In conclusion the framework I have reviewed and discussed over the previous 3 days has been an incredible insight for me and the breakdown of the 3 pillars in my mind is a very thought provoking and well-planned framework in searching and obtaining happiness. Obviously, happiness in itself is subjective and the ability to obtain it could be found in a range of different facets but breaking down the stages of happiness and fulfilment into surface level, inner being and creating output for the greater good is fantastic.

One thing it did highlight to me is how modern-day society has created this materialist view of what happiness is. Clever marketing and advertisements constantly push out entertaining concepts and ideas of how to make yourself look and feel better, how to be a better person almost. Celebrities, athletes and various other high-profile people partner with mass producing organisations to help create this view of success and subsequent happiness, which almost suffocates so many people into thinking “I’ll be happy once I have that”. That day comes and after obtaining that thing, your left searching, you see another perception of the greatest thing and again believe this will make you happy, that day comes, you feel good but then it subsides.

This all stems from the construction of our capitalist world and education, career and position in society seems to be the be all and end all, and to an extend I believe that these aspects of growth and pursuit to be better are important but how do we find balance where people learn to search within themselves from an early start instead of searching for a path to “success” from the time they begin school.

Over years and travelling to various 3rd world countries I’ve found that so many of the people I’ve met who have nothing in the eyes of the 1st world, have everything they need and everything they could want within themselves. Sure, life may be a bit more difficult from a monetary perspective, but they have strong family connections, community driven, have peace within themselves and overall seem to be some of the happiest people I’ve ever seen. It’s ironic how someone with nothing actually has everything and someone with everything actually has nothing because true value and true happiness is whatever you choose.

The framework is a fantastic guide to breaking down the key aspects of certain levels of happiness and I think it is a great ideology, a powerful method to follow and an important view on life. It highlights certain elements of society that have contributed to the increase in unhappiness and lack a fulfilment because of misperceived ideas of success and happiness portrayed through the mainstream media and advertising outlets. It’s important to question everything you see, listen, feel, and ask yourself. Is this really what I want? How will this contribute to my happiness? Will this actually create fulfilment within myself, or will I be left to wonder? Sometimes the simple life is better. Sometimes having less is actually having far more.

Thanks,

Dean