Keep Happy

In this little Birthday offering, I shall include a few Physical as well as Mental Helps—a few out of many, since space is limited—so that readers may be able to keep happy easily.

The art is not new, but—like the habit of deep, full, rhythmical breathing—is always needed.

There are millions who have scarcely begun to recognise, at least to the extent of acting upon the facts, that, while their Happiness itself depends largely upon their digestion, their elimination of waste matter, their circulation, etc., these influences themselves depend largely on (1) the choice of foods and drinks, the way of eating and drinking, the breathing and other exercises, and so forth—and on (2) the maintenance of Happiness itself, or at least the avoidance of worry and resentment, etc., and the expression of Happiness, until Happiness actually is attracted and comes into a prepared nest.

Why Keep Happy? A Contrast

First work out the contrast. Before reading further, think what happens when one keeps the opposite of happy, whatever be the actual stage between the extreme homicidal or suicidal violence or suicidal melancholia on the one hand, and, on the other hand, ordinary fear, worry, resentment, depression, grumpiness, and so on.

Those who wish to study the effects of these states of mind more fully, can consult Elmer Gates’ “The Mind and the Brain,” or William S. Sadler’s “Physiology of Faith and Fear,” both quoted in my book.[A] Professor Elmer Gates, of the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, says:—

“My experiments show that irascible, malevolent, and depressing emotions generate in the system injurious compounds, some of which are extremely poisonous; also that agreeable, happy emotions generate chemical compounds of nutritious value, which stimulate the cells to manufacture energy....