Would you like to learn the art of being happy? Although for many it may seem complex, it is simpler than it seems, since it is nothing more than internalizing a series of principles that help us to focus our attention on things that give us peace, tranquillity and above all, love and joy. This was expressed very clearly by the German thinker Arthur Schopenhauer, creator of the book “The art of being happy” and who, based on ideas, sentences, principles and rules for life from thinkers and writers, managed to write 50 rules to achieve happiness, of which we chose some so that you can apply them from now on and learn the art of being happy.
Rule Number 1: This rule explains what must be done to be happy based on the fact that we must focus on finding a painless, calm and bearable present in the world and not wandering in magical illusions which are not being achieved would frustrate our happiness.
Rule Number 2: It is based on the thought of Seneca, who said that “We can never be happy if we are tormented by the idea that others are happier than us”; that takes energy from us and plunges us into envy. This thinker was right about stating that: “There is nothing more ruthless and cruel than envy” and that “When you think how many are ahead of you; keep in mind how many follow you”.
Rule Number 3: Wanting and being able are not enough to achieve the goals in life, we must also know what we want, have clear objectives, and know what can be done to achieve it, as well as be aware of errors, deficiencies, successes and abilities so that we can trace our goals and thus be able to be happy.
Rule Number 4: Not basing our existence on obtaining goods that suddenly we will not be able to have, since this fills us with expectations and if we do not achieve them, this fills us with frustration, which is an obstacle to be happy.
Rule Number 5: It is based on the thought of Horacio, who said, “In hard times we must preserve equanimity, and in the good ones a prudent spirit, without excessive joy”, which invites us to have balance in our emotions.
Rule Number 6: This rule invites us to live “not as we want”, but as we can, which means that we must focus on our present reality, working towards achieving achievable goals.
Rule Number 7: This rule tells us that we must undergo a process of deep reflection before undertaking anything we want to do, but as well as we do not constantly get distressed with possible dangers and errors that may arise, keeping balance and tranquillity.
Rule Number 8: This rule is based on the thinking of the thinker and philosopher Aristotle, who states that “The prudent does not aspire to pleasure, but to the absence of pain.” A simple rule, which invites us to think and aspire to live in the absence of pain, as a basic element to be happy.
Rule Number 9: A very important rule because it invites us to open the doors to joy anytime it arrives; enjoy it and live it in that right moment, without thinking what will come next; it is one of the keys to finding happiness.
Rule Number 10: This rule is based on the fact that much of the wisdom of life is based on finding a balance between the level of attention we have for our present and our future, so that they complement each other and the actions of today build the bases of tomorrow, without getting obsessed with the results.
Rule Number 11: It is based on serenity as a fundamental element to be happy, especially when we face difficulties or difficult moments in life.
Rule Number 12: According to this rule, not giving ourselves to great joy or great lament is the key to finding balance and achieving a peaceful life, since the variable quality of “everything” can modify it completely.
Rule Number 13: It starts from the basis that thinking, enjoying, suffering and fixing everything in its time is essential to live happily, without worrying about the details.
Rule Number 14: It would be unworthy and ridiculous to mourn for lost pleasures; it is an attitude of fools to go after the pleasures of life, since it is about living the moments when they appear, not running after them.
Rule Number 15: We must enjoy what we have at the moment instead of valuing it when it is lost, as the popular saying goes “nobody knows what they have until they lose it”.
Rule Number 16: The movement and activity are basic to feel alive, so we must undertake and learn anything, since this is basic for the human being’s happiness.
Rule Number 17: This rule holds that “at least nine tenths of our happiness are based solely on health,” and good humour and the basic wellbeing state to feel satisfied and happy depend on that.
Rule Number 18: The level of fullness of our consciousness is essential to achieve a pleasant or unpleasant life; therefore, we must try to make the balance lean towards the positive side to be happy.
Rule Number 19: It holds a fundamental principle, and we must not base our life on hopeful hopes; dreaming is fine, but we should not digress with illusions so much because that keeps us anxious and takes peace from us.
Rule Number 20: According to Horace, we should not force a too weak spirit to submit to eternal plans, so we must set plans according to our capabilities and not get lost in a cluster of concerns.
ALFA