Hossam Badrawi Official Website
Happiness is a human right
By
Hossam Badrawi
In a conversation I had with the youth of the Dreamers of Tomorrow Society, I said, “There is a collective consciousness for society, created by the sum of positive or negative energy within it, driven by education, media, and the arts This places a great responsibility on the leaders of the community because they are the creators of this climate and facilitators of its existence.
A thoughtful young woman interjected, “Is it the duty of governments to make people happ?”
I responded, “Indeed, this is the fundamental role of governments, my dear. It is the responsibility of community leaders to think positively about the well-being and happiness of individuals. Politics cannot simply consist of promises or projects on paper alone. Ultimately, if well-being is not achieved, and if the people are not happy, then the policy has failed, and politics has failed.”
Another young woman asked, “Aside from politics, what brings you joy, Doctor?”
I replied, “Firstly, joy is a beautiful momentary emotion that brings a smile to one’s face upon seeing something beautiful, like beautiful colors in a painting or a magnificent view, or hearing sweet words, a song, or music that stirs a beautiful feeling in your soul and makes you move with its rhythm, dancing joyfully.
Music and dance bring joy, and sharing joy with a group of people as seen in the celebrations of Latin America or the Far East can create a healthy social contagion.
As for happiness, it is a lasting feeling of contentment that makes you a better and more noble person, seeing the most beautiful aspects of others and seeking their goodness and virtue.
It’s worth noting that the chemistry of happiness differs from the chemistry of pleasure. Pleasure is linked to a rise in dopamine & oxytocin levels and is short-term, whereas happiness is long-term and associated with serotonin. These are two different states. Pleasure is sensory, including activities such as sex or the moment of winning or earning money, which can be part of a greater, more comprehensive happiness but is not happiness in itself.
It’s possible to buy pleasure, but happiness cannot be bought. Pleasure can become an addiction, whereas happiness is a healthy state that makes a person better and sees the goodness in others.
Both of these differ from joy, which is a temporary feeling upon seeing, hearing,hugging or doing something that takes a person away from the daily problems and worries of life.
Hormones oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin are often referred to as “happiness hormones.”
When you feel attracted to someone else, the brain releases dopamine, serotonin levels increase, and oxytocin is produced, causing a feeling of increasing positive emotion. Hugging and touching lead to the release of oxytocin, making one feel affection, safety, and happiness.
Studies indicate that oxytocin has a positive effect on social behaviours related to overall psychological stability, and the hormone has also shown the ability to reduce levels of stress and anxiety when released in certain areas of the brain.
Oxytocin may help the body adapt to many different emotional and social situations.
Oxytocin has an effect on the bond between mother and child, and mothers who have higher levels of the hormone are more likely to engage in nurturing and affectionate parenting behaviours. Some research suggests that children who receive this kind of upbringing experience an increase in oxytocin, which makes them seek more contact with their mothers, further strengthening their bond.
The counter situation is a constant state of stress releasing endogenous stress hormones including epinephrine norepinephrine and cortisol leading to metabolic and cardiovascular effects that are useful short term but totally destructive to the body long term
Chronic stress is becoming a global affliction caused frequently by a constant state of deprivation and injustice
In the long run stress turns to malaise depression and a state on non responsiveness
I once wrote about hugging, saying:
The average duration of a hug between two people is 3 seconds. But researchers have found that a hug that lasts 20 seconds has a therapeutic effect on the body and mind. A genuine hug produces oxytocin, which, as I said, is called the love hormone.
This wonderful soother is offered for free every time you hold someone in your arms, hug a child, pet an animal, or dance with a loved one for 20 seconds.
In hugging, there is amazing chemistry, warm feelings of love, affection, and peace.
So, my children, be happy. Sing, dance, fill your souls with joy, and enjoy what does not harm your physical and mental health. Respect the privacy of others and don’t judge or condemn others because they are joyful and happy. Happiness and joy do not require self-defense or justification to others.
Unfortunately, I see in society some people who consider joy a sin and perceive the happiness of others as a diminishment of their own. They spread malice and frustration simply because they don’t see the beauty and don’t respect those who seek joy and interfere in others’ affairs to criticize their joy and prevent their happiness.
These are the cancerous cells in the body of humanity. We should not allow them to control society, spreading their darkness on the beautiful canvas of humanity created by God for us to enjoy.
As for your question about what brings me joy, I find joy in seeing those around me laughing, in hearing music, in the harmonious colors, the fireworks in the sky, the celebrations, dancing, and singing.
Someone asked, “What makes you happy”
I said, “I find happiness in reading and discussing what I read with others. I find happiness in making those around me, my family, and the community happy. I find happiness in traveling and being amazed, watching science fiction movies, and exploring space. I find happiness in seeing my mother, my children, and my grandchildren. I find happiness in success, in my communion with God without pressures or the terrorism of those who claim to be religious, pressuring me to be like them or do what they do. I find happiness in playing the piano, in painting a new canvas, in positive dialogue, especially with the youth. I find happiness in recording my thoughts, in communicating with my friends. I find happiness in love and respect among people. I find happiness in many things.”
Those who do not seek happiness will not find it. Happiness is a decision, optimism is a culture, and sources of joy are around us. We just need to see and feel them to have them within us.
So, let each of you think about what makes them happy in their day!
And let’s thank God for his blessing of having minds to see goodness and the beauty of creation, and for the equality of our hearts to be satisfied and content.
