Public interest has risen substantially in the area of developing happiness in our lives, and scientific research is now supporting this cultural quest. Hapacus, The Happiness Journey, is a four-week course designed to help people understand the science of happiness and give them techniques for managing their reactions in life. The newly acquired insights help individuals live a more flourishing and happy life on the levels of body, mind and spirit. Instructor Colleen Hickmann is offering a complimentary introduction to the course on July 9, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the ITT Technical Institute, in Germantown.

Based on the program’s collected body of scientific research, Hapacus teaches that human brains are built to help us survive, but not to make us happy. Survival instincts often derail efforts to be happy. However, the way our bodies react to the stress of living also provides vital clues about how to be happier. Through Hapacus, people can learn to use these clues to become happier.

Location: W177 N9886 Rivercrest Dr., Germantown. For more information and to preregister, call 414-349-7281 or visit Hapacus.com and search for teacher name: Hickmann.