Health and happiness are interconnected, as good health is a foundation for happiness. People who are in good health tend to experience more positive emotions, have better relationships, and be more productive in their daily lives. Conversely, being unhappy or stressed can have negative effects on physical health, such as weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Prioritizing both physical and mental health is essential for achieving and maintaining overall well-being and happiness.
When a person is healthy, they are more likely to feel energetic, positive, and able to engage in activities that bring them joy. Conversely, when a person is happy, their body releases chemicals that can boost the immune system and reduce stress, leading to improved physical health.
Now, whatever you have read so far is what ChatGPT responded to my very first AI assisted request. And although it is true and appears pretty standardized, I am not ‘Happy’ with the generated result.
Human beings are much more complex creatures and correlation between happiness and health cannot be that straightforward. The great Greek philosopher Aristotle also believed that happiness is not a simple concept. He distinguished between four different levels of happiness, and I often glean on his Organon to get a unique perspective, that though centuries old, are still relevant today, and I am able to conduct a finer differentiation of the Homeopathic remedy archetypes in this light. Let’s take a look:
Level 1: Laetus– Happiness obtained from material objects
Welcome to sensual gratification based on things / something external. This kind of happiness can be intense but is short-lived.
People focusing exclusively on level 1 risk to hit a crisis where life seems shallow and meaningless. In other words, there is a limit to the pleasure you get from a new car, a holiday, a nice meal etc. (or in my case a brand-new mechanical keyboard with backlit white LED keys on red switches… I am still loving it, so if I exceed my quota of words for this blog, blame it on the pleasure of typing on a hyper-tactile and clicky keyboard!) Now, there is no shame in enjoying the reveries of material world as long as one does not overlook the other 3 levels.
Level 2: Felix- Ego gratification or Happiness from comparison: being better, more admired than others etc.
You will feel this when you are top of your class, or are considered for promotion etc.
Everyone likes admiration and winning to some extent but people vary a lot regarding how strong their competitive nature is. For some it’s everything, for others it’s a trivial, short-lived pleasure. (they know the Oilers will lose that stinker against a bottom-feeding team while riding on a magnificent winning streak)
Happiness from continuous comparison with other people is unstable because very few people can win in all domains of life all the time. In case of failure, focusing too much on this level can lead to frustrations and a sense of worthlessness. Excessive focus on comparison and self-promotion also risk to alienate the people around you and can lead to self-absorption, jealousy, cynicism, and the oppression of others.
Level 3: Beatitudo- The happiness from doing good for others and making the world a better place.
This level is based on the human desire for connection, goodness, meaning, compassion, friendship and unity.
At this level we move away from ourselves to focus on the well-being of others. In essence our own happiness depends also on the happiness of others.
Level 3 happiness is more lasting and, for most people, provides a deeper feeling of meaning than level 1 and 2. This may very well drive some media shy philanthropists, or yet a simple gesture of a kindergartener sharing their lunch with a classmate who forgot to bring theirs!
The limits of level 3 happiness can be said to be human imperfections. Nobody is perfect and human relationships involve disappointment, jealousy, and the risk to be hurt. Sometimes while one serves the community, their families may feel alienated or resent them. That’s part of life.
Level 4: Sublime Beatitudo– Ultimate, perfect happiness
Level 4 happiness is the most difficult to describe. It involves a search for fullness and perfection. It has to do with finding the right balance between the other levels… and then some.
Psychologists have labelled this desire for ultimate happiness a call for connection to the larger universe or a sort of transcendence.
Some fulfill this desire through spirituality or religion, others through philosophy, art, or scientific endeavors to find answers to some of the big questions of life, human existence and the universe.
Homeopathic remedies have a long and successful track record of supporting people with mental health challenges. It treats the whole person, by looking at the physical, emotional and mental state of each unique individual. Here are some examples of key remedies that could be helpful to those in need of additional support when times are testing us and having an effect on our happiness:
I will outline a handful of remedies that have been instrumental in my success in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders and depression with some Aristotelian perspective:
Aurum Metallicum (prepared from elemental Gold)-
This is a good remedy for depression and dark moods. It is suited to those who have high ideals and expectations, especially in their professional life. Sometimes, ambitions are so strong that work can take over, putting a strain on close relationships. They take things very seriously and feel a deep sense of responsibility. So, when things do go wrong at work, feelings of worthlessness, depression and deep despair are likely. When indicated, a single dose in my experience, has been sufficient to restore them back to feeling their level 3 and 4 happiness.
Nux Vomica (prepared from Poison nut)-
This remedy can help when there is irritability, impatience and a short fuse. Outbursts of anger, sometimes violent, Professionally, they work hard to get things just right and are likely to be ambitious and fiercely competitive. Highly sensitive, they will be upset by the slightest thing and even sleep is easily disturbed by noise, draughts and light. Indicated strongly if they crave stimulants in excess, for example, alcohol, coffee, nicotine, even PEDs. Under the influence of this remedy, Nux vomica types quickly feel beyond the levels 1 and 2 of happiness and start feeling calmer and are able to see bigger picture in life.
Sepia succus (prepared from the inky secretions of Cuttlefish)-
The daily grind of work, demanding kids and endless domestic chores can leave the Sepia type feeling depleted, heavy and low. Predominantly a woman’s remedy, she feels totally overwhelmed, sensitive and unworthy of being loved. She is indifferent towards her family, preferring to be alone where she can sit and brood on her sadness. And sex is almost certainly off the agenda. Physically, there is a sense of heaviness and dragging, especially in the uterine area. A Sepia woman is a mirror image of her male Nux vomica counterpart who are more in tune to levels 1 and 2, and at times level 3 happiness as well.
Pulsatilla nigricans (prepared from Wind flower/ Pasque flower)-
This is an effective remedy for those who feel lonely, forsaken and nostalgic for times gone by. They feel all alone in the world and want to be looked after, hugged and held. They will cry easily and feel better from company, touch and sympathy. There may be mood swings and they will feel better for fresh air. Can you imagine a Pulsatilla archetype married to a Nux? Pulsatilla flows like a river and just like one, will adopt the path of least resistance often obscuring their own identity in order to keep the peace.
Besides remedies, I often recommend lifestyle changes tailored to the individual ranging from high dose Vitamin D to quality sleep (3-2-1 routine- 3 hours before bed: No more food or alcohol. 2 hours before bed: No more work. 1 hour before bed: No more screen time), cardiovascular exercise, practicing mindfulness and meditation, improving breathing techniques, the list can go on! Ask yourself how compliant will you be to these practices? Or will this be another source of anxiety for you? Start small. It is important to cultivate a habit by starting small. You will never know when this will take over your life pattern. So go ahead, adopt a habit that you think will make you happy 😊
Happiness is the settling of the soul into its most appropriate spot.
Aristotle
