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Natural Awakenings Westchester / Putnam / Dutchess New York

Happy Men are Healthy Men

May 31, 2023 09:30AM ● By Drew Acklin
The Buddha said, “There is no path to happiness, happiness is the path.” If we place stipulations on our happiness or view it as a destination, it may never arrive or will be short-lived. On the other hand, if we view happiness as a choice, regardless of circumstance, it will be so.

Being a multi-millionaire and “having it all” does not necessarily mean happiness is included. In fact, many of these men are depressed and unsatisfied, while some men living simple lives are constantly beaming with smiles. Yet the reverse is also possible; a man living a simple life can be depressed and a multi-millionaire can be happy.

This could be because only 10 percent of our happiness is determined by circumstance, according to psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky. Her studies also show about 50 percent of our well-being is genetically determined, and we’re all born with a certain temperament. But a whopping 40 percent is under our control.

Another study in support of this notion was conducted at Harvard University that followed a group of men through every stage of their lives from youth to old age in order to discover what factors led them to flourish. This was the longest study ever conducted on happiness and revealed two big things: taking care of our health really matters (exercising regularly, not smoking or abusing drugs, eating right) and men that stayed happy were the people who had the best connections and relationships through-out their lives. Both of these are a choice. The natural step that follows a choice is action. One of the best ways to train the mind is to use the brain-altering practice of gratitude.

The mind is a threat analysis machine, and to alter its focus there needs to be an intentional aim. As the mind focuses more on what it does want, desires appear. To practice gratitude, focus on a wellness program and nurture relationships to capitalize on the 40 percent of happiness under our control and allow happiness to be the path, not the destination.

Drew Acklin is the owner of Be Here Now, located at 701 N. Mountain Rd., in Harrisburg. He holds certifications as a NASM corrective exercise specialist and ACE personal trainer. Acklin and Matt Sinkovitz run Th e Bridge, a men’s group at Amethyst Retreat Center, on the last Thurs. of every month, focusing on skill building, community and healing. For more information, call 717-514-5630, email [email protected] or visit TheBridgeMensSociety.com.