English Literature – Articles ☆ – Recipe for Authentic Happiness and Well-Being -☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

☆ – Recipe for Authentic Happiness and Well-Being – ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Can we experience continuous happiness? Is there a way to reclaim the child-like joy in our body, mind, and spirit? Can we shield ourselves from the stress of daily life and cultivate a tranquil mind?

More importantly, is it possible to develop a simple routine that keeps us energized throughout the day?

These are questions I have pondered for over two decades. I have not only reflected on them but also researched, experimented, and learned. Today, I feel fortunate and fulfilled to share the fruits of that journey—a recipe for authentic happiness that is practical, enriching, and transformative.

The Journey Begins:

My journey began as a behavioral science trainer, helping people discover their authentic selves. Spending long hours with them was deeply satisfying, but I struggled to share these meaningful experiences with my wife. That disconnect felt like a loss.

In response, we decided to embark on an activity we could share. That decision turned out to be life-changing. We discovered laughter yoga, an activity that brought joy and connection into our lives. Over time, we started conducting sessions to spread smiles and uplift others. What began as a shared interest became a profound purpose, drawing participants from across the world.

Laughter yoga is one of the most uplifting activities imaginable. It generates positivity, promotes health, and sparks instant joy. Unconditional laughter often leads to a meditative state, melting away stress and worry. There’s something profoundly spiritual about making others laugh, especially those who feel weighed down by life’s burdens.

Despite its immense benefits, we realized that laughter yoga had its limitations. It felt like a delightful dessert, but what people needed was a wholesome meal.

A Deeper Exploration:

This realization led us to explore yoga nidra, a systematic method for achieving deep physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. As we delved deeper, we unearthed hidden treasures. This path eventually led us to ancient meditation practices, including Buddha’s mindfulness and insight meditations.

Simultaneously, I immersed myself in the field of positive psychology. According to its founder, Martin Seligman, the five elements of well-being are positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Similarly, Sonja Lyubomirsky’s research highlights the most effective happiness practices, such as embracing spirituality, engaging in physical activity, meditating, and simply acting happy.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi draws parallels between yoga and the state of flow – a joyous, self-forgetful involvement achieved through focused concentration. He describes yoga as a “thoroughly planned flow activity,” made possible through disciplined practice.

Influential figures like Stephen Covey, Daniel Goleman, Matthieu Ricard, and Richard Gere also attest to the transformative power of meditation. Their lives exemplify how regular practice contributes to enduring happiness.

Experiments in Happiness:

Building on these insights, we designed and implemented programs to promote happiness and well-being:

The Wheel of Happiness and Well-Being:

Designed for workplaces and educational institutions, this program integrates positive psychology, meditation, yoga, laughter yoga, and spirituality. Participants found it highly valuable, appreciating its comprehensive approach.

Meditate Like the Buddha:

A weekly, early-morning meditation session focused purely on mindfulness and inner stillness. Participants loved its simplicity and requested daily sessions.

Happiness Boot Camp:

Held on weekends in parks, this family-friendly program combined yoga, meditation, laughter yoga, and fun activities. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

East Meets West Retreat:

A week-long retreat blending modern science with ancient wisdom. Participants learned to create a meaningful and joyful life while training to become versatile Happiness and Well-Being Facilitators. The retreat featured practices such as yoga nidra, surya namaskara, the five Tibetans, anapana meditation, sufi meditation, and happiness activities.

The Recipe for Happiness:

After years of practice, experimentation, and interaction with thousands of participants, we believe we have discovered a genuine recipe for happiness and well-being. It is a blend of modern insights and ancient wisdom, woven together with the threads of mindfulness, physical vitality, and emotional connection.

Ultimately, the greatest fulfillment comes from touching lives -helping others discover their own paths to happiness and well-being.

© Jagat Singh Bisht