Happiness Is...

A great lecture that I discovered courtesy of Carla, thank you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWJEMFIzSSc&feature=youtu.be

So lots is being written about happiness, their is a new movie on the economics of happiness, I read a quote from a Canadian Author whose name escapes me on happiness, something along the line of "the more you study it the less happy you will become..." interesting, not sure if I agree, practice makes perfect right?

Well the lecture, basically I take from it, the 4 types of people: Rat Racers - living for the future all the time in a race to get things done so that the future will be better, definitely marshmallow savers.  Then the Hedonists- enjoy the moment, eat your marshmallows now!  The Nilests - who gives a damn anyway, not sure if this makes you happy or just apathetic... and finally the Happy-seekers?  not sure what the final one was called, basically they set realistic and worthy goals that add to their life fulfillment/enjoyment.  Some of the take aways: have happy rituals, things that you do consistently that make you happy (ie. squash, kiting, reading, blogging, journaling, cooking, eating, etc...).  Add one thing to your life NOW that will make it better and take one thing away that will improve things, just one.  I think these can be hard to determine without reflection and insight, sometimes I feel like another piece of chocolate cake now will make me happier but in the long run I have the health issues and have to work that chocolate cake off or pay for it in some way... And this doesn't just apply to chocolate cake, it can apply to many things we think make us happy in our lives.

So, I appreciate the study and work that goes into the psychology of happiness!  I am not sure if we are reflective enough, or maybe if I am reflective enough to realize what really makes us happy in the moment and in the long term and to make consistent and effective decisions that lead to further happiness...

Final thoughts EXPRESS GRATITUDE, I like this, everyday even they recommend, I feel so grateful to live where I live, be born Canadian, and have all the opportunities that were given to me!  I know I should dedicate more space to this and I will, in time.

And maybe most importantly of all: Plan de vida, find your purpose, your passion, what makes you tick and follow it.  I envy those that have done this and encourage us all to try!!

cheers

curtis

Feeling, presenting...

Many of you have probly already heard of micro-lending, this TED talk particularly stands out in my memory.  She is a great speaker, its a wonderful cause, I feel like she really cares and she makes me care through that...

What makes a good engaging presenter?  I often thought it was involving your audience, but there is no audience involvement in this talk.  I just finished a 3 week intensive residency in Victoria, and at the end of one of our classes our instructor got a standing ovation from the class that just didn't seem to end, it was emotional and significant, impressive and moving.  So what did he do?  I keep asking myself this...

Honesty - he told both sides of every story, he told us what he wanted from us and what his expectations were, he told us that he was here for 3 weeks for us!  He laid a few ground rules (no phones, no emails, etc).
Reflection - we were asked to reflect on our learnings and how to apply them and things we were struggling with, 50 students and he took the time to read and thoughtfully comment to everyone.
Genuine - what is that?  whatever it is Derek had it, you could feel that.
I think that is one of the keys, good movies, good writing, good presentations, they make you feel, more than think, more than participate, but FEEL.

So thanks Derek, and thanks Jessica (KIVA) for your thoughtful, thought provoking and feeling!

http://www.ted.com/talks/jessica_jackley_poverty_money_and_love.html