PsyNet
Effective ways to enhance happiness (10):
Practising Religion and Spirituality
In her book, "The How of Happiness", Prof Sonja Lyubomirsky has introduced the 10th strategy for a happy life - "Practising religion and spirituality".
Benefits of Religion
There is growing scientific evidence showing that religious people are happier, healthier and recover quicker from crises than non-religious people. This may be partly due to the greater social support provided by religious organisations. Religions help people find meaning in life, particularly in unforeseeable crises and better adjust to ordeals. Religious faith and rituals also give rise to positive emotions associated with happiness, such as forgiveness, hope, gratitude and compassion.
Religion and Spirituality
Spirituality is usually confused with religion. Prof Lyubomirsky defined spirituality as "self-transcendence", referring to a search for meaning in life through something that is more significant than the individual self. Religion usually involves a spiritual search, but the latter needs not to be confined in a formal, institutional context like religions. Research findings show spiritual people also enjoy the benefits of health and happiness.
Practising religion and spirituality
Prof Lyubomirsky suggested that we could, apart from committing to a religion, practise spirituality in the following ways:
Seeking meaning and purpose in life - Creating genuine meaning in life is difficult, but one may find it in the important goals that one is pursuing (e.g. creating a harmonious family), one's faith (e.g. living a virtuous life), various creations (e.g. in arts and science), or post-traumatic growth (e.g. a renewed meaning of life after a serious illness).
Enriching life with spiritual dimension - Enrich daily life with a spiritual dimension by developing an ability to enjoy the divine qualities in ordinary things and people, such as the feelings of awe and inspiration created by natural beauty, and seeing your job as a noble calling or perceiving your children as a gift of blessing.
In a materialistic world, cultivating spirituality is an important recipe for a happy and a meaningful life.
Joyous spirit of ACP OPS
Discussing spirituality and happiness with Assistant Commissioner (Operations) (ACP OPS) Wong Chi-hung, his over 20 years of Christian faith immediately came into the picture.
Many highly capable police officers choose to believe in themselves more than anything else, but Mr Wong has a different philosophy. From his police career, he has come to realise that human's ability is limited. For example, the police operations in recent years had become bigger in scale and more complex in nature, requiring comprehensive planning and preparation. But no matter how thorough the preparation was, not all possible changes could be predicted. Coordinating these operations was naturally a tough job. "If one solely relies on his own to get the best result, he may give himself too much stress, compromising his judgment and strategies," Mr Wong noted.
Seeing the risk of this kind of ego, Mr Wong finds balance from his religious faith, and adopts the stance: "Man proposes, God disposes". "In each major operation, like the ones for demolition of Queen's Pier in 2007 and the Olympic Torch Run and Equestrian Event in 2008, I did my best and left things beyond my control to God. I knew things would eventually end up in the most appropriate way." With his composure and leadership, Mr Wong accomplished all his tasks.
Religious faith has not spared Mr Wong hardship and setback, but has given him the wisdom to overcome adversity. He confided that he had many tough times at work, but took all problems in his strides. "Although I had problems, my religion gave me peace in mind and strength. On one hand, I prayed for guidance and sought support from colleagues, family members and friends from my church. On the other hand, I continued to do my best to get my job done." At a very critical moment, things unexpectedly took a turn for good, making him realise better the ups and downs of life. He was also grateful for having this spiritual training in remaining persevering and hopeful in adversity.
Speaking of the biggest gain from his religion, Mr Wong said: "I'm living in grace and protection everyday, and I also know I will go to a better place after leaving this world. This is the greatest blessing I have ever received. I have nothing to worry about and enjoy every moment of my life. Some people may regard prayers or God as merely a kind of self-comfort. For me, this is faith and it's real."
From religion, Mr Wong has found the focus and ultimate meaning of his life and developed an active attitude and an optimistic outlook. Such spiritual fulfilment is the source of a happy life.
