The 90-Days Happiness Self-Experiment
I am starting a 90 days happiness self-experiment. 12 happiness-related topics ranging from western science (e.g. mindfulness) to eastern Philosophy (e.g. Buddhism) will guide this journey. Each week, I will unravel a question, practice, or technique to engage with one of the 12 topics. My research will consist of interviews with experts, studying books, and other materials.
I have immersed in the subject of happiness for many years. As a regular meditator and yoga practitioner, a calm mind and a healthy body are important to me. As a coach and trainer, I support my clients to achieve long-lasting satisfaction and fulfillment. Despite years of experience in the arena, it is exciting and frightening to commit to such an experiment. Why do I still have mixed feelings about it? Like so many things in life, the path to happiness involves moments that are confronting, challenging, tough, uncomfortable, and painful. In fact, as the Buddhistic teachings illustrate, we need to go through suffering to reach a higher level of happiness. Sounds paradox? Well, you will read more about it in the upcoming blog posts and in the book.
Now I dropped the news. I am currently writing a book on happiness. The self-experiment will be part of this book. The learnings and insights from the experiment will be a major part of the writing process. Ideally, these reflections will inspire you, the reader, to take responsibility for growing your own level of happiness.
The first topic that I choose is “dancing”. Dancing in the literal sense but also about a way of life. A light, warm-hearted, flexible lifestyle. Dancing elegantly and smoothly through life. A way of getting into the present, As a context for this week, I focus on the question: What if I dance through life? You will read about my insights to this question in the next blog post.
**Every Monday, I will publish a weekly blog post reflecting on my experiences. Until the next blog, I am curious: How are you dancing through life? How do dancing and happiness go together for you?
Greetings from the heart of Maastricht!