5 Secrets to a Happy Life from the Happiest Man Alive, Matthieu Ricard
Embracing simplicity and kindness
In 2004, Matthieu Ricard was labelled the happiest man alive.
How can someone possibly attain this title?
Matthieu was in a study that thoroughly analyzed his brain. The results showed extremely heightened activity in his left prefrontal cortex, associated with positive emotions and reduced negativity.
Scientists were stunned.
My point? There is a lot we can learn from Matthieu when it comes to living a happy life.
Below are 5 of Matthieu’s “secrets” you can easily apply to your life!
1. Lead with compassion and altruism
One of Matthieu’s main teachings is that happiness is deeply tied to giving to others without expecting anything in return.
When this comes from a place of compassion, it positively impacts your happiness.
Try focusing on the happiness of others. This will create a sense of connection and inner joy.
Matthieu also says this sort of compassion is a trainable skill. You can practice it through meditation, small acts of kindness, or even simply reframing challenges in your life.
When’s the last time you paid for the coffee of the person behind you in the drive-thru?
2. Train yourself through meditation
Meditation is a tool you can use to create resilience, clarity, and cultivate compassion within you.
Matthieu emphasizes practicing 3 types of meditation:
Compassion (loving-kindness)
Open awareness
Analytic
These meditations can be done in as little as 10 minutes, and you should try to do at least one daily.
It doesn’t have to be complicated either.
Simply try bringing yourself to a place of unconditional love. This energy will stay with you for the remainder of the day.
Or, you can try to observe your thoughts through meditation without judgment for a few minutes.
Mental clarity and increased focus will follow.
One study Matthieu quotes showed that after only a few weeks of daily meditation, you’ll see reduction in stress.
If you are someone prone to anxiety, stress, or simply looking for answers, meditation is a great place to start.
3. Let go of the ego
Your ego is the cause of your suffering. The chasing of desires, sense of pride, and jealousy all come from your ego.
All of this is preventing you from embracing life with an open heart.
Your ego is making you attached to the outcomes instead of living a life focused on what is in your control.
Essentially, your ego is often the cause of your anxiety.
Of course, one way to let go is through meditation, but it is not the only way.
Journaling
You can do a journaling exercise where you list every way your ego might be getting in the way of your decision-making and life. Also, write how this is affecting you.
Declutter your space
The ego attaches you to material things. Most of these things simply clutter your space, and in turn, your mind. Let go.
Practicing pausing before reacting
Learn to take a step back before reacting to things that would normally upset you. Giving yourself a few seconds to think will often allow you to gain control of your ego.
By letting go of your ego, you diminish the origin of your suffering.
Happiness follows.
4. Connect with nature
Matthieu believes that connecting with nature helps to ground us and reduces overstimulation. This overstimulation can be a cause of anxiety and stress.
People who live by the ocean swear it makes them happier. You see the opposite result when you take them away from their environment.
The same is true for those who live near forests and mountains. The ability to go for walks and connect with nature grounds them.
If access to these environments isn’t available for you, there are other ways you can connect with nature.
Go for walks
Stand barefoot on the grass
Add greenery inside your home
Use nature-based scents inside your home
It only takes 15 minutes to heighten in nature to feel calmer and increase mental clarity.
5. Live with purpose through service
While Ricard’s foundation serves over 200,000 people through healthcare and education, this kind of service may not be possible for you.
Don’t worry, there are other ways you can find purpose through service!
By doing this, you will find more meaning in your life, and happiness will follow.
Volunteer regularly
Donate to good causes
Random acts of kindness
Align your work with purpose
Be generous with your time, and it will pay off in great ways.
Closing thoughts
In the pursuit of happiness, it is best to look at those who live lives happily, which you would also be happy to live.
While everything Matthieu does may not align directly with what you enjoy doing, there are, without a doubt, a few key lessons you can take away.
What are your secrets to a happy life?
Thanks for reading