Unearthing the Wonders of the Everyday: A Journey into 'The Good Life'

Hello, Happiness Hunters!

Today, I'm diving into a gem of a quote from the book "The Good Life" by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz. This isn't just any book; it's based on the longest study of human happiness ever conducted, the Harvard Study of Adult Development. And the (tweaked) quote that struck a chord with me is:

"What's in front of me that I've never noticed before?"

Now, let's unpack why this simple question could be a game-changer for anyone, not just for those who've devoted their lives to silent contemplation in a monastery.

A Fresh Lens on Life

In "The Good Life," Waldinger and Schulz explore what truly makes us happy over the long haul. They've tracked the lives of hundreds of people for over 80 years, and guess what? The secret isn't wealth or fame, but relationships, community, and yes, mindfulness. This quote is their nod to the power of presence.

When I first read "What's in front of me that I've never noticed before?", it felt like an invitation to adventure. Not a journey across continents, but a voyage into the present moment. It's about looking at the familiar with curiosity, as if for the first time. Imagine walking in your neighborhood and really seeing the patterns in the bark of a tree, or noticing how the light dances through the leaves.

Mindfulness for the Modern Soul

This question challenges the stereotype that mindfulness is an esoteric practice reserved for those in orange colored robes. I've always believed that living through our soul means connecting with everything around us. This quote echoes that sentiment. It's about:

🌈 Engagement: Engaging with our surroundings with a sense of wonder.

🌈 Appreciation: Appreciating the now, the often overlooked details of our daily lives.

🌈 Growth: Growing through observation, learning from the world anew each day.

Reviewing "The Good Life"

"The Good Life" isn't just a book; it's a treasure trove of insights. Here's why I think it's a must-read:

🌈 Depth of Research: The foundation of this book is decades of real human life data. It's not theoretical; it's practical wisdom distilled from the lives of actual people.

🌈 Accessibility: The authors have a knack for making complex psychological findings relatable. They manage to weave storytelling with science, making it engaging for anyone interested in well-being.

🌈 Applicability: Every chapter offers something you can apply to your life right now, from nurturing relationships to finding joy in daily routines.

🌈 Surprising Revelations: You'd expect a book on happiness to talk about achievements or money, but no. It's about how we relate to others, how we handle stress, and how we find meaning. I call this "Raw Happiness".

The takeaway for me? Happiness isn't found in some far-off place or state of mind; it's cultivated through daily interactions, through noticing the unnoticed, and yes, through asking, "What's here that I've never noticed before?"

Conclusion

As someone who champions raw happiness and soulful living, I can tell you this book isn't just about longevity or avoiding life's pitfalls. It's about thriving. It's about finding joy in the mundane, connecting with others, and yes, connecting with yourself.

So, next time you're out or even just in your own living room, ask yourself, "What's here that I've never noticed before?" And watch as the world opens up in layers of beauty you might have been too busy to see before.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep connecting, and let's find that raw happiness together.

CJB | Happiness Artist & Coach 🌈

P.S: Have you tried this question in your daily life? Share your discoveries in the comments on X (click the button). I'm excited to hear what you've found in the overlooked corners of your world!

P.P.S: The art video is about highlighting the juxtaposition of happiness and how humans can miss it by getting caught up in their worries.