In ancient times ...

Forward thinking, negative thinking, carefulness (anxiety) in order to survive “The winter is going to be hard, lets storage food.”The optimistic people didn´t survive....

Erwin Bandelow, Wenn die Seele leidet, Rowohlt 2010

Happiness - a mental state of well-being

Happiness is optional“A man’s as miserable as he thinks he is.” You don’t have to create anger and other negative feelingsGrow and deepenWill more solve your problems?“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”Give without wanting something in returnKnow what you are looking forLaugh“It is more fitting for a man to laugh at life than to lament over it.” Excess may not be the keyBe in charge of yourself and do a great job “If a man knows not what harbor he seeks, any wind is the right wind.”Live in the present

Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Philosopher, 01-65

Happiness - a mental state of well-being

- Society with a shared purpose, common good - Need of self-knowledge and self-acceptance- Compassion to oneself and others

rethink attitudes (tax, work-life-balance ...) helping the poor, improve family life (flexibility, child care) promote communal life, eliminate high unemployment, awareness about our way of consumption, more education + morality as established truths

“No one wakes up in the morning thinking may I suffer the whole day?Somehow conciously or not, directly or indirectly, in the short or the long term, whatever we do, whatever we hope, whatever we dream somehow is related to a deep profound desire for happiness or wellbeing.”

Richard Layard, Economic. Happiness - Lessons from a new science 2005

Matthieu Ricard, Buddhist Monk - On the habits of happiness 2004

Happiness - a mental state of well-being

- difference between human beings and animals is past future ability

Research reveals: Our brains systematically misjudges what will make us happy- misery of comparison and choices- our mistaken expectations- happiness vs. economic engine?- incredible important to have our faith in our hands -> achievement“We synthesize happiness but we think happiness is a thing to be found.”

Counterpoint: participation (we know we don´t get it) to create endorphines -> moment of happiness (e.g. gambling)

Dan Gilbert, Harvard Psychologist, Stumbling on Happiness 2006

Roadshows, campaigns /social media, local pubs, charity shops, fundraising events, get involved as member, community emails, I-Phone applications, brochures ...

Concurrent activities

activism -collaborative yoga /meditation flashmob, dancing people demonstrationdonate 1h of your time, share food

Concurrent (guerilla) activities

On 7 May of the year 1904, Sr Elias Chavarría was working with electricity cables when he suddenly fell and was on the point of death, but by invoking the Holy Virgin of Solitude of Santa Cruz he was saved, and in gratitude and thanks he dedicates the present retablo.Oil on tin, 20th century. Museo Nacional de las Intervenciones/INAH

Infinitas gracias - indefinite gratitudeMiracles & Charms, Wellcome collection exhibition

The power of the mind

Miracles?Charms?Religion? Spirituality? Philosophy?Art /craft as expression of thankfullnessArt /craft for self-healing

Wishbone bound in blue and red ribbon

Informal survey

- Awareness about Mental Health Issues- Own ability to influence health- Participation in changing themselves- How and where- Humanity aspect- Faith- Work and happiness

- give the people some thought- have discussion and involvement

3-Day Self-Ethnography

instanthappiness /contentness

1. Are you aware about mental health issues growing rapidly?yes / no / dont´know

2. How much relation you see between mental health and self-knowledge? no relation a lot relation

3. Are you currently doing sth. to change your life to be happier and learn about you?yes / no / dont´know

4. Where do you learn about a healthy lifestyle and mental wellbeing?

5. How do you think you can support change also for others?

6. Do you think true happiness is linked to the concept of community?yes / no / dont´know

7. Do you agree with “Change the way you look at yourself and that will change the way others look at you.”don´t agree totally agree

8. Do we need spirituality to find happiness?yes / no / dont´know

9. Do you believe finding meaning in the things you do e.g. for work will bring youhappiness?yes / no / dont´know

Age F/M Profession

Survey on Mental Health and Wellbeing