Spirituality and happiness

Apparently there is a link between spirituality and happiness. According to a research done by Myers in 2000, spiritually oriented people report higher levels of happiness, also according to a research made by Smith & co in 2003, spiritually oriented people report significantly less depression. There is a theory believing that the core of any real spiritual practice is the feeling of awe.

Scientist revealed that a brief experience of awe (10-60 seconds) will boost happiness, increase intellectual curiosity, deepen our sense of modesty and humility, lower cytokines levels(very important step in achieving a perfect immune system), change the perception of time (making us to feel that we have more time to grow). On an more earthly level, awe will make us to feel less entitled, less self-important, to need less money to spend and to become more altruistic. In a study made by Frances Kuo, awe is related to crime drops, better discipline for children, especially girls, lowered ADHD reactions for children, greater trust for neighbors in community.

Just to define it, Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast and greater than self, that exceeds current knowledge structures.

Ideally, you can cultivate awe by going in nature, especially on high peaks or ancient forests, gigantic waterfalls, but you can also experience it in urban settings too, being at the top floor of a skyscraper, for example. If you cannot do this, as last resort, it is good to watch at least 5 minutes of awe inspiring videos once a week.