Meditation and Happiness, A Connection?
What is the connection between meditation and happiness? I am not sure.
My limited efforts performing meditation have generally resulted in me feeling more relaxed. Meditation is a great way to reduce stress. Meditation effectively puts a “Do Not Disturb” sign around you, and this can have a great calming effect.
But how does meditation make one happier?
Meditation has also helped me be more focused. After a few sessions of meditation, I found that my ability to focus my attention on a single spot or idea was increased. I felt like I had improved my powers of concentration.
So apparently, the logic goes like this:
Meditation –> greater calm + greater focus –> happiness
I still do not get it. Sure, I accept that calm and focus are components of happiness; this is true. So I can grasp that meditation necessarily improves your level of happiness somewhat, no one can deny this.
For me, though, happiness is much more than being calm and focused.
Happiness is:
- Feelings of positive emotion
- Laughter
- Smiling
- Passion
- Confident action
These characteristics need to be actively cultivated. How does meditation cultivate these characteristics?
Meditation is an important component of happiness, but I think it might be a stretch to assume that meditation is the only action necessary to attain happiness.
What do you think? I am open to new ideas.
