point?for?happiness?is low, the bright skies after a lottery win, the after-glow from making love, or even the sense of pleasurable fullness after a great meal will turn back to dark clouds. But there is a way to place a constraint on these dark clouds.

How to find your?Happiness Set Point

I start off every day with a personal discipline, what they call a “Practice” in Zen. A practice or spiritual discipline of this type is the regular or full-time performance of activities, and actions undertaken for the purpose of inducing spiritual experiences and cultivating spiritual development. A common metaphor used in the spiritual traditions of the world’s great religions is that of walking a path

In your daily Practice, you will need to create an environment where opportunities arise to isolate and define your unique “set point” — the place where you find happiness and contentment.

In this way, a deeply sad person can be influenced to become happier and more content by surrounding him/herself with others who are happy and content. It is a basic process that can be repeated as you and “mirror” the behavior around you. There may even be a biological basis for this. For example, there are specialized nerve cells called mirror neurons that recognize certain physical reactions, such as a smile or a frown.

My daily practice consists of 7 distinct elements:

· Tai Chi,

· Meditation,

· Visualization,

· Aikido,

· Hatha Yoga,

· Reading positive motivational stories on Medium,

· Watching 15 minutes of comedy on YouTube

All of these practices combined take about 45 minutes. Also, whatever my schedule may be that day, I mirror positive people and things as much as possible.

About Mirroring

All humans are susceptible to influence. One of the ways you will be influenced is through “mirroring.” Knowledgeable Western scientists often speak of the Michelangelo phenomenon — this is where long-term partners over time begin to resemble each other. This process is no coincidence. What is happening here is each person is unconsciously mimicking the other by mirroring the movements of their facial muscles and what is called “empathetic resonance.” This mirroring exists in all elements of society and in all communities. This is likely why certain ideas, prejudices, and cultural ideas spread so quickly.

Takeaway

Now, as I battle stage 4 cancer, three strokes, a heart attack, and diabetes complications I I have begun to wonder why my set point for happiness is so high? In spite of all that I'm going through, I am generally a happy person. This is where I am exploring ?why other people are happy or unhappy in their lives. I will be ?exploring this question and in of my posts and days to come.

By creating a practice such as the one I have, and mirroring the positive, you will automatically begin to seek out or create and surround yourself with those things that will help you to reach your happiness setpoint.

About the creator of this series:?Lewis Harrison, is a public intellectual and has been mentoring and coaching visionaries, spiritual seekers, world-class athletes, thought leaders, billionaires, and individuals seeking to become more effective, efficient, productive, and self-aware for over half a century. He has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic cancer. He is healing and presently intends to survive and prosper.

Testimonials

Here is what Jack Canfield, who wrote the introduction to Lewis’ book?“Healing Depression Naturally”?and who is the co-author of the?Chicken Soup for the Soul Series,?has to say about Lewis and his work.

“Lewis is amazing…. I recommend him to anyone who wants less stress and more energy.” Jack Canfield, Co-author of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul “ books and star of the movie?“The Secret”

“Lewis, your program was one of the first steps I took in the process of defining my interest in alternative medicine and for that I thank you. It has been over 45 years and I am continually amazed when I look back upon how easily and quickly one step has led to the next. Thank you for being there to assist in laying the foundations for all my future studies.” Robee Fian L.Ac?Former President American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM)

…

A friend started a fundraiser on GoFundMe and it would mean so much if you could take a look at it.

She wrote “Any help, like donating or sharing, gets Lewis closer to his goal. Thank you in advance for your kindness and support.”

Donate to Support Lewis Harrison’s Cancer Battle, organized by Phyllis Haynes https://gofund.me/130a166f

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