There is has been a large body of research in the last few decades into what constitutes happiness. And in recent years various thinkers have been asking the question; Can government policies based upon this research be implemented effectively to increase the well being of its citizens? The government of the tiny nation of Bhutan thinks so, and accordingly has made "Gross National Happiness" the central aim of its domestic policy. Derek Bok, former President of Harvard University, delves into this discussion in his new book, "The Politics of Happiness", which examines the expanding research data and looks at the practicality of government promoting policies that target 'happiness.'
We're moving into an era where the continual expansion of material wealth, as we have viewed it, increasingly comes into conflict with population growth and environmental sustainability. Pretty soon now we have to start seriously asking the questions: If our happiness is to not to come primarily from increasing material wealth, where are we going to find it? And with that, how is the role of our government to change? To read more click, 'Happiness as public policy'
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How to give meaning and fulfillment to your life? Some good thoughts here. 'The reason I’m so religious about protecting my time in the first few hours of my day is that I know it’s when I’m most prolific, productive and creative. To waste this time would be to waste one of my most valuable assets. This time is mine. It’s blocked out on my calendar as “creation time.” Because of that nobody calls me, nobody schedules meetings with me or bothers me during this time. Most of what I write is produced during this one focused hour.' To read more click, 'One focused hour a day can produce amazing results.'
'In short, we need to be hugging each other every single day for our mental and physical health. More importantly, our happiness.'
To read about the science of hugging click 'Five amazing benefits' “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” ― Frances Hodgson Burnett This story sure puts things in perspective. It reminds us that whatever life brings us what matters is not what 'it does to us' but how we embrace it . 'As a family, we never discussed the fire that burned down our house and nearly took my life. We endured it, survived it, and moved past it. We chose not to be defined by it.'
To read more click 'Overwhelming Odds' Anger often gets stuffed because it can be uncomfortable, but getting angry in the right way can make a powerful contribution. To read more click: Not all anger is created equal This is one of the most beautiful stories I've ever heard. It brings me to a place of great peace every time I hear it again.
"You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to
remember that the planet is carrying you." - Vandana Shiva Emotional intelligence is the most important cohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-goleman/bill-george-interview_b_8190704.html?1443113729mponent of leadership.
To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. --Buddha |
AuthorAn avid traveler, Covey Cowan counts trips to Nepal and India as some of his most memorable. He has helped build a youth hostel for the Hidden Villa Foundation, raised funds for a school library in a Huichol village in central Mexico, and volunteered his time at The Center for Attitudinal Healing. Archives
August 2016
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