We had a small group today but spent a very happy time together! In thinking about happiness, "friends" came out at the top of all of our lists. So for those who couldn't make it, we hope to seeing you next time. <3
Since the theme was inspired by the UN Day of Happiness, which was in turn inspired by the 4th King of Bhutan, who in 1972 declared that “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product,” here are a couple of reading recommendations from and about this Himalayan nation:
Agay Phurba and the Dancing Cranes, a lovely illustrated story written by 15 Bhutanese youth about this endangered species and the man who has cared for their habitat for 40 years (free to download):
We had a small group today but spent a very happy time together! In thinking about happiness, "friends" came out at the top of all of our lists. So for those who couldn't make it, we hope to seeing you next time. <3
Since the theme was inspired by the UN Day of Happiness, which was in turn inspired by the 4th King of Bhutan, who in 1972 declared that “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product,” here are a couple of reading recommendations from and about this Himalayan nation:
Agay Phurba and the Dancing Cranes, a lovely illustrated story written by 15 Bhutanese youth about this endangered species and the man who has cared for their habitat for 40 years (free to download):
https://www.tourism.gov.bt/news/a-childrens-book-on-conservation-from-bumdeling-valley
Radio Shangri-La: What I discovered on my Accidental Journey to the Happiest Kingdom on Earth, by Lisa Napoli
A Field Guide to Happiness: What I learned in Bhutan about living, loving and waking up, by Linda Leaming
And, Denise shared this spectacular animated short film entitled "Spring." It made my morning!
https://youtu.be/2JyGBG9dUmw
Happy Equinox, First Day of Spring & World Happiness Day to you all.
~Lisa
I also promised to share the poem I wrote from our creative prompt:
Happiness is...
Happiness is everything we've
shared
Ethereal and practical,
effervescent and a quiet
concentrate
that settles in the bones
Happiness is sharing and
being heard
with care and without
judgment
Happiness is a field of flowers
rippled by the wind
A bending, flower faces gazing down
at the ground
Returning, casting eyes
toward the sun
The company of other faces
all around,
moving, waving, standing
still
accompanied and known