5 things ancients knew about finding happiness
Below, June Cohen shares five key insights from her new book, The Great Remembering: Powerful Ancient Practices―And the New Science Bringing Them Back . Cohen is a pioneer in media and technology, best known as the co-creator of TED Talks, Masters of Scale , and Meditative Story . During her 11 years at TED, she cohosted the flagship event—working with hundreds of speakers on their talks—and…
Ancient civilizations recognized the importance of physical challenges in overcoming emotional hardships and achieving happiness. Modern science has since confirmed the validity of these age-old practices. Here are five key insights from June Cohen's book, The Great Remembering: Powerful Ancient Practices—and the New Science Bringing Them Back:
1. Epic physical challenges can aid in coping with emotional crises. In ancient cultures, such challenges were often incorporated into rites of passage, such as hunting, swimming icy rivers, or undertaking pilgrimages. This practice, known as "hormetic stress," triggers a series of positive changes in the body, including autophagy and neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to form new connections, which can help individuals rewrite their life stories during difficult emotional times. The exercise of epic physical challenges may also foster neuroplasticity in regions like the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in learning and memory.
2. There is a proper way to undertake these physical challenges. Across various cultures and time periods, successful epic physical challenges share common elements: structure, meaning, symbolism, a coach or mentor, a witnessing community, nature, and recovery. Structure is essential, as these challenges can be dangerous and must be carefully regulated to ensure safety.
Meaning is vital, as it provides a transition from one phase of life to another. Symbolism adds depth to the experience, while a coach or witnessing community offers support and encouragement. Nature is also crucial, as spending time in green spaces can boost physical well-being. Finally, recovery is essential for growth, as recovery allows cells to repair and brain cells to grow during the process.
3. Your body plays a significant role in shaping your mind and mood. Ancient festivals were physically demanding, emphasizing the connection between physical and spiritual transformation. Modern science confirms this link through the presence of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers and mood elevators. Endorphins produce a sense of calm and confidence, providing an "anti-depressant" effect similar to those prescribed by doctors.
Exercise, particularly long-distance running, can induce the "runner's high," a phenomenon characterized by a heightened sense of well-being. While endorphins are not the only contributors to happiness, they play a crucial role in supporting overall mental health.
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