Flourishing: Well-Being Beyond Happiness
In our pursuit of happiness, many of us have turned to self-help books, seminars, and quick fixes. But what if the key to a truly fulfilling life lies in a well-researched, scientifically-backed approach? This is where the concept of flourishing comes in, encompassing a state of well-being where individuals thrive in various aspects of their lives. Flourishing goes beyond mere happiness; it incorporates positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement. Let’s delve into the essential elements of flourishing and explore practical steps to achieve it.
From Authentic Happiness to Well-Being
The journey towards flourishing begins with understanding the shift from seeking authentic happiness to striving for overall well-being. Authentic happiness focuses on increasing life satisfaction through positive emotions. However, well-being, encapsulated in the acronym PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement), provides a more comprehensive and sustainable measure of a good life.
Positive Emotions include feelings of joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement, inspiration, awe, and love. These emotions contribute to our overall sense of well-being but are not the sole indicators of a flourishing life. While positive emotions can be fleeting, they are important for creating a foundation of…
