- Feeling emotionally secure, calm and peaceful.
- Feeling excited, seeking achievement or 'resources' (money, possessions, food, sex etc)
The first type of happiness tends to arise most commonly when we feel cared for or we show caring to ourselves or others. When we feel we belong and are accepted.
The second type of happiness arises when we pursue goals - at work, playing sport, shopping etc.
The first (feeling calm and safe) is associated with increased wellbeing. If you struggle to feel calm, peaceful and safe the best route seems to be to build self -compassion. One way of moving towards self compassion is to practice loving kindness meditation.
Hey nice post. I distinguish between 'content/ contentment' and 'happy/ happiness'. Content being the 1st and happiness the 2nd of your types above. i find the first to be fulfiling and sustaining while the latter is an emphemorial high that one can get addicted to and miss the contentment opportunities while suffering withdrawal symptoms.
ReplyDeletecheers
charlie
I spend a lot of time in type 2. I really do need to attend the self compassion session Rachel!
ReplyDeletei do agree that for me the second type can be quite addictive. sadly, i also think western society is very focussed on type 2.
ReplyDeleteJudy - would love to have you there!
Nice one Rachel. Where would you say meaning fits in? To me it is type 2, and if so that is also associated with long term wellbeing. what are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteGreat Question Rob, For me meaning fits into both. Achievement becomes something completely different when it relates to caring for others (even if that is in an abstract way - caring for the planet or humanity)
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