Threads of soul

אימתי קאתי מר? לכשיפוצו מעיינותיך חוצה

Inspiration articles for self growth and  deep connection; to ourself, to others and to everything around us.  

The Science of Happiness

 
Happiness is a Practice, Not a Destination. 

Science consistently shows that happiness isn’t something we “find”. It’s something we practice.
When we look at the research, four core pillars emerge as the foundation for a fulfilling life:

1. Connection: We are hardwired for relationship.
Without deep, meaningful connections, true happiness remains out of reach, regardless of our material success.
However, the first step to a stable relationship with others is a healthy relationship with yourself.
As Brené Brown famously said: “You can only love others as much as you love yourself.” Connection begins within.

2. Gratitude: True gratitude isn’t about how much we own; it’s about how much we appreciate. It is the art of finding beauty in the ordinary and being thankful for the simple gift of existence.
When we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, we transform our entire perspective on life.

3. Health: Caring for your body is an act of self-respect. Beyond avoiding pain, staying active, eating well, and prioritizing sleep keeps your body in a balanced state that directly regulates your mood.
When you feel good in your “vessel,” it is much easier to feel good in your mind.

4. Mindfulness: Happiness is found in the present. As the Baal Shem Tov use to say: “Wherever a person’s thoughts are, that is where he is present.” If you are doing something, do it wholeheartedly. Don’t waste your limited time worrying about the past or future; give your full attention to the “now.”

From Knowledge to Action

Of course, knowing these facts isn’t enough. Happiness requires intentional work. You cannot achieve it simply by reading; you must live it.

On this page, we have expanded these four pillars into seven core values. These values are deeply interconnected; by strengthening even one – you strengthen the rest, creating a continuous cycle of growth, connection, and clarity.

Inner light

When we lift ourselves just a little above our impulses, we find a quiet glow inside. That inner light is always there, ready to guide us and show us more of who we are.

Pure heart

To touch our higher self, we have to work with a pure heart. It’s about letting go of ego, old habits, and patterns that don’t help anymore, so something deeper can be discovered and shine through.

simply being

With a pure heart, we can finally get clarity, and see the beauty of our simply being. Without fixing, changing or hiding. Free to embrace and love what we actually are.

infinite unity

We can go now one step further. To feel united with the infinite, we move beyond the need to stand apart. When we stop measuring and comparing, unity flows naturally, and we can feel as one.

Connection

From that place, we connect with others differently. We meet them with the same love and compassion we’ve found inside ourselves, and that changes everything!

Living presence

Being part of the infinite gives us strength to let go of worries. We can show up fully in each moment, alive, open, and ready to embrace whatever it brings.

meaning

From here, we can listen to the true longing of our soul. What do we really want in this short passing life? What do we deeply desire?
When we honor that, and try to listen carefully, we live with purpose. Fulfilled, connected, and alive.

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