Finding Happiness: What Makes You Truly Happy?
Exploring the Components and Perspectives of Happiness
Introduction
Happiness is a crucial aspect of our lives. Today's topic explores what happiness means and how it can be achieved.
Warm-Up Activity
Discuss with a partner:
  • How was your week?
  • What made you happy this week?
  • Share a happy memory from your childhood.
Mastering Happiness: The Watermelon Lesson
Introduction to the Video
This video clip explores the concept of mastering happiness through a lesson involving a watermelon.
Brief Summary
The video covers what the lesson on happiness using a watermelon entails.
Discussion
  • Discussion questions:
  1. What did the video say about the secret to happiness and success?
  1. How can humor and a light heart help you face challenges?
Group Discussion
What activities or experiences make you feel happy and why?
Discuss with the class the activities or experiences that bring you happiness and explore the reasons behind it.
How important is happiness in your life compared to other goals?
Share your thoughts on the significance of happiness in your life and how it compares to other priorities or objectives you may have.
Can money buy happiness? Why or why not?
Engage in a discussion about the relationship between money and happiness, and whether financial wealth can truly lead to a fulfilling and happy life.
How does your culture view happiness?
Explore how your cultural background and upbringing may have shaped your understanding and perception of happiness.
Reading Comprehension
  • Positive Psychology: A branch of psychology focused on the study of positive emotions and strengths.
  • PERMA: An acronym for Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.
  • Flow: A state of optimal experience where one is fully immersed in an activity.
  • Gratitude: A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.
  • Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
  • Mindfulness: A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment.
Read the short article Positive Psychology and the Science of Happiness to learn more about these key concepts.
Reflection
Reflect on the lesson and share one thing you learned about happiness.
The key points from today's reading include the importance of cultivating positive emotions, engaging in meaningful activities, nurturing relationships, finding purpose, and accomplishing goals. These elements, captured by the PERMA model, are essential for achieving lasting happiness and well-being.
Optional Homework!
  • Keep a happiness journal for a week
  • Note down three things that made you happy each day
Additional Resources
TED Talks on Happiness
Explore inspiring TED Talks that delve into the science and philosophy of happiness.
Book: "The Art of Happiness" by Dalai Lama
Discover insights on achieving inner peace and contentment in this renowned book by the Dalai Lama.
Articles from Psychology Today
Read thought-provoking articles from the leading psychology magazine on the topic of happiness and well-being.