'Hidden formula for joy'

The classical book "The Art of Happiness in a troubled world with the Dalai Lama" is a food for thought for our nation. I consider the environment we have been placed in the whole nation has been sucked into one issue, thanks to the media, creating depression with its repetitive programmes on the judiciary.
Nobody is bothered about unemployment, shortage of commodities and, worst of all, how to stay happy in this troubled scenario. Sages going back to Socrates have offered advice on how to be happy. The time honoured advise is to ignore thing and do whatever you love.
As much as we all think we want it, many of us are convinced, deep down, that it is wrong to be happy, (or too happy), whether the belief comes from religion, culture, or the family you were raised in, it usually leaves you feeling guilty if you are having fun.
Some people would say that you should not strive for personal happiness until you have taken care of everyone in the world who is starving or does not have adequate medical care. The Dalai Lama believes you should pursue both simultaneously. For one thing, there is clear research that shows that happy people tend to be more open to helping others. They may also make better parents and spouses.
In a recent study, nuns whose autobiographies expressed positive emotions (such as gratitude and optimism) lived seven to 10 years longer then other nuns. Mother Teresa was a living example. So any die-hard pessimist, who still needs persuading, should just think how much more he can help the world if he allows a little happiness in his life.
Latest research shows that we are surprisingly bad at predicting what will make us happy people and normally misjudge their contentment when zeroing in on a single aspects of their lives - it is called the focusing illusion.
The " hedonic adaptation" is about the brain's natural dimming effect. That a new house won't generate the same pleasure a year after its purchase, thus life be kept alive with novelty.
It similarly stands true for our TV programmers where repetition on only the judicial issue has made the public lose interest. It is no surprise that social engagements are one of the most important contributors to happiness. What matters is the nature of the relationship.
You get more joy from spending longer periods of time with close friends, as researched by Professor DEMIR Ph.D. of Northern Arizona University, rather than watching T.V. One of the most essential pleasures of close friendship Professor DEMIR found is close companionship. I urge the electronic media in particular and the print media in general not to give us a gloomy picture.
The recent statements of our Finance Minister has caused money to flee from our country. The media may also conduct programmes on conflict management to educate our new government managers. Look positive, be realistic and keep enjoying yourself, looking for humour and happiness in the hardest of times. Do not take smile his away from the common man and give us peace not confrontation.