Be Happier Starting Now: A Medical Doctor Explores the Fascinating Field of Happiness

by Dr. Ray Sahelian

Reviewed by Sharon Presley

"There is no point in holding on to cobwebs of archaic creeds if they are not enhancing your quality of life. Just because you were taught something as a child does not mean it is correct . . . . This age requires us to keep an open mind, revise, review, and readjust our thinking patterns . . . ." - Ray Sahelian, M.D.

"Holistic" may be a clichéd term but I like it. It's a good word to describe Dr. Ray Sahelian's approach to charting the path to a happier life. Unlike the stereotyped physician only trained to treat the body, not the whole person, Sahelian integrates ideas from psychology, medicine, philosophy, nutrition, science, spirituality, and other sources. He understands what psychologists have known for years but many physicians (and scientific materialists) scoff at or simply ignore - there really is a connection between the mind and body, with each affecting the other in complex ways.

Let me make one thing clear from the start. Sahelian is not some New Age flake pushing tofu, out-of-body experiences and inner-child weekends. Not in my review! Not even close. There are no wild-eyed claims, no psychobabble, no mysticism. Just sensible, balanced suggestions based mainly on medical and psychological research journals and books. An annotated bibliography is included for those who want to read the original research.

On the other hand, just because this book cites research, don't expect a dry, distancing catalog of mere facts. There's a real human being writing this book. Sahelian's style is gentle, joyful and exuberant, with a sweetly poetic flair that many will find charming (while some will decide it's not their cup of tea). It's possible to be poetic and scientific at the same time.

Here's what topics are included: developing a healthy personality, cultivating a sense of connection, healing the wounds, setting goals to follow our dreams, finding satisfying work, being financially secure, pursuing pleasure intelligently, nurturing physical and mental health, learning and creating, and developing a personal truth. An appendix discussing natural supplements that improve mood and describing mood-improving medicines is also included. (Not everyone will agree with his position on Prozac.)

Sahelian weaves together specific information and suggestions with his own personal experiences and his observations of others in a style that is easy to read but not fluffy. Though basic rather than encyclopedic, his book provides an integrated nondogmatic overview that does an excellent job of putting happiness into a proper perspective. No one thing brings you happiness; there is no one "magic answer." But a lot of things that help can be found in this book.

Start being happier now, here's a bit of advice from Dr. Sahelian: "Be timid no more. Life's a sumptuous banquet. Sample! Explore! Expand!"

Be Happier Starting Now - A Medical Doctor Explores the Fascinating Field of Happiness by Dr. Ray Sahelian, published by Be Happier Press. Copyright ©1994. 188 pp. Available for $12.00 plus $2.00 s/h from Resources for Independent Thinking, 4067 Hardwick #129, Lakewood, CA 90712-2324. (310) 630-3678.

Dr. Ray Sahelian is a physician practicing in Marina del Rey and has a new book Melatonin which has just recently been published.

Sharon Presley, Ph.D. is a social psychologist who writes and speaks frequently on topics relevant to critical and independent thinking. She is executive director of Resources for Independent Thinking.


The One-Minute Happiness Quiz

by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Circle a number in each category. The higher, the truer.

  1. I have a healthy personality with high self-esteem, strong willpower, and a positive attitude. 1 2 3 4 5
  2. I feel connected with and have loving relationships with family, pets, friends, spouse, or lover. 1 2 3 4 5
  3. Old or new emotional wounds have healed. I harbor no grudges. 1 2 3 4 5
  4. I have meaningful goals that I'm passionately pursuing. 1 2 3 4 5
  5. Work (and/or school) is satisfying. 1 2 3 4 5
  6. I am financially secure. 1 2 3 4 5
  7. I have many interests and pleasures. 1 2 3 4 5
  8. I am physically healthy, I exercise, sleep well, eat well, and have low stress. 1 2 3 4 5
  9. I enjoy learning and acquiring knowledge. Furthermore, I use my creative talents. 1 2 3 4 5
  10. I have a personal truth or belief system that provides a meaning to my life. 1 2 3 4 5

    Score: Total _________

    Quiz interpretation:

    10-15
    Double your Prozac dose.
    16-25
    There's room for improvement.
    26-35
    Very good. You can learn to be happier.
    36-49
    Congratulations! Consider writing your own book on happiness.
    50
    Incredible! Hold on to something. You may be levitating at any moment.

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