The Wisdom of Well-Being

Thomas Jefferson wrote the pursuit of happiness into the Declaration of Independence yet today's researchers studying mind/body health do not like to pursue the term, "'happiness." They claim that its pursuit turns into a challenge to define or measure. As a result, expectations may get in the way of its capture.

John Monterosso, a researcher at the University of Southern California's "Brain and Creativity Institute," says today's Americans feel happiness is, "something we should be able to control and pursue." He encourages students to consider far-reaching goals rather than immediate success. Monterosso provides examples of learning a musical instrument or appreciating art which can open possibilities for future potential.

Defining the term, "subjective well-being," Arthur Stone, USC professor of psychology, indicates it contains three components: how satisfied you are with your life, (so-called hedonic experience, feelings of happiness, sadness, anger, stress and pain), and how meaningful your life feels.

In USC's Emotion and Cognition laboratory, Mara Mather studies the "positivity effect." She finds, "Young people still are seeking out information to improve their future well-being, while older people are focusing on the present moment and trying to optimize their emotional experience. They're priming themselves to feel good about life."

Using the word, "flourishing" rather than happiness, Varun Soni, vice provost for USC campus wellness, claims,"happiness can come and go, but flourishing endures." It acknowledges suffering and cultivates resiliency.

Consider what gives you a wisdom of well-being. Investigate feelings of contentment and joy mingled with concerns and considerations for future choices.

Sensory awareness bridges the gap between our moments and life's ever-changing nature.

Use a kaleidoscopic approach to find a life balance. Acknowledge the peaks and low points and develop an understanding of their necessity in life.

Discover the vitality of spontaneity.  

Learn nature's nurture by immersion in outdoor settings.

Find your music.

Add slides of gratitude, loving relationships, and creativity. 

Spin and twirl with appreciation, mindfulness, humor, fun, resilience, and determination. 

When frustrations or anxiety appear, use positive views to glide over them.


Let your experiences become the best teacher of well-being.

Laughter will energize all the body and mind muscles.

Find your kaleidoscope of words for well-being. Create them: Aroo. Blee. Crue.  

Write around, in and through ideas to assist with balance.

Make it FUN.

Daboo!