http://www.myhappy.com/article Where the science of happiness meets ancient wisdom Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:43:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/pos-psych/~3/434795354/200810281108 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/pos-psych/~3/434795354/200810281108#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:00:51 +0000 newsbot http://www.myhappy.com/article/2008/10/28/positive-psychology-daily-the-biology-of-happiness/ Ever fantasize about duplicating yourself? Imagine a world where there is not one, not two, but trillions of you! Welcome to your body! According to Dr. Bruce Lipton, "you are a cooperative community of approximately 50 trillion single-celled citizens." Yes, the genes in your cell nuclei have a role in your happiness. But what other parts of the cell affect smiling? [...]]]> How does happiness work in the body? Here is where the mystery starts: if DNA is the powerhouse of the cell, then is it true that your happiness is set at birth?  Not exactly. Yes, the genes in your DNA have a role. For example, there are genetic differences among people that affect the production and transportation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that modulates anger, aggression, and mood. Thus you may be more genetically prone to depression and experiencing less happiness than some other people because of the genes that control your serotonin system. But believing this is the whole story is a recipe for learned helplessness. Truly believing you are doomed by genetics may prevent you from ever taking steps to make positive changes in your life. Happiness and life-satisfaction levels are only partially pre-programmed. Making yourself happier is not as futile as trying to make yourself taller. ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/pos-psych/~3/434795354/200810281108/feed/ 0