The 3 Levels of Happiness
I had a realization on my journey toward happiness that the three steps outlined in my book also represent the 3 levels of happiness:
- Physical
- Mental
- Spiritual
These levels signify different “tiers” of happiness, with the highest level bringing the most happiness.
These could also be called the three facets of happiness since they are not mutually exclusive and one can be focused on at any time.
Yet, we often progress through these facets just like levels, building on one another and raising our happiness higher and higher in the process.
But there’s nothing stopping you from focusing solely on one level. Or you can focus on two levels, or even all three. When you have brought these levels in balance (first the different aspects on a specific level, then the levels with each other) you will have reached a blissful existence.
Even then, you will come to know that that is not the peak of your happiness. You can balance all of these levels, and elevate them to an even higher level of happiness.
So how do you use this information to your advantage? There’s no right or wrong here, and you can choose whatever you want. If you want physical pleasures, focus on those. If you seek mental growth, focus on the second level. If you seek spiritual fulfillment, explore the third level of happiness.
The point I’m trying to make here is, that to find lasting happiness, you should seek to balance each individual level and then the levels with each other. That’s what we’ll discuss in this blog post.
Key takeaways
Key takeaways from this blog post:
- Three Levels of Happiness: There are three distinct levels or facets of happiness: physical, mental, and spiritual. These levels represent different dimensions of happiness.
- Progression and Building: The levels are not isolated but can be thought of as steps in a journey towards greater happiness. They build upon each other, indicating a potential progression from one level to the next.
- Non-Exclusivity: The levels of happiness are not mutually exclusive; you can focus on one or more of these levels simultaneously based on their preferences and circumstances.
- Balance and Bliss: Achieving happiness is not solely about reaching the highest level but rather about finding balance within and between these levels. Balancing different aspects within a specific level and harmonizing the levels with each other can lead to a state of blissful existence.
- Continuous Elevation: Even after achieving a state of balance, the author suggests that there’s still room for further growth and elevation of happiness. This implies that happiness is not a fixed destination but an ongoing journey of improvement and refinement.
Happiness is multifaceted and can be approached from different angles. You can enhance your happiness by understanding and working on these three levels in a balanced and progressive manner.
Level 1: The Level of the Body
The initial level in personal development is the body level, where the primary focus is on understanding and caring for the physical needs of the body.
This includes proper nourishment, rest, and exercise. This level encompasses earthly matters such as fame and wealth as well, and those are indeed often the focus of this level.
Someone who values their physical health, wealth, and fame may think that achieving success in these areas is crucial for their happiness. They may focus on maintaining their well-being by eating properly, exercising, and getting enough rest, understanding that good health is essential for pursuing other objectives.
Simultaneously, they may devote considerable energy to acquiring wealth, as financial security satisfies their physiological needs and grants them the freedom to experience life’s pleasures and opportunities.
Progressing through level 1
In their pursuit of happiness, such individuals may also aspire to attain fame, seeking external validation and recognition for their accomplishments. They might perceive fame as a pathway to increased social status, esteem, and a platform to make a broader impact.
The belief that fulfilling all of these needs is necessary for their happiness could drive them to work tirelessly to achieve success in all of these areas.
However, it is essential to recognize that while bodily needs, wealth, and fame can contribute to aspects of happiness, they are not the sole determinants of overall well-being.
Attaining these goals may bring temporary satisfaction, but true and lasting happiness often comes from a more balanced approach to life.
Fostering genuine connections, discovering a purpose beyond material possessions, and prioritizing personal development are all essential aspects of a truly satisfying and content life.
By recognizing the importance of these components and taking a comprehensive approach to well-being, you can attain a more profound and long-lasting sense of joy that goes beyond the pursuit of physical desires, money, and recognition.
Then it will be time to move on to level 2.
Read more
Do you want to know how your body works and what it needs to operate optimally?
Check out the content of Dave Asprey, the original “Biohacker”
Level 2: The Level of the Mind
The second level of happiness is the mental level. This level (or step) deals with matters of the mind, such as the conscious and subconscious, perception, focusing on the positive, and emotions.
This level could also include things such as companionship and creativity. Your mind needs to be stimulated, not turned off by endlessly scrolling through social media or watching reality TV.
Creativity, friendship, and social relations as needs of the mind highlight the importance of emotional and psychological well-being in achieving happiness.
An individual who recognizes the significance of these mental needs understands that fulfillment in these areas contributes significantly to their overall happiness and life satisfaction.
For example, creativity is an integral need of the mind, as it allows you to express yourself, explore your passions, and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Embracing creativity fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-expression, leading to increased self-esteem and happiness.
Whether through art, writing, music, or other outlets, indulging in creative endeavors provides an avenue for personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.
Progressing through level 2
Aside from being creative, having genuine friendships and meaningful social relationships are crucial for maintaining good mental health.
Building and nurturing connections with others can provide a sense of belonging, emotional support, and security.
Having positive friendships can lead to increased happiness, reduce feelings of loneliness and improve overall satisfaction in life. By investing time and effort into these relationships, individuals can share experiences, support each other, and celebrate together, ultimately leading to greater happiness.
The key to growing happier and happier is recognizing the significance of these mind-related needs alongside bodily needs.
Balancing the pursuit of material success with meaningful and fulfilling relationships, creative endeavors, and personal growth ensures a more holistic approach to well-being.
Recognizing that true happiness arises from taking care of both the body and mind leads to a more gratifying and peaceful life journey.
The journey then leads you to the third level of happiness, the level of the spirit.
Read more
For the matters of the mind, there is no better teacher than the founder of RTT, the expert hypnotherapist, Marisa Peer.
Level 3: The Level of the Spirit
The third step takes us to the third level of happiness, the level of the spirit.
This level is about matters of the spirit, or to put it another way, things bigger than yourself. It’s all about finding meaning and purpose. Living your life intentionally, trying to be the best version of yourself that you can imagine. It’s also about your connection to a higher power, whatever that may mean to you.
At the third level, you have the opportunity to create your life in a conscious and creative way. This level is all about recognizing and prioritizing your spiritual needs and seeking a deeper sense of fulfillment beyond material possessions and external achievements.
By embracing your spiritual needs, you can connect with something greater than yourself, explore the meaning and purpose of life, and find inner peace and harmony. Pursuing spiritual growth and self-transcendence can lead to a more fulfilling life, and it all starts with embracing your spiritual needs.
Self-transcendence means putting others before oneself and focusing on their well-being. Acts of kindness and altruism bring fulfillment beyond personal gratification. Helping others through service can lead to profound happiness rooted in the welfare of the community.
Progressing through level 3
Spiritual Fulfillment arises from various practices, beliefs, or experiences that align with an individual’s values and beliefs. Engaging in meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or exploring philosophical and existential questions can lead to a profound sense of connectedness with the universe and a higher purpose.
By tending to their spiritual needs, individuals may experience moments of transcendence, going beyond their individual selves and connecting with the collective or a higher power, leading to a deep and lasting sense of joy and contentment.
By focusing on the needs of the spirit and striving for self-transcendence, individuals can discover a source of joy that transcends material possessions, social status, or external validation.
This can lead to a more fulfilled and genuinely happy life journey.
Recognizing and embracing the interconnectedness of bodily needs, mental well-being, and spiritual fulfillment contributes to a comprehensive and harmonious approach to happiness, offering a more sustainable and enriching way of experiencing life’s wonders.
Then you have brought your levels of happiness into balance.
Read more
My go-to spiritual teacher is none other than Neale Donald Walsch. He is a master of explaining hard-to-grasp spiritual concepts in a simple manner.
What is Your Level of Happiness?
You will know what level you are on from what brings you pleasure. Your emotions are a compass meant to guide you through life.
You will know what to do based on how you feel. The highest feelings and the most powerful guides are joy and love.
If you are mostly concerned with matters of the body, you live on level one, the level of the body. The things that bring you the most joy are matters of the body: Money. Power. Fame. Possessions. Physical stimulations.
On level two, the level of the mind, you will find joy in friendship, creativity, challenging yourself, and personal growth.
Then there’s level three, the level of the spirit. On this level, you find joy in matters of the spirit such as life purpose, relationship to a higher power, and spiritual growth.
And when you evolve through level three, you will find balance with yourself. You will fulfill the needs on all three levels of being and live in a state of happiness, ease, and fulfillment.
Again, what level or path you choose is up to you. There is no right or wrong.
But in the context of finding happiness, bringing these three aspects of yourself, body, mind, and spirit, into balance, is where you will find lasting happiness and stress and worry-free existence.
How to find balance?
The deeply personal journey of finding harmony among the three levels of happiness is akin to navigating the intricate contours of one’s own soul.
There is no definitive roadmap; instead, it demands a profound level of introspection and self-awareness, often cultivated through moments of silence and meditation.
Inner silence is the foundation of this quest, a sanctuary of stillness within. It represents mental quietude that allows everyday thoughts to fade away.
In this state of tranquility, the mind is open to receiving and integrating profound insights.
Picture it as a door waiting to be unlocked; the mind must be readied to welcome new ideas and perspectives.
Meditation, a potent tool in this inner exploration, serves as a guiding light. Through various forms of meditation, individuals can nurture the stillness of their minds, creating a fertile ground for self-discovery.
The practice of meditation becomes a key in priming the mind to delve deeper into the self, leading one toward the delicate balance of these three facets of happiness.
It is a journey where the traveler must chart their own course, listening to the whispers of their inner world, and finding the equilibrium that resonates uniquely with their soul.
As mentioned, there are no definitive guides to this inner balance, but if you wish to find out more:
It’s all explained in more detail in my book ‘Happiness on Demand’ – available on Amazon at a very affordable price.
Conclusion
The importance of balancing the needs of the body, mind, and spirit cannot be overstated in the pursuit of true happiness and contentment with life.
When these three dimensions are in harmony, they create a holistic foundation that supports well-being on multiple levels.
- Nurturing the body involves caring for its physical needs, such as nutrition, exercise, and rest, which fosters vitality and energy.
- Simultaneously, attending to the mind by practicing mindfulness, engaging in creative pursuits, and nurturing positive thoughts leads to mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a deeper understanding of oneself. However, true fulfillment extends beyond the physical and mental realms, reaching into the realm of the spirit.
- The spiritual aspect of a person encompasses the yearning for meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than oneself. Fulfilling spiritual needs involves exploring inner wisdom, cultivating compassion and gratitude, and embracing self-transcendence through acts of service and altruism.
When the body, mind, and spirit are in equilibrium, individuals experience a profound sense of contentment, inner peace, and joy that emanates from within.
By recognizing and embracing the interconnectedness of these dimensions, individuals can unlock the path to genuine happiness, finding a deep wellspring of fulfillment that goes beyond external circumstances or material possessions.
By harmonizing and balancing the needs of body, mind, and spirit, one embarks on a transformative journey toward becoming truly happy and content with the richness of life’s experiences.
Disclaimer
The entire contents of this blog are based upon the opinions of the author. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information in this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care professional before trying any of the products or methods based on this content. I cannot guarantee that you will be free of stress, anxiety or depression, or that you will be happy. I simply want to share with you what I have discovered during my twenty years of seeking happiness and what has worked for me may not work for you.
