Happiness Essay, Research Paper

An emotion is an intense feeling. Happiness is one of the many emotions humans experience. It may perhaps be the most important feeling a person can have and it is the one feeling everyone strives to achieve, yet strangely, for the most part, people seem to only get a glimpse of it. Pleasurable satisfaction, a state of well-being and contentment are the more outstanding elements of happiness. Happiness, known more formally as felicity, is good. A state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy and can be applied to almost every kind of enjoyment. It can be defined and characterized in several ways- metaphorically, by life’s everyday pleasures, and by the behaviors and accomplishments of a happy person.

This emotion can be metaphorically compared with expressions such as, the sun shining through the rain and the “silver lining behind the dark cloud”. These expressions capture the optimistic outlook of happiness, they symbolize hope of a bigger, better and brighter future even in the midst of what could be termed as the “darkest hour”. Happiness is the essence of life, the wind gently blowing flowers in the open field, the puppies frolicking in a pile of leaves, and is reflected in the merriment of men. It is exciting, playful, full of good cheer and lighthearted and signifies life. It brings the smiles to the faces of children one to ninety-nine. Happiness is a pleasurable surprise of an expected gift, a job well done and the success of oneself or a loved one.

Happiness is denoted by the way a person behaves. Usually when someone is happy it is obvious and they express this feeling outwardly, whether by their actions or verbally. The facial area is the main part through which happiness is shown. The expressions of the face such as a twinkle in the eyes when joyous, the ever-present laugh lines around the eyes, which constantly smile at you, makes the on-looker aware of a happy person. The mouth plays an important role in showing that a person is content, through both physical and verbal means. The radiant smiles with the accompanying dimple, spreads delight and pleasure. Laughter, a universal expression of joy, travels through the air spreading cheer to all that hear it. Other verbal expressions of gaiety take the form of song singing, which has always been used over the years to express feelings of happiness, and exuberant chatter, which infuses the air with excitement and enthusiasm. Physical expressions of joy are not limited to the facial area alone. Extending to the whole body, happiness is shown through skipping, the swinging of hands, twirling, dancing and almost any rhythmic movement of the limbs. Children show their happiness, mostly but not solely, by running, jumping, skipping and sometimes rolling on the ground. Adults are for the most part less energetic with their expressions of joy, and show their joy by twirling and dancing, mostly females, and by punching the air. It is not necessary however, for a happy person to be constantly displaying the behavioral traits described above. A happy person has a pleasant personality and countenance and tends not to be easily angered. This feeling of happiness or contentment is always associated with the mind being at ease.

Happiness has always been said to be the key to success. The epitome of a successful person is happiness, one who has the comforts of life, has worked hard and has stopped to enjoy life’s simple pleasures along the way. Apart from success, good health and longevity are associated with happiness. The lightheartedness that accompanies happiness has been said to lower the chance of strokes and heart attacks. Laughter releases tension and add to persons overall sense of well-being.

Happiness is not death, or sorrow. It is not gloom, depression or heavy-heartedness. Happiness does not lament nor does it worry. It is neither moody nor pensive, neither wanton nor pessimistic. Happiness does not mourn for what was it instead rejoices in what will be. Happiness comes through good fortune and through loving and being loved. Eating a good meal, being in good health and enjoying the comforts of life can also achieve it. The simple pleasures of life bring happiness, whether it be enjoying a favorite dessert, smelling a rose or running in the rain.

O happiness! our being’s end and aim! –Pope*.

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