Introduction
Human beings engage in numerous activities, establish appropriate relationships, and formulate decisions that can eventually make them happy. Researchers and theorists in different fields have been focusing on the most effective mechanisms to transform emotions and empower more people to achieve their potential. It is also evident that positive feelings in life and happiness are critical predictors of longevity and health.
The relationship between happiness and biology is something that many behavioral scientists have continued to take seriously. The emerging ideas and thoughts are relevant since they guide more people to lead happy lives and achieve their aims. The paper presented below uses numerous examples and ideas to argue that biology is a leading determinant of human happiness. The main focus of this discussion is that brain thinking and re-patterning are powerful approaches that can result in increased human happiness.
Thesis statement
Brain thinking is an evidence-based practice that can guide many people to engage in a number of actions that can tackle stress, become optimistic, form meaningful relationships, engage in exercises, stop focusing on material possessions, get rid of negative emotions, and embrace evidence-based actions that will eventually increase their happiness levels.
Biology and Happiness: The Relationship
For many years, scholars and researchers have acknowledged that happiness is a powerful attribute that all people should examine from a psychological perspective. This has been the case since they define happiness as freedom from depression or stress (Brown par. 1). Unfortunately, the fields of psychology and social sciences have failed to present evidence-based ideas to outline the major qualities that can guide people to pursue their goals in life. With these obstacles, theorists have continued to embrace the idea of biology in an attempt to present superior ideas that have the potential to maximize human happiness.
Many scholars have presented numerous ideas to analyze this issue. Using the Darwinian concept, Kováč indicates that human beings are rational consumers that focus on commodities or resources that will address their immediate needs (298). With this kind of understanding, it is evident that human beings develop diverse emotions depending on the situations they are in. People’s experiences and feelings will dictate various elements, including behavior, responsiveness, and reaction to any form of punishment. Humans are, therefore, capable of responding to their surroundings by learning accordingly and making decisions that will meet their needs.
Kováč goes further to acknowledge that individuals who are aware of the issues around them will be ready to focus on the most appropriate emotion for them (298). This means that it can either be negative or positive. Such ideas are usually associated with the brain.
Many researchers view biology as a critical aspect that dictates such emotions, thereby influencing human happiness. Kováč reveals that human brains have specific locations called centres of reward or punishment (298). These areas will dictate when a person is experiencing or trying to seek pleasure. The neocortex part of the brain is also known to determine a person’s level of self-consciousness. It is, therefore, the major organ that will explain whatever human beings yearn, feel, expect, or pursue. This kind of knowledge is something that can make it possible for people to engage in the most appropriate practices and behaviors that have the potential to support their needs, thereby making them successful in life.
In the recent past, the concept of brain thinking has emerged as a powerful force for guiding and encouraging more people to engage in behaviors and activities that can result in happiness. Parker-Pope indicates that human happiness usually “comes from within” (par. 2). This kind of assertion can guide more people to tame negative ideas and embrace the most appropriate strategies to achieve their goals in life. Brain thinking stands out as a powerful practice that humans can embrace to make desirable changes in their respective surroundings and transform their behaviors accordingly. They will also address their major sources of pain and engage in strategies that will eventually make them happier.
Researchers have managed to propose several initiatives or processes that individuals can consider to conquer their negative thoughts. Parker-Pope indicates that human beings can examine the principles of biology to understand how their brains are designed to function or operate (par. 4). Normally, all people are created in such a way that they will focus on bad experiences that are capable of affecting their outcomes.
This is an evolutionary process that is in accordance with the rules of biology. Some challenging situations that many individuals encounter in life will have significant impacts on their future behaviors, including betrayal, trauma, abuse, or bullying. From a biological perspective, those who have gone through torturous moments in their lives will be willing to design appropriate mechanisms to react effectively to them in future.
The above knowledge can guide people to conquer their emotional challenges and negative perceptions using evidence-based measures. The first approach is for human beings to get rid of negative emotions or thoughts that can affect their experiences or make it impossible for them to achieve happiness. Some of the best processes to succeed in this area include avoiding obsessive ideas or worries, challenging negative cycles in life, and forming meaningful relationships (Brown par. 3). Such approaches will empower more people to pursue activities that are capable of improving their goals. However, it is appropriate to be aware of negative thoughts since trying to stop them is something that can have catastrophic consequences.
The concept of Socratic reasoning or questioning stands out as a powerful model for guiding more people to address irritating thoughts. Through the use of this method, it can be possible for individuals to tackle the challenge of depression. A positive mindset will emerge, thereby making it possible for more people to achieve their goals in life. Brain thinking can also encourage individuals to rewrite their stories (Parker-Pope par. 5).
This principle means that all people should be ready to transform their experiences and engage in positive behaviors that will eventually meet their needs. Those who are struggling in life will find a new way to achieve their goals.
The concept of brain thinking borrows numerous ideas from biology to meet the needs of individuals in troubled marriage. For example, those who argue in their relationships should begin to support one another and make the most appropriate decisions. They should understand that being nice to one another is a powerful process that will eventually deliver positive results (Conning 120). Consequently, the level of happiness will increase significantly and make it possible for the couple to raise their children successfully and support their needs.
Kindness is a powerful attribute that arises from brain thinking. Human beings can make their personal decisions to support those in need and engage in behaviors or practices that can transform the experiences of others. Otake et al. indicate that people who are motivated to empower others will experience happiness much faster (361). When people monitor or count their good deeds revolving around kindness, chances are high that those who perform positive will experience increased levels of subjective happiness. Those who engage in appropriate practices will find it easier to maximize the happiness of their colleagues, followers, or friends.
Individuals planning to achieve happiness should not misunderstand the concept of brain thinking. Kováč argues that some people are usually wrong to assume that the decision to pursue pleasure blindly can eventually deliver positive results (299). The message here is that people should engage in the most appropriate actions and behaviors that can eventually bring them closer to happiness. Friends and relatives should encourage troubled persons to worry, solve existing challenges, and react to different emotions or experiences effectively. Such procedures or practices will empower more people to address the problems they face and eventually create the most appropriate environment to support their goals.
The relationship between biology and happiness has compelled many scholars to examine the issue of wealth from a critical perspective. Veenhoven acknowledges that many people assume that amassing wealth is one of the bets initiatives that can bring them closer to happiness (383). However, this is a delusional goal that will eventually leave many people depressed and incapable of pursuing their objectives. After getting money and becoming wealthy, the greatest number of individuals eventually realizes with great shock that happiness was an illusion for them. This is the reason why there has been a need for all people to embrace the concept of brain thinking in order to achieve their potential and lead contented lives.
Those who understand the idea behind brain thinking will indicate that happiness is not a final result or destination. According to Kováč, those who plan to achieve this goal must embrace or engage in sustainable practices and transform whatever they do (304). They should make appropriate decisions, focus on the best actions, engage the right people, and solve problems whenever they emerge. There is a need to embrace the best principles and values that resonate with human needs. They should avoid initiatives that are only aimed at increasing wealth because they will eventually deliver negative results. Those who ignore this message are at risk of becoming disoriented and being unable to achieve happiness.
Borrowing numerous insights from the teachings of Buddha, many people have managed to propose evidence-based measures or practices that can result in happiness. Such a concept is informed by the notion of brain thinking. Those who engage in self-meditation will re-pattern their experiences, get rid of troubling memories, and foresee their future. The practice will eventually result in enlightenment (Parker-Pope par. 8).
This is an initiative that is informed by biology. Many generations have embraced the idea for centuries in an attempt to minimize stress and eventually achieve their objectives (Veenhoven 389). Past studies have supported the power of controlled breathing because it can empower individuals to reduce most of the symptoms arising from different psychological problems, such as depression, insomnia, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit disorder (ADD). Those who learn how to breathe deeply will maximize their concentration levels and overcome negative feelings, including anger and pain. Consequently, such persons will eventually record improved happiness levels.
All creatures move from point A to B in an attempt to get food and meet other biological needs, including sex. Their biological composition is designed in such a way that they can engage in a wide range of activities. This is a clear indication that they exercise in the process and ensure that all body organs are functioning optimally. Past studies reveal that movement is something essential since it makes it possible for people to deal with emotional situations or painful experiences (Rojas and Ibarra-López 27).
This kind of understanding can guide human beings to engage in brain thinking and embrace the power of exercises. Those who do so for prolonged periods or more days will find it easier to achieve happiness. They will also overcome most of the challenges they face, make appropriate decisions, and provide adequate support to others. Those who exercise frequently will be in a position to lead better lives full of happiness and contentment.
Biological studies and psychological experimentations have identified optimism as an essential attribute associated with people’s genetic constitutions. Additionally, individuals can go further to embrace the idea of continuous learning to understand how they can become more optimistic. Consequently, they will be able to address most of the emotional and psychological challenges they face in life. Optimistic individuals will find it easier to analyze the situations they are in and develop appropriate thoughts and procedures to address them (Parker-Pope par. 5). They will look at the positive side of every issue or situation.
This kind of understanding will encourage and guide them to pursue positive actions, behaviors, and ideas. They will treat every event as a temporary occurrence that they can get rid of within a short time. The final outcome is that such people will promote positive thoughts and ensure that their colleagues and friends can support them whenever they encounter difficulties. Consequently, such individuals will record increased happiness levels and pursue the most appropriate goals in life.
When people embrace most of the above concepts of brain thinking, it will be easier for them to transform their experiences and lives. They will also engage in the most appropriate activities and make knowledgeable decisions that have the potential to maximize happiness. Such people will find it easier to engage in exercises and pursue economic goals that are realistic and attainable (Conning 120). They will manage to form new friendships with different individuals who are supportive, caring, and understanding. Their levels of depression, trauma, or burnout will also reduce significantly, thereby being in a position to record positive outcomes in their lives.
Conclusion
The above discussion has revealed that biology is a field that influences people’s behaviors, actions, pursuits, and decisions. Human beings, therefore, should embrace the concept of brain thinking to engage in actions that are capable of tackling stress. They should also become optimistic, form meaningful relationships, engage in exercises, stop focusing on material possessions, get rid of negative emotions, and pursue actions that can maximize happiness. These initiatives will make it possible for many people to address the obstacles they encounter in life and eventually achieve their professional and personal goals.
Works Cited
Brown, Chip. “The (Scientific) Pursuit of Happiness.” Smithsonian Magazine. 2004. Web.
Conning, Andrew S. “Moral Tribes: Emotion, Reason, and the Gap between Us and Them.” Journal of Moral Education, vol. 44, no. 1, 2015, pp. 119-121.
Kováč, Ladislav. “The Biology of Happiness: Chasing Pleasure and Human Destiny.” EMBO Reports, vol. 13, no. 4, 2012, pp. 297-302.
Otake, Keiko, et al. “Happy People Become Happier through Kindness: A Counting Kindnesses Intervention.” Journal of Happiness Studies, vol. 7, no. 3, 2006, pp. 361-375.
Parker-Pope, Tara. “How to Be Happy.” The New York Times. Web.
Rojas, Mariano, and Ignacio Ibarra-López. “Happiness and Human Relations: The Role of Materialistic Values. An ABM Illustration.” International Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Multimedia, vol. 2, no. 5, 2014, pp. 23-30.
Veenhoven, Ruut. “Social Conditions for Human Happiness: A Review of Research.” International Journal of Psychology, vol. 50, no. 5, 2015, pp. 379-391.