Emotional Intelligence and Happiness. Where does faith fit in?
filed in Event on 26 Oct 2015
What gives meaning to our lives and brings real happiness? The answer seems to be belonging to and offering service to something bigger than oneself. Being part of a group, particularly one with values such as a faith group can be the solution. This argument formed the basis of a talk given in Hounslow on 16th November during Inter Faith Week by Dr Vijay Rana.
Dr Rana referred to a 2011 Gallup poll in the US which showed that people are most happy and content when they have social connection. Quoting the work of psychologist Professor Seligman, he recommended cultivating positive emotions. Trivial pleasures are only temporary. True happiness will come from our attitude, monitoring our feelings and being in control, of our senses, our minds and our speech – a strong link to Buddhism here. The other inspiration referred to by Dr Rana was the Hindu Bhadavad-Gita. This teaches how much we are driven by our senses. It is good to remember that over our senses is our mind and above that comes our intellect. This can help us regain control and achieve well being.
Dr Rana is editor of the magazine Health and Happiness 4 You and author of ‘Mahatma Gandhi: Images and Ideas for Non-violence’. He worked for the BBC World Service for 25 years and still writes for the Indian English language daily, the Indian Express.
The talk was followed by a social and refreshments. The photograph shows Vijay Rana being thanked by HFOF committee member Basil Mann.