Educational Resources of Happiness Studies

Happiness and the Varieties of Religious Experience: Religious Support, Practices, and Spirituality as Predictors of Well-Being. By Joseph W. Ciarrocchi and Erin Deneke This study investigates the predictive power of religious variables on subjective well-being (happiness) among 489 participants. Multiple hierarchical regressions were conducted, revealing that spirituality uniquely contributes to positive emotion and cognitive well-being, while congregational support and public religious practices did not add significant variance to well-being measures. Our note: This study examines the influence of religious factors on subjective well-being (happiness) among 489 participants. Through multiple hierarchical regressions, the study finds that spirituality independently predicts positive emotion and cognitive well-being. Interestingly, congregational support and public religious practices did not show significant associations with well-being measures. These findings highlight the unique contribution of spirituality to subjective well-being, suggesting its importance in promoting positive affect and life satisfaction.

The association between spirituality and religiousness and mental health. By Luciano Magalhães Vitorino This study explores how different levels of spirituality and religiousness (S/R) among Brazilian adults relate to well-being indicators. Findings suggest that higher levels of both spirituality and religiousness are associated with better outcomes compared to lower levels or singular emphasis on either dimension. Our note: This research investigates the link between spirituality, religiousness, and well-being in Brazilian adults, highlighting the significance of considering both dimensions for optimal mental health. By categorizing participants into distinct S/R groups, the study underscores the nuanced relationship between these factors and various aspects of well-being. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of holistic well-being promotion.

Discussion Group: "Social media & Youth" Led by Livia Grujich

The Path to Flourishing | Adam Grant and Tal Ben-Shahar

Psychological safety in Organizations with Eugenio Toledano

The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World Author writes that the spiritual work of our time, as instinctual as it is counter-cultural, is to find our way to one other in celebration, in sorrow, and in solidarity. To show up for each other in moments of joy and pain, vulnerability and possibility, to invest in relationships of shared purpose and build communities of care.

Four Simple Spiritual Practices That Lead to Lasting Happiness You don't have to meditate on a daily basis, Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh says. You can, however, meditate in every moment. Watch as he reveals four moving mantras that could lead to long-term happiness. Then, spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle and happiness expert Shawn Achor share new ways to think and behave that will help you derive a deeper satisfaction from life.

Does Spirituality Make You Happy?

THE AWAKENED BRAIN by Lisa Miller A groundbreaking exploration of the neuroscience of spirituality and a bold new paradigm for health, healing, and resilience—from a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning researcher. “A new revolution of health and well-being and a testament to, and celebration of, the power within.”—Deepak Chopra, MD. The Awakened Brain combines cutting-edge science (from MRI studies to genetic research, epidemiology, and more) with on-the-ground application for people of all ages and from all walks of life, illuminating the surprising science of spirituality and how to engage it in our lives: The awakened decision is the better decision. With an awakened perception, we are more creative, collaborative, ethical, and innovative. The awakened brain is the healthier brain. An engaged spiritual life enhances grit, optimism, and resilience while providing insulation against addiction, trauma, and depression. The awakened life is the inspired life. Loss, uncertainty, and even trauma are the gateways by which we are invited to move beyond merely coping with hardship to transcend into a life of renewal, healing, joy, and fulfillment.

The Role of Spirituality and Religiosity in Subjective Well-Being of Individuals With Different Religious Status The study in this article aimed to investigate the relationship of spirituality and religiosity with subjective well-being (operationalized as both life satisfaction and balance between positive and negative affect) and to test whether differences exist according to individuals’ religious status (religious, non-religious, and uncertain).

The Science of Happiness blog, run by the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, offers evidence-based research and practical tips for increasing happiness and well-being. The blog covers a wide range of topics, including gratitude, resilience, mindfulness, and positive psychology interventions. The articles provide clear and concise advice based on scientific studies, making it easy for readers to implement positive changes in their lives. The Science of Happiness is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the science behind happiness and apply it to their daily lives.

Spirituality and Well-Being: Theory, Science, and theNature Connection by Carol D. Ryff This study explores the relationship between spirituality and eudaimonic well-being, considering whether spirituality is integral to well-being or merely an influencing factor. Drawing on empirical evidence from the MIDUS study, it examines how religion and spirituality relate to well-being. Additionally, it discusses the role of nature in nurturing spirituality and well-being, highlighting the overlooked connection between nature and human flourishing. Exploring concepts from Jungian psychology and indigenous wisdom, the study offers new perspectives on spirituality, well-being, and their interaction with the natural world. The article reexamines concepts from Jungian psychology, such as the soul's longing for poetry, myth, and metaphor, as well as the view of nature as a habitat for the soul in animism. Finally, the author considers indigenous wisdom, emphasizing their perception of spirituality in all things, providing a new perspective on the interplay between spirituality, happiness, and the natural world through the concept of "Two-Eyed Seeing".

Art and Spirituality Is there a special relationship between art and spirituality? There are many reasons to think so; indeed, there seems to be a rich web of relationships between the two.

Video of Eckhart Tolle on Spirituality and Happiness

Spirituality and Happiness: A Neuroscientific Perspective by Rajesh Arora Spiritual practices yield numerous benefits, fostering a serene mind and holistic health. Neuroscience explores spirituality's effects on brain function, utilizing advanced imaging like fMRI, SPECT, and PET. These technologies illuminate the intricate links between spirituality, happiness, and well-being. Research reveals how spiritual practices induce neuroplasticity, enhancing specific brain functions. Spirituality aids stress management and cultivates happiness, influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors. It offers cognitive training potential for military personnel and astronauts. Amid COVID-19, spirituality fosters resilience. Future prospects include using artificial intelligence to enhance happiness through neural network modulation. Despite challenges, spirituality offers universal contentment and happiness. Neurobiological Basis: The article explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the connection between spirituality and happiness. It discusses how brain regions associated with spirituality, such as the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, interact with those involved in happiness, such as the ventral striatum and anterior cingulate cortex.

The Happiness Project: Gretchen Rubin’s Quest for Happiness The Happiness Project, both a blog and a podcast by bestselling author Gretchen Rubin, takes readers on a year-long journey to boost happiness levels. Gretchen Rubin shares her personal experiences, insights, and practical strategies for finding happiness in everyday life. The blog covers a wide range of topics, including habits, relationships, and personal growth. Alongside the blog, The Happiness Project is also a bestselling book that chronicles Gretchen’s transformative year-long happiness project. With her relatable storytelling and practical advice, Gretchen Rubin offers readers a roadmap to finding happiness and creating a more fulfilling life.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector García & Francesc Miralles According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai—a reason for living. And according to the residents of the Japanese village with the world’s longest-living people, finding it is the key to a happier and longer life. Having a strong sense of ikigai. In researching this book, the authors interviewed the residents of the Japanese village with the highest percentage of 100-year-olds—one of the world’s Blue Zones. Ikigai reveals the secrets to their longevity and happiness: how they eat, how they move, how they work, how they foster collaboration and community, and—their best-kept secret—how they find the ikigai that brings satisfaction to their lives. And it provides practical tools to help you discover your own ikigai. Because who doesn’t want to find happiness in every day?

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz, Janet Mills n The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.

Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics (2020) This eccentric Netflix's original documentary explores the world of psychedelics, its impact on the human body, pros, and cons. It gives a viewer a perception of cosmic possibilities of hallucinogens, the science behind it, history, effect on Western pop culture, and the future.

Happy (2011) HAPPY is a feature documentary that takes us on a journey from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums of Calcutta in a search of what really makes people happy. Combining powerful interviews with the leading scientists in happiness research and real life stories of ordinary and extraordinary people around the world, HAPPY uncovers the secrets behind our most valued emotion.

Does Spirituality Influence Happiness and Academic Performance? by Rajasekhar David The study examines spirituality, forgiveness, and gratitude's impact on academic performance, proposing a model showing spirituality moderates the mediation effect of happiness between forgiveness/gratitude and performance. Results from 220 management students reveal positive relationships between forgiveness/gratitude, happiness, and performance. Spirituality moderates forgiveness's impact on happiness and mediates gratitude's effect on performance. This innovative approach from positive psychology highlights character strengths and well-being's influence on academic success. The authors may present findings that demonstrate a positive correlation between spirituality and happiness, as well as exploring the potential indirect effects of spirituality on academic performance through its impact on psychological and emotional factors.

Religion’s Relationship to Happiness, Civic Engagement and Health Around the World People who are active in religious congregations tend to be happier and more civically engaged than either religiously unaffiliated adults or inactive members of religious groups, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of survey data from the United States and more than two dozen other countries.

Spiritual Engagement and Meaning People follow spiritual paths and join religious organizations for a variety of reasons, including faith, prayer, social support, community service, cultural tradition, friendship, commitment to the community and more. How often do you hear someone say that they committed to a religion or spiritual practice primarily to become happier? This article points to several possible reasons for a link between religiosity, spirituality, and happiness.

Tracking Happiness Tracking Happiness is a comprehensive happiness blog that stands out for its evidence-based approach and actionable content. The website is maintained by a team of experts who are dedicated to helping readers achieve lasting happiness. With a wealth of regularly updated articles, Tracking Happiness covers a wide range of topics, including happiness studies, happiness facts, and personal stories of happiness journeys. The articles are based on peer-reviewed studies, ensuring the information is reliable and trustworthy. Moreover, the website offers a unique database of happiness facts and studies, allowing readers to dive deeper into the science of happiness.

How to Find Inner Peace and Happiness Through Spiritual Practices As we move in the loud, chaotic world, we often unnecessarily take on stressors; these stressors cause disharmony and disturb our inner peace and happiness. The simple practice in this video can help ease the stress and it only takes a second. Ask yourself “what pertains to me?” - once you allow only things that pertain to you to affect your life, inner peace and happiness are sure to be near.

The spiritual child, Lisa Miralles In The Spiritual Child, psychologist Lisa Miller presents the next big idea in psychology: the science and the power of spirituality. She explains the clear, scientific link between spirituality and health and shows that children who have a positive, active relationship to spirituality: * are 40% less likely to use and abuse substances. * are 60% less likely to be depressed as teenagers. * are 80% less likely to have dangerous or unprotected sex. * have significantly more positive markers for thriving, including an increased sense of meaning and purpose and high levels of academic success.

The Matrix (1999) This is a story about how a computer hacker can hack more than your IDs and passwords, he can hack the path to spirituality. The movie is loaded with spiritual connotations and hidden meanings. What if you were unaware that you were dreaming? What if you could not tell the difference between the dream and the real world? The matrix is everywhere you go, but no one can tell you what the matrix actually is. Free your mind from a world of control that is your way inward to meet your true self.

Eat, Pray and Love The heroine had everything a modern woman could dream of - a husband, a house, a successful career - yet she found herself lost and searching for what she really wanted in life. After a painful divorce, she decides to go on a round-the-world journey to "find herself", risking everything to change her life. In her self-discovery travels, she finds the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Bali.

The Correlation Between Spirituality and Happiness People are born with the desire to understand things that they can’t explain, and spirituality points the way toward uncovering life’s mysteries. Despite there being countless religions and spiritual beliefs alive and vibrant in today’s world, science shows that spirituality is a universal tendency, and has a powerfully positive effect on happiness, health, and relationships.

The Art of Healing.Art therapy workshop with Katy Cuartas