Looking at the definition for happiness, one sees that it is a "state of feeling contentment and fulfillment" as well as various "positive emotional states."

As we are about to start our February break, it occurred to me that we share wishes to enjoy the week, relax, rest, have fun and energize. This led me to be curious about what makes people happy?

There are three approaches to thinking about this: one's personal happiness, a social context of happiness, and a cultural context of happiness. In a society of  individuals, happiness tends to be weighed by joy and exuberance or excitement.  The energy level is very high. In a broader context, we may feel happiness through a feeling of well-being or contentment.  The feeling that one's life is fulfilling leads to happiness from living meaningfully. 

In a culture where collective living is more central, happiness may stem from a  feeling of harmony in one's surroundings and among the people with whom one lives, works and interacts. In our current political climate, there is more noticeable divisiveness. It is not to say that this divisiveness was not already there, but now we are calling it out.  The important thing is to actively make change and be part of the actions to bring together our commonality and similarities.  We must overcome the political motivations of some and strive for harmony within our society. 

Most of all, our social groups are centered on our families and friends. We strive for happiness in these social contexts together. Our feelings are unhappy if members of our social group are unhappy or suffering.  In an article on "Happiness" published by the University of California at Berkeley (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/happiness/definition#what-is-happiness) it states, "happier people increase the happiness of people around them."

Last week I mentioned that when children feel loved, they have more energy to work harder.  If we push children to work hard, then sometimes they are not so clear on whether they are being loved for who they are as human beings in the present moment. Likewise, happiness stems from being around happy people.

We have great influence on our own children's happiness by finding our own inner contentment and fulfillment. 

"Children learn to smile from their parents."--Dr. Suzuki

In our Suzuki pedagogy, we recognize the importance of the environment of learning and living. We believe in the importance of developing good character and good people, first, and music is a means to that end.  As Dr. Suzuki has been quoted:  "It is in our power to educate all the children of the world to become a little better as people, a little happier."  Let us all use this coming week as a time to feel a little happier.

Sachiko Isihara

Executive Director

Suzuki School of Newton