The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris introduces in an easily accessible form Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). As a mindfulness teacher, it is intriguing to see the strong parallels between the approach described and a mindfulness course (such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, MBSR). A lot of the psychology is similar to that underpinning MBSR, but that should be no surprise. Perhaps the key difference in approach is that MBSR emphasises regular meditation, and ACT does not.
The core argument in the book is that our minds did not evolve to make us happy, rather they evolved to keep us safe and enable us to thrive. The argument goes that when we have some down time our brain rehearses how it can avoid being eaten, or how it can get more food. This is all very well, but when it goes into overdrive it can create anxiety or depression.
Thoughts are natural, and normally we do not have much control over them arising. There is a myth that meditation is about stilling the mind, stopping thoughts. Most meditation practices however do not have that intention, and certainly mindfulness practices do not encourage that. Rather they encourage a different relationship with thoughts.
The book begins with the argument that life is difficult, and we habitually struggle with that difficulty, but the struggle itself can be exhausting and is the source of much unhappiness. It then explores ways of handling difficult thoughts and feelings. It ends with ways to make life more meaningful.
I found the book really useful. I particularly liked the description of “dropping anchor”, and the way of dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings called “unhooking“. I shall be recommending it to anyone who has difficulty with formal meditation, but wants to explore some of the principles of mindfulness and apply them in everyday life.
