Happiness and Flow: Apply It

  • Discuss happiness and the factors that can increase it
  • Describe the field of positive psychology
  • Give examples of flow

Happiness Reflection Journal

Watch this short video from Robert Emmons, one of the leading researchers on gratitude, at the Greater Good Science Center. The video discusses the benefits of gratitude and why it matters. Gratitude allows us to celebrate the present, magnify positive emotions, block negative emotions, and strengthen social ties. It also gives people a perspective by which they can interpret life events.
You can view the transcript for “Robert Emmons: What Good Is Gratitude?” here (opens in new window).
Consider taking the Gratitude Quiz from the Greater Good Science Center. By indicating how frequently you experience certain items and agreeing or disagreeing with statements, you can determine your gratitude score. This quiz will also provide information on the benefits of gratitude and offer resources to help you cultivate more gratitude in your life.
When you have a chance, take a moment to reflect on your own life experiences and think about moments when you have felt happiness or a sense of fulfillment. As a personal exercise on your own paper or computer, write a short journal entry reflecting on these moments, focusing on instances when you have experienced the pleasant life, the good life, or the meaningful life.

  • Describe in detail the specific activities or experiences that brought you happiness or a sense of fulfillment. Consider aspects such as day-to-day pleasures, the utilization of your skills and abilities, or engaging in acts that benefit others or make a positive impact on the world.
  • Explore the reasons why these activities or experiences brought you happiness. What made them enjoyable or fulfilling? How did they contribute to your overall well-being?
  • Feel free to include any personal insights or reflections on how pursuing these elements of happiness has impacted your life. Take this opportunity for self-reflection and try to be as honest and introspective as possible in your journal entry.