Success in today’s fast-paced world is often measured by material wealth and personal achievements. But what if we cannot meet the financial and status milestones we set for ourselves? Should we wait till we achieve it to be happy?
In this article, we’ll delve into the concept of Happytalism and how mindfulness practices can transform our perception of success. Together with Luis Gallardo, the Founder and President of the World Happiness Foundation and World Happiness Festival, let’s redefine success through the lens of happiness.
Luis is the author of ‘Happytalism’. He’s also authored the exponentials of happiness. Over the years, Luis has been an advisor to CEOs, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, Nobel laureates, and political institutional game changers on strategic personal positioning and brand building.
It’s about time we redefine success where happiness and well-being are as valued as profits and power. Let’s dive into the concept of Happytalism in 3 key areas:
- The 3 Elements of Happytalism
- The 3 Levels of Consciousness
- The Difference Between Contemplation and Thinking
“If in capitalism, success is framed by money, power, fame; in Happytalism, success is framed by freedom from fear, freedom to be, consciousness to expand and evolve with three levels of awareness: awareness itself, mindfulness, and transcendence. And the 3rd element is happiness. ”
– Luis Gallardo
Three Elements of Happytalism
In our world, success is often seen as having lots of money, power, or fame. But chasing these things can leave us stressed, never quite satisfied, and feeling empty. It’s easy to forget what really matters – being happy, maintaining good relationships, looking after our mental health, and overall well-being. But that’s what Happytalism aims to change. As defined by Luis, Happytalism represents a new paradigm blending the pursuit of happiness with the principles of capitalism. Happytalism stands on three big ideas:
- Freedom from Fear
Basically, this means getting past our fears and worries, which are often seen as barriers to our personal growth and happiness. If we weren’t held back by our fears and we are more free to just be, don’t you think we can do much more and unlock a more fulfilling and contented life?
- Consciousness on Three Levels
Happytalism advocates for a deeper understanding of consciousness, divided into three stages – awareness, mindfulness, and transcendence. By prioritizing our consciousness, we cultivate a more profound connection with ourselves and the world around us.
- Happiness as a Goal
Unlike traditional views of happiness as feeling good for a moment, Happytalism views happiness as a sustained state of being that should be shared and spread among others. This is how we can make waves of positive impact to the world.
Happytalism is about creating a more holistic approach to life and success through mindfulness practices, where happiness and well-being are central goals, not just for individuals but for communities and societies as a whole.
Three Levels of Consciousness
When we talk about redefining success, mindfulness practices play a huge role. It’s not just about techniques to relax or clear your mind. It’s about digging deeper into who we are. Think of it as a journey through different levels of consciousness.
- Awareness – This is the starting point. It’s about being aware of what’s happening around you and inside your mind. It’s like waking up and noticing everything in the present moment.
- Mindfulness – This level goes a step further. It’s not just about noticing things; it’s about understanding why they happen. It’s like asking yourself, “Why do I feel this way?” or “Why did I react like that?” It’s about digging deeper into your thoughts and emotions.
- Transcendence – This is the deepest level. Transcendence is about asking “What for?” It’s a level that goes beyond just being aware or understanding the reasons behind things. This stage involves questioning the purpose or the deeper meaning behind your thoughts and actions.
Dr. Srikumar Rao suggests that our mindsets shape our reality. Our perceptions and the stories we tell ourselves can often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. These narratives, when fueled by fear or a sense of entitlement, can escalate tensions. Elevating our consciousness through these different levels is key to resolving this. By deepening our self-awareness and shifting our mindsets, we become more attuned to our thoughts and emotions, as well as those of others.
The Difference Between Contemplation and Thinking
Here’s an interesting point Luis makes: thinking and contemplating are not the same. Thinking is often active and goal-oriented. It’s about analyzing, planning, solving problems, or preparing responses. When we think, we’re engaged in a process of mental activity that’s usually directed towards a specific outcome or conclusion.
Contemplation is different. It involves stepping back and simply observing thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without immediately reacting or trying to change them. In contemplation, you’re not actively trying to ‘work through’ or analyze these observations; instead, you’re allowing yourself to be aware of them and understand them more deeply over time.
Observing is the bridge that connects you to this deeper level of contemplation. It’s the practice of noticing without attachment or immediate judgment. By observing, you give yourself the space to see things as they truly are, not just as you think they should be.
“Rather than being caught and becoming the thought and emotion, stepping back and observing the thought and emotion is a wonderful exercise of awareness and seeing how you can change your reality.”
– Ashish Kothari
Conclusion
Luis Gallardo’s idea of Happytalism is a game-changer. It’s not just about personal happiness; it’s about changing how we see success in our lives and society. By focusing on mindfulness practices like overcoming fear, understanding our minds better, and aiming for a deeper kind of happiness, we’re not just making our lives better. We’re also making the world a more connected and compassionate place. It’s about time we started thinking about success in these new, exciting ways!
Luis Gallardo serves as the Founder and President of both the World Happiness Foundation and the World Happiness Festival. Known for his book ‘Happytalism’ and the exponentials of happiness, Luis has provided strategic personal positioning and brand building advice to CEOs, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, Nobel laureates, and influential figures in political institutions throughout his career.
Learn more about Luis at his website and LinkedIn.
Listen to the podcast with Ashish, Anil, and Luis below.
Access and subscribe to all of the episodes of the Happiness Squad Podcast here.
Visit the REWIRE Program powered up by the HAPPINESS SQUAD Community and experience your shift within your 30-day risk-free trial today. Cultivate your Self-Awareness, Gratitude, Purpose, Community, and personal growth more through the 9 Hardwired for Happiness practices. Integrate simple and proven micro-practices grounded in the science of happiness and neuroscience of habit formation in 5 minutes a day.
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