Happy Thursday, dear friends. Still taking things gently, as I am under the weather, but wanted to share some interesting news tidbits with you today.
What if happiness was built into sustainability?
Sustainability began as a buzzword that meant a platform could continue with limited energy input and eventually become self sustaining. Initially the word received quite a bit of resistance because few platforms created by man, even came close to this idea.
When looking at current business journals, university events, and research there are loads of discussions about sustainability. This fact alone, shows that the concept is here to stay. Businesses see it as something consumers have embraced, and universities see it as something they should study and learn about. In other words, everyone is jumping on the band wagon, and that is a good thing.
Recently, someone asked the question, which should have been relevant at the beginning of the sustainability movement. What if we factored in “happiness” to all sustainability equations?
A new study from Environment, Development and Sustainability shows that communities with strong sustainability focus self-report higher levels of happiness. The study calls it eudaimonic happiness, which is described as happiness derived from noble pursuits as opposed to individual self gratification.
When individuals feel a part of something greater than themselves, and see the benefits of the efforts they put towards group projects, the level of happiness and accomplishment soar.
Bringing the happiness factor, that seems to be the outcome of most sustainable platforms, and putting it at the beginning of the equation, as an integral part of the process, is certain to stimulate even greater outcomes towards a world that works of everyone.
Designing for Happiness: The Ultimate Sustainability Solution? by Scott A. Cloutier for Slate
Veterans are not waiting for their governments to make peace. They choose to start together.
This week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the US congress and his speech raised significant resistance. No practical solutions were presented for issues, and many saw the speech as simple fear mongering.
A group of people within Israel have chosen not to wait for governmental peace to be declared, but to seek it out themselves. Combatants for Peace was founded in 2005, as military veterans realized their contributions did not foster peace, but only continued the cycle of war.
This group’s mantra was borrowed from another healing group called Parent’s Circle, which helps both Israeli and Palestinian families deal with the pain of losing a family member to this struggle. The mantra is, “It won’t stop until we talk.”
Open dialogue between individuals begins to foster an understanding that cannot be gained simply by reading about what others stand for in the media. Especially when in pain or fear, humans tend to close off to the humanness of others, and do not see that they are suffering too.
Combatants for Peace creates the opportunity for dialogue and healing, as well as group projects where individuals of both nationalities can work together to bring about change.
I applaud their efforts and believe their platform could be applied to many areas of global conflict. Once real people begin to talk about issues, they realize the things they care about are all the same, and not in any way the issues their governments say they should worry about.
Combatants For Peace: It Won’t Stop Until We Talk by Abby Zimet for Common Dreams
And finally…
Your daily dose of animal humor.
What happens when a family pet wants to rest, and another wants to play? In most cases, some funny situations!
Animals irritating each other on YouTube
That’s the news for today. Have a healthful day. I hope to see you back here tomorrow for more news.
Be Well. Be Joy. Be Love!
Alex