Has anyone mentioned that Life is Hard? Yeah, I thought so. But we are now in the month of Adar. The Talmud states that Jews are to “increase our joy” during this month. We are urged to find happiness and celebration. So where does happiness come from and can we “pursue” it? According to the research done at the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, happiness is a byproduct of other actions.
There are three primary acts that will generate happiness in a human’s brain. They are:
A sense of purpose in life, an activity or job that gives your life meaning. Because you do “this” the world is a better place.
(When I started doing THIS, interfaith work, I knew why I was put on the earth. Yes, there are sad stories and sad endings. But there is recovery, discovery, excitement and harmony for most of you. How damn lucky can I be?)
Social relationships, having regular interactions with people you care about and that care about you.
(I have a friend who does not believe in God, but it bothers him. He sees my comfort with my faith. So I sent him a card that said: In all of time and space, we met. How can that not be a miracle? He keeps it next to his computer.)
Gratitude, being conscious of the things that delight you and grateful to have them. Whether you think your blessings come from a divine being or from a marvelous evolutionary process, you have them! This includes your loved ones, a warm home, a good meal, but it also means looking up and feeling a delight in the clouds or a small child’s laughter.
(I may have mentioned to you that I think trees are one of God’s best creations. I love them in every season, but spring, when they burst into leaf, is truly a series of jolts of joy for me.)
Please think for a moment – do you have these three things? Do you want them? If you know what some of yours are, please write and tell me. I deserve some joy from all of you! 
I don’t think Dacher Keltner, the founder of the Center for Greater Good is a Jew. You don’t have to be Jewish – these three things work for all human brains.
Explore more information on Human Wellbeing
“The value and necessity of community & relationships for human thriving”
Why Israel is the 5th happiest country in the world
Pew – emotional wellbeing
Making Kids feel a part of something bigger than themselves
American loneliness
Wishing you increasing JOY all month.