Learn the DoingHappy Habit
In the PerfectCoaches model, inner experiences such as anger, sadness, fear, and joy are behaviors. They are things we DO in response to events in the world around us. The troubles of the world can make us form the habits of “doing anger,” “doing fear,” and “doing sad.” But why not Do Happy? In PerfectCoaches, the Doing Happy habit is an important part of healthy living.
One way to practice the Doing Happy habit is this: DO at least one thing every day simply for the pleasure it brings. If possible, Do Happy with a friend or even a group of friends. For an extra benefit, post a picture or video to social media using the hashtag #DoingHappy.
Talk to your coach. By telling your personal coach at PerfectCoaches all the things you try, you will figure out what makes you feel happy. Try lots of things and be creative. Here are some examples.
Engage your senses today
See, hear, taste, smell, touch. Walk barefoot in the grass. Eat a fruit or vegetable you rarely take time to enjoy. Watch the sky or a river or even traffic. Concentrate. Tell yourself the changing sights and sounds are there to entertain you and make you feel alive.
Engage other living things today
Hang out with family, friends, pets, neighbors you don’t meet very often. Watch the birds. Sing along? Why not? Pause when dogs. cats, horses, any animal catches your eye. If they want to meet you, do it! Be happy that you, and they, are alive.
Move your body today
Exercise with others or alone. Feel the power of your body in motion, in balance. Walk. Swim. Run. Ride a bike. Shoot basketball hoops. Dance with someone. Dance alone. Jump up and down. Kick a ball. Your body is a magnificent machine. Use it. Enjoy it.
Be still today
Call it meditation. You can even use Sukha, Sanskrit for Happy, as a mantra. Or, just call it doing nothing on purpose. Either way, stop everything else. Clear your mind. Feel your breath. Stand or sit without moving. Just be still for no other reason than the pleasure it brings.